The term ‘punk rock royalty’ is synonymous with the Portland-based outfit, Poison Idea.

Renown for their highly-energised records such as 1990’s Feel The Darkness and the proceeding Blank, Blackout, Vacant of 1992, the outfit have been cited by the likes of Nirvana as a core influence on their sound.

A sheer force on the hardcore scene since the early 1980s, Aussie shores are at last to be graced, or should we say, gashed, by the seminal punk band for a string of shows in May. The blistering brute force that is Poison Idea is fronted by the rough and tough Jerry A, as well as comprising on member’s old and new.

With such a bold position in the world of punk and hardcore, we were lucky enough to share some time with the frontman, probing for five of the most important dates in the history of punk.

Despite proving a difficult task, Jerry A. was able to confirm five moments pertaining to what he refers to as “the MTV version” to provide visual aid to these unforgettable moments.

“I’ve made a list of around 500 events, major events that could be considered important. From Guy Fawkes and the London Towers to the American Revolution, back to giving women the right to vote, abolishing slavery. Even all the way up to the first time Little Richard performed in Mascara, Elvis on major TV, The MC5 at the ’68 Democratic convention”.

The point Jerry, much like any original punk rocker is making here is that the spirit of punk does not simply confide in within 3 minutes of ferocious bashing of instruments and spitting lyrics – punk is rebellion against the order.

“The ball never stops rolling. I couldn’t go from day one but we could sit and argue when was day one. So I’ll simplify it, the MTV version of the most important five dates and even these will be up for negotiation.”

New Rose by The Damned is Released – Oct. 22nd, 1976

A mammoth release, not only in the world of punk, but for music as a whole. For those that aren’t aware of The Damned, they’re a British outfit that pioneered punk rock from the mid-1970’s.

New Rose is heavily regarded as their finest work and has been covered by a never-ending list of genre-spanning artists including Blondie to Guns’N’Roses, and naturally our band in focus, Poison Idea.

Anarchy in the U.K. by The Sex Pistols is released – Nov. 26th, 1976

There isn’t much left unsaid of this band, track and overall moment in musical history. If one mentions the words punk, the image of Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious spitting and snarling in leather comes to mind.

It arrives as no surprise Jerry has listed this release so high in the important moments in punk. The Sex Pistols, despite their very short existence, are the face of British punk.

The Clash sign to CBS, “punk is declared dead” by Sniffin’ Glue – Jan 25th, 1977

Yes yes, we’ve heard it all before. One of, if not the greatest punk band were chastised for signing with CBS, the band had “sold-out”.

It’s really a mere matter of opinion. Had the seminal punk band earned their right to large sums of money for producing music that was now popular or had they committed the cardinal sign that they’d championed against since their beginnings?

Crass “The Feeding of 5,000” is released – Jan 18th, 1979

It’s almost the 1980’s, and Crass dropped their debut record The Feeding of 5000. With most tracks not spinning for longer than 1:45-minutes, Crass’ sound is not necessarily as furious and insulting as the aforementioned.

Interestingly enough, this record also includes the track ‘Punk Is Dead’….

“Realities of War” by Discharge is Released – March 26th, 1980

“To some, Punk is reborn”. Punk may have died, Punk may just been sleeping, regardless of which way your teeters to, Discharge’s EP Realities Of War certainly shook the fuck out of everyone’s bones.

Yet another British entry for the Poison Idea frontman, this record resonates closest with his band’s sound.

Poison Idea Tour Dates

Wednesday May 14th – The Enigma Bar, Adelaide
Thursday May 15th – Crowbar, Brisbane
Friday May 16th – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
Saturday May 17th – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne

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