THE DAY BEFORE the release of the new anarcho-punk retrospective compilation Cease & Resist on 12 May, a launch event, including an exhibition and a panel of speakers, is being held in London.

The double-LP Cease & Resist is being released by Optimo Music, and features a collection of remixed tracks from bands active in scene in the years 1979-1986, remastered by engineer Daniel Husayn.

The original release of tickets appears to have sold out, but there’s now a waiting list of those hopeful to pick up cancellations and returns.

The album itself will be released in both vinyl and digital download formats, with the digital version still available for pre-order from the Optimo Music Bandcamp site.

The Speakers

Steve Ignorant: Vocalist with Crass, the band who started it all, should need no introduction. Steve also sung with Conflict and Current 93 amongst others and is currently touring with his new project, Slice of Life, having had two autobiographies published in addition to co-writing a book of Crass’ lyrics, Steve’s experiences within the anarcho scene from its genesis to the present day are second to none.

Nicholas Bullen: Founding member and original Vocalist with Napalm Death who started off as an anarcho punk band and enjoyed their first vinyl release in 1984 on the Crass Records compilation, Bullshit Detector Vol.3 in addition to publishing a number of fanzines whilst still at school. Nick currently works in sound art and plays with Rainbow Grave.

Rebecca Binns: has written the first ever monograph on the work of the artist and designer, Gee Vaucher, titled Gee Vaucher: Beyond Punk, Feminism and the Avant-Garde (MUP, 2022), which evolved from her PHD research (LCC, 2019). She works as a lecturer on critical theory for design and illustration BA students.

Chris Low: Chris became involved with the anarcho scene before even reaching his teens, publishing a fanzine and drumming for seminal anarcho acts including The Apostles, Part One, Oi Polloi and Political Asylum. A co-compiler of the compilation album with Twitch of Optimo who he met through starting a DJ career at the same Edinburgh club, Chris has remained engaged with the punk scene through his internationally exhibited photography work and writing.

Tony Drayton aka ‘Tony D’: Moved from his native town in Scotland to London at the explosion of the original punk movement, starting his first fanzine Ripped & Torn in 1976 before launching the more ‘anarcho focussed’ Kill Your Pet Puppy zine which ran from 1979 to 1984 becomg involved with the early ‘80s London Anarchy Centres. A compendium of his first fanzine was recently published by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Tony will open proceedings by exploring punk’s evolution into the anarcho movement this evening celebrates.

Matthew Worley: Coming from an anarcho punk background Matthew has gone on to become a professor of modern history at the University of Reading and co-founder of the Subcultures Network. He has had several books published on the topics of punk, fanzines and associated culture in addition to collaborating with Steve Ignorant on his most recent autobiography and the collection: References – Lyrics & Stories by Steve Ignorant with Matthew Worley. He will be chairing the panel and Q&A.


Other contributors and special guests to be announced.
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The Sounds:


Guest DJs joining Chris Low in previewing the complete album and spinning a selection of choice anarcho tunes from past and present over the night are:

Nick Hydra (Shocks of Mighty) & Dani Mejia (Less Than Human)
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The Sights:

Chris will also be previewing two exclusive exhibitions this evening: ‘Beyond The Monochrome’ featuring photographs he took of the original, iconic anarcho acts plus demonstrations and squats he visited as well as ‘Best B4 1984’ featuring a selection of images from his extensive archive of fanzines, handouts and gig posters collected over this period illustrating the graphic vibrancy and ideological diversity of this halcyon period of the movement. This will only be open to view on this evening and none of the material has been previously exhibited. Photographic prints and publications collecting images for both will be available to purchase on the night

Optimo Music

Cease & Resist – Sonic Subversion & Anarcho Punk In The UK 1979​-​86
Launch | Exhibition | Panel
Hegli’s, 177 Mare Street, London
11 May 2023, 18:30-
Advance Tickets | Facebook event


Optimo Music, Bandcamp: Cease & Resist