Benj Ashmead, the multifaceted drummer for Manchester-based rock band The Fear, has been making waves in both the music and tattooing worlds. After supporting Alien Ant Farm on their 2024 UK tour and releasing their debut single “White Noise” (featuring Kellin Quinn), the band is set to drop their much-anticipated second single, “Satellite.” Co-produced by Ashmead alongside David Radahd-Jones (Amongst Liars, Cruel Knives), the new track solidifies The Fear’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
Despite his growing success in music, Ashmead is also an accomplished tattoo artist, managing to balance both creative careers. From crafting striking tattoos by day to producing rock anthems by night, Ashmead’s ability to juggle these passions is nothing short of remarkable. In a rare moment of downtime, we sat down with Ashmead to talk about his tattoo work, artistic influences, and the sacrifices he’s made for his craft.
Early Tattoo Inspiration
Ashmead’s fascination with tattoos began at a young age. “I was about 9 or 10 when my older brother came home with a portrait of Bob Marley on his arm,” he recalls. “I was instantly fascinated by it.” His love for creativity grew from a childhood spent doodling and composing tunes on his Casio keyboard. The introduction of Blink-182 and drummer Travis Barker further fueled his passion for tattoos, solidifying his desire to explore the art form.
Favorite Tattoo Styles and Influences
Ashmead is best known for his color realism tattoos, a style he has honed over the years. “I’ve built a pretty good career and a decent living out of it,” he shares. “Most of my clients come to me for this style.” However, his personal preference lies with neo-traditional tattoos, appreciating the bold lines and vibrant colors that age well over time.
When asked about his favorite tattoo artists, Ashmead mentions Jamie Lee Knott and Sean Newman from Chapters Tattoo Studio in Birmingham. “Those guys are just doing super clean and bright tattooing,” he says, acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of the tattoo industry.
Artistic Style: A Fusion of Dark and Bright
Ashmead sees a parallel between his tattoo work and his music with The Fear. “I’m drawn to macabre themes but love presenting them through a bright, polished, pop-culture lens,” he explains. His tattoos often feature dark subjects like skulls, accented by vibrant colors and lively elements such as flowers. This approach mirrors the band’s music, which combines heavy, introspective themes with upbeat, pop-inspired vibes.
Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists and Clients
For those looking to get tattooed or pursue a career in tattooing, Ashmead offers a simple piece of advice: “This shit’s permanent.” He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making, both for clients and tattoo artists. “I’ve seen young people with bad stick-and-poke tattoos all over their hands and faces, and I’ve seen older people getting laser treatments to remove bad tattoos they regret,” he adds, reflecting on the rise of impulsive tattoo choices.
Ethical Tattooing: Drawing the Line
Ashmead is firm in his commitment to ethical tattooing, refusing to work on tattoos that promote hate, marginalization, or discrimination. “If it’s sexist, racist, homophobic, or malicious in any way, you won’t get it from me,” he asserts. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred years ago when he tattooed a portrait for a client who later revealed it was of Ian Donaldson, the lead singer of Skrewdriver, a notorious white power band. “I felt sick and deeply guilty,” Ashmead recalls. “That experience taught me an invaluable lesson. I always research and verify anything I’m unfamiliar with. I refuse to support anything rooted in hate.”
In both his music and tattooing, Ashmead remains committed to creating work that is both artistically and ethically sound, proving that passion, creativity, and integrity can coexist in the world of rock and tattoos.
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