In a music scene where the spotlight usually shines on the young and the trendy, two unlikely stars are stealing the show—and they’re not just seasoned; they’re downright vintage. Meet Pete and Bas, the UK’s favorite grandfathers of rap and drill. These two pensioners from south London are defying expectations and redefining what it means to be a rapper in your 70s. With hard-hitting lyrics, razor-sharp flows, and a cheeky sense of humor, Pete and Bas have taken the internet by storm, proving that age really is just a number.
Who Are Pete & Bas?
If you’re picturing a pair of grandfathers lounging in a garden or feeding pigeons in the park, think again. Pete and Bas are in their 70s, but they don’t exactly fit the stereotype of retired life. These two British pensioners started as longtime mates who decided to try their hand at rapping for a laugh. They weren’t serious about making it big—until they did. With unexpected grit and charisma, they’ve attracted a massive following that stretches far beyond the UK.
While the exact details of their lives remain delightfully mysterious, what’s clear is that Pete and Bas bring authenticity, humor, and life experience to their music. They rap about everything from growing up in tough neighborhoods to taking care of family, with a dash of wild tales from their youth. And their age doesn’t seem to slow them down one bit—if anything, it’s given them more stories to tell.
What are their real names?
Peter Bowditch and Basil Bellgrave
What did Pete & Bas do when they were young?
According to the BBC, Pete worked at Royal Mail. Bas’s job is less unclear, he told the BBC he was a helicopter engineer and a carpet seller, but it’s likely this isn’t true.
How It All Started
The duo’s journey into rap wasn’t exactly planned. Pete and Bas initially tried rapping as a joke. Inspired by Bas’s grandson, they were introduced to the world of hip-hop and drill music—a genre typically defined by its dark beats, aggressive flows, and youthful bravado. To everyone’s surprise, Pete and Bas picked it up like naturals.
Their first song, Shut Ya Mouth, became an unexpected viral hit, racking up views and gaining them fans almost overnight. Soon after, they dropped Dents in a Peugeot, and the internet was hooked. People couldn’t get enough of their unapologetic style, clever lyrics, and surprising skill. They didn’t just sound good for their age—they sounded good, period.
When asked about how they got into music, Bas joked, “We just thought, why not? Gotta keep yourself busy when you’re our age!” Pete added, “Didn’t think we’d be the only ones doing this. Who knew so many people would want to see a couple of old blokes rapping?”
Their Music and Style: More Than a Gimmick
While some initially viewed Pete and Bas as a novelty act, their serious skills quickly changed minds. Their music isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about raw talent and experience. With flow and lyricism that rival younger artists, Pete and Bas have proven they’re not just here to make people laugh. Their rhymes are packed with sharp wit, clever storytelling, and references that only someone with a lifetime of experience could pull off.
Their track The Old Estate paints a gritty, nostalgic picture of working-class life, blending humor with hard-hitting bars. Lines like, “Put the big boys down if they wanna try beef, got a big boy round in a big boy Jeep” show off their playful yet punchy style. The music video, featuring the two suited up and looking as slick as ever, has earned millions of views, cementing Pete and Bas as true rap legends.
They even bring in other “OGs” from the scene, like their frequent collaborator Fumez the Engineer, and they formed a crew called The Snooker Team, featuring other older rappers. Together, they’ve created a unique subculture of “old man drill” that’s both hilarious and surprisingly impactful.
Listen and Watch Pete & Bas here.
Fans Across Generations
One of the most remarkable things about Pete and Bas is their cross-generational appeal. They have young fans who love their flows and older fans who can relate to their life stories. Some fans see them as a refreshing break from the mainstream, while others just appreciate their authenticity and humor. Whether you’re 16 or 60, there’s something irresistibly charming about two granddads rapping about life with the energy of men half their age.
Pete and Bas are also popular on social media, where they share everything from sneak peeks of new tracks to behind-the-scenes clips of their recording sessions. They’ve embraced the digital world like pros, engaging with fans in a way that’s both endearing and savvy. “We might be old, but we can still work a phone,” Bas joked in an interview.
Their live shows are a testament to their popularity, too. Pete and Bas bring energy and charisma to the stage, with crowds packed full of fans shouting along to every word. Seeing the pair command the mic, swaggering across the stage with more presence than performers half their age, is a sight that both amuses and inspires.
What’s Next for Pete and Bas?
What’s truly inspiring about Pete and Bas is their approach to success: they’re having fun with it. They’re not concerned about the pressures of fame; they’re simply enjoying the ride and doing what they love. And that, perhaps, is why their music resonates with so many people. Pete once said, “We’re just a couple of old boys having a laugh. If people like it, then we’ll keep doing it.”
And it seems they’re only getting started. Pete and Bas have released multiple singles, worked with other artists in the UK scene, and are showing no signs of slowing down. With their growing discography, they’re proving that their appeal isn’t a passing fad but a testament to their talent and charm. They’re already icons in the UK, but with their rising international fanbase, who knows where they’ll go next?
The Legacy of Pete and Bas
In a genre that often celebrates youth, Pete and Bas have carved out a space for themselves by defying convention. They’re proof that it’s never too late to try something new, to chase a passion, or to surprise people. Their music is funny, authentic, and filled with a wisdom that only comes with age. They’ve reminded fans that life isn’t over after 70—if anything, it’s just getting interesting.So, here’s to Pete and Bas, the grandfathers of drill and rap, the unexpected heroes of the UK music scene. With every track, they bring a fresh perspective, a good laugh, and a reminder to live life boldly, at any age.
The Criminal History of Pete & Bas
There has been much speculation on the criminal history of the duo. It has been suggested that in the past Pete and Bas might have been criminals or gangsters But there is no hard evidence to prove this.
Is Bas actually Basil Preuveneers?
There is a London solicitor / notary listed on the internet as Basil Preuveneers who looks strikingly similar to Bas. See here.
Basil Preuveneers is also listed as an actor here.
They also appear to have released a piano album. See here.
Bas, Tom Cruise and James Corden
Bas once appeared in a TV skit with James Corden and Tom Cruise. His brief appearance can be seen at 7:27 here. This appearance further supports speculation that Bas is actor Basil Preuveneers.
Leave a Reply