Through lineup changes, band members’ deaths, the ever-shrinking attention span of the general public, and the many phases punk has seen since the ’80s, the name Poison Idea has withstood it all. Formed in Portland, Oregon, by vocalist Jerry A, bassist Chris Tense, and drummer Henry Bogdam, this ever-evolving band has enjoyed a longevity most musicians can only dream of. Since Poison Idea debuted in 1983 with their Pick Your King EP, the band has built a timeless discography that captures the many nuances that made the punk scene they came up in so exciting. The band has gone on to release several studio albums, an extensive collection of EPs, and, most recently, Last Show in France, a live album that doubles as a proper introduction to this band’s catalog.
An even better place to start your journey into Poison Idea is right here, as we have a raw look into the band’s infancy. For this Golden Age Thursday, we have footage of Poison Idea tearing through some of their earliest releases during a fiery show in 1983. While the YouTube video’s title incorrectly identifies the songs performed, the footage remains palpable. You can witness the beginnings of what would become a storied punk legacy below.
