| Crass
were originally formed as a two piece in 1977 by Penny Rimbaud &
Steve Ignorant, two anarchist thinkers and musicians. The band was
to be an extension of radical activities emanating from Rimbaud's
open commune farmhouse in North Weald Essex (which still continues today
despite various adventures). By its nature the commune began to input
into the band and as such the bands ranks swelled.
A one of deal
with Small Wonder brought the infamous Feeding
Of The 5000
to the public's attention. A 17 track 12" EP was reduced to 16 when
no pressing plant would touch it because of the controversial subject
matter of Asylum
and the track had to be withdrawn. It was replaced instead with two
minutes of silence.
As a result of
this Crass set up their own label complete with sloganeering, DIY
artwork, Anarchist broadsheets and a unique numbering system counting
own to 1984. Coupled with Film Maker Patrick Duffield's visuals as
a backdrop to their live performances they had the complete
package to convince the masses of their message 'Anarchy & Peace'.
While often
perceived as humourless but they did manage a few scams.
They convinced a bridal magazine to give away a free track of theirs
with one of the issues before they found out; they released a Christmas
single and they also faked a tape of Thatcher and Reagan and released it
causing questions to be asked in The House Of Commons! And lets not
forget the Pistols pose parody in the poster with Bloody
Revolutions.
Crass was
always a struggle against constant police intimidation, investigations
into their activities and attempts to shut them down as a voice of
protest. The end however, was a bit comical. In the desire to keep
prices down they had neglected to charge VAT and as such were
saddled with a huge bill and that was that.
So what's the
music like? Difficult. Ranges from hardcore punk to hardcore rant
and all points in between. Where would you start. The three singles
opposite make a good launching point or the album Penis
Envy and
there's a compilation out that should gather the good stuff. Were Crass
important? "Of course they fucking were!" |
