Members
Select a Poison Idea band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Poison Idea is a hardcore punk band hailing from Portland, Oregon, known for their aggressive sound and raw energy. Formed in 1980, the group was originally comprised of Jerry A. (vocals), Tom "Pig Champion" Roberts (guitar), Chris Tense (bass), and Dean Johnson (drums). Over the years, Poison Idea has seen numerous lineup changes, with members such as Eric "Vegetable" Olsen (guitar), Steve "Thee Slayer Hippy" Hanford (drums), and Jimmy Taylor (guitar) contributing to the band's powerful sound. Their music epitomizes the hardcore and skate punk genres, characterized by fast tempos, loud guitars, and a rebellious attitude, as showcased in seminal releases like Pick Your King and Feel the Darkness.
How to Sound Like Poison Idea
Capturing the sound of Poison Idea involves embracing a gritty, distorted guitar tone with a relentless edge. Their music is defined by aggressive, high-gain riffs that cut through the mix, often facilitated by gear like the Marshall JCM800 2203 for its powerful, punchy amplification. Guitarists like Tom Roberts relied on the raw power of the Ibanez Iceman paired with the biting distortion of a Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion to achieve their signature sound. The band's rhythm section drives the intensity, with thunderous drumming and bass lines that anchor their chaotic yet precise arrangements. Poison Idea's music thrives on its uncompromising intensity and rebellious spirit, making distortion, speed, and precision key elements for musicians looking to channel their sound.
Discography
Darby Crash Rides Again
2011
Pick Your King E.P. / Record Collectors Are Pretentious Assholes (The Fatal Erection Years: 1983-1986)
2012
Kings of Punk
2014
Confuse and Conquer
2015
Company Party
2016
War All Time
2017
Latest Will & Testament
2017
Feel the Darkness (2018 Reissue)
2018
Pigs Last Stand
2020
Blank Blackout Vacant (Deluxe Reissue)
2020
The Beast Goes East
2021
Young Lords (Live at Metropolis, Portland, OR - May 5, 1982)
2023
We Must Burn (Deluxe Reissue)
2024
Last Show in France
2024
Get the Poison Idea Sound
Want to sound like Poison Idea? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
