THE FORTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY of a volatile and sporadically violent Crass and Poison Girls gig in Perth on 4 July 1981 will be marked by a series of events in the city including “art, forum theatre, talks and debate.”

Organisers Terminal Boredom are working with partners Osteria Bau Bau, Tippermuir Books and the Theatre of the Oppressed Scotland to put together a schedule of events across 4 July 2026.

On the fourth of July 1981, Crass and Poison Girls played a gig in Perth’s Lesser City Hall. Originally booked for Dundee, the gig was rearranged at the last minute, probably because the promoter backed out. Violence broke out in the crowd after National Front sympathisers arrived at the gig from out of town, intent on causing trouble. The gig was repeatedly stopped as the bands tried to calm the atmosphere.

Twenty-two years later, the recording of that night was released by Ponoma Records under the title You’ll Ruin It For Everyone, giving the gig that might otherwise have been forgotten a place in music history. The gig left a mark on some of the young people who were there. Some were inspired by what they’d seen. 

Poison Girls’ Total Exposure live album was recorded at the gig in Edinburgh the following day, on 5 July – the last time that the two bands played on tour together

The sounds of that night echoed down the years until the Lesser City Hall was converted into a cafe, serving a new Museum. The Museum has recognised the cultural importance of the event in a digital display featuring photographs taken by Poison Girls bass player, Bernhardt Rebours, of Crass setting up.

An bid to Creative Scotland for funding proved unsuccessful, so a Crowdfunder campaign has been launched to generate funds.

We invite you to join us in Perth for a day of events marking 45 years since the Crass / Poison Girls gig. Each event is intended to challenge our understanding of what punk is supposed to represent and give consideration of what that time and it’s politics mean today.

We had hoped for this event to be funded by Creative Scotland, but despite recognising the cultural and creative importance of this event, they chose not to fund it. We are deeply committed to keeping the main event free to all as we believe that our culture can’t be owned. However, we would like to pay the performing artists when possible, so we ask you to make a donation. All funds raised through this Crowdfunder will only be used to pay bands and artists. No funds will be used by the event organisers.

These events will centre around Osteria Bau Bau, Perth’s only independent cafe arts space. Located just yards from the Lesser City Hall, Osteria Bau is proud of its identity as a hub of Perth alternative culture.

Celebrating 45 years since Crass and Poison Girls played in Perth Lesser City Hall
4 July 2026
Osteria Bau Bau, 11 South St John’s Place, Perth PH1 5SU