Arrested after a performance in Red Square, a protest against the regime of Vladimir Putin, three members of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot, have been remanded in jail, facing up to 7 years criminal punishment for participating in a public demonstration for human rights and against oppression under Putin. 

Illustrating the gross level of human rights violations in Russiathe detained activists now need the support of the world's punk community.

With that in mind, three queerpunk bands from the North East, No Fit State, Women in Revolt and Executive Legs are playing a benefit at the Star & Shadow on April 27, with all proceeds going to the Pussy Riot defence fund.

NO FIT STATE

Screaming fertile energetic Anarcho-feminist banshees, No Fit State are where the Raincoats meet Crass, with violin, cornet and rapping added to a bass and drum based mix. Recently recorded for the No Borders compilation, they've recently been described as "the best punk band in years".

http://www.myspace.com/nofitstates

EXECUTIVE LEGS

Sounding like "being sick at a funfair", Executive Legs aim to make music for dancing that is both joyful but tinged with menace. Being in a band is also a good excuse for them to wear ridiculous brightly coloured outfits. This is rubberised glam for the sussed masses.

http://freepussyriot.org/

WOMEN IN REVOLT

Women in Revolt are raw, untutored garage rock from three drag queens (two born female) and two drag kings (one born female).

Influenced by Jane Solanas, Johnny Thunders and Patti Smith, they play songs born of the Chelsea Hotel, Berlin and Soho. Fluent in Polari, they are the bastard daughters of Jayne County and Richard Hell, and collect cheap wigs, make-up and guitars.

http://www.womeninrevolt.co.uk

MC Liberty Hodes

Tickets are £4 from wegottickets.com