Plasmatics: Wendy O. Williams

Poster for a ‘Legal Defense Benefit’ concert by The Plasmatics, 24 x 32.75, held at the Bond International Casino in New York, on February 27, 1981, featuring a large image of controversial frontwoman Wendy O. Williams, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Melissa, xxx Wendy.” Rolled and in fine condition, with minor creasing and short tears to the top and bottom edges.

In early 1981, Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics faced a series of high-profile legal troubles that likely prompted the band’s February 27 legal defense benefit show. On January 18, 1981, she was arrested in Milwaukee after police attended a concert and charged her under a city ordinance prohibiting lewd and obscene conduct. During the arrest, Williams alleged that officers groped and beat her—an incident photographed at the scene—while police claimed she resisted and injured an officer; she reported suffering a broken nose and other injuries. Shortly after being released on bail, Williams was arrested again in Cleveland on obscenity charges following another performance. With mounting legal fees from multiple arrests and an upcoming obscenity trial (held in April, where she was ultimately acquitted), the band organized benefit shows in February 1981 to help cover their legal defense costs.