Crass

The Profile

Crass are an English anarcho-punk collective formed in 1977 by Steve Ignorant and Penny Rimbaud at Dial House (Essex). Through Crass Records they released fiercely political work, fusing punk, spoken word, and tape collage, and became a cornerstone of the anarcho-punk movement. Key releases include The Feeding of the 5000, Stations of the Crass, Penis Envy, and Christ: The Album; the group disbanded in 1984.

English anarcho-punk collective formed in 1977 at Dial House, Essex, by Steve Ignorant and Penny Rimbaud; active until 1984. Ran the DIY label Crass Records, promoted pacifism and anarchism, and worked closely with visual artist Gee Vaucher. Core vocalists included Eve Libertine and Joy de Vivre.

Reviews dig into Crass’s lyric-first, DIY assault: from Bloody Revolutions funding the Anarchy Centre to the abrasive sprawl of Christ: The Album. Penis Envy is portrayed as relentless and demanding, driven by Eve Libertine’s stark delivery. Across pieces, the band’s anti-war, anti-consumerist stance and rejection of the music business dominate. Publicly, Crass are an English anarcho-punk collective active 1977–1984.