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Social History — 1979

Reality Asylum Shaved Women

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The song ‘Reality Asylum’ was an extended version of the song ‘Asylum’. This was supposed to have been included on Crass’ first record ‘The Feeding of the 5000’ on the Small Wonder label in 1978. However, due to the song's alleged blasphemous lyrics it was replaced by silence. This prompted the band to set up Crass Records through which they released ‘Reality Asylum’ as a single in 1979.

Crass formed in 1977. The band were politically active, becoming involved in direct-action campaigns, subversive graffiti and 'Stop the City' protests. Their military-style logo combined several 'icons of authority', including the cross, swastika, Union Jack and two-headed Celtic snake consuming itself, which symbolised the idea that power will eventually destroy itself.

Category:
Social History
Object ID:
90.214/7
Object name:
Reality Asylum Shaved Women
Object type:

record, vinyl record

Artist/Maker:
Crass
Related people:

Related events:

Related places:

Production date:
1979
Material:

paper, vinyl

Measurements/duration:
H 187 mm, W 187 mm (overall)
Part of:
—
On display:
—
Record quality:
100%
Part of this object:
—
Owner Status & Credit:

Permanent collection

Copyright holder:

digital image © London Museum

Image credit:
—
Creative commons usage:
—
License this image:

To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.

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Social History 20th century London Music & Subculture Publishing & Media
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