Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Was this the weirdest punk gig ever?

Skiantos was one of the first wave of punk bands in the 1970s. They were formed in 1975, but decided that they weren’t as angry as some of their peers, so comedy—the kind that draws from Futurism and Dadaism—became a driving part of their whole existence.

When it came to their music, it wasn’t exactly what you’d call polished or professional, but that was the point. The rawness, the out-of-tune vocals, and the weird lyrics were all designed to provoke the audience. Sometimes, for added effect, they’d throw vegetables into the crowd 

Their most infamous gig was at the Bologna Rock Festival on April 2, 1979. For their set, they brought out a kitchen, a table, a TV, and a fridge. They boiled some spaghetti, sat down, ate it, and left, without playing a single note. It was…baffling.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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