Toronto’s Punk History Revisited: Liz Worth’s ‘Punk Talks’ Series Explores the Scene’s Legacy
Toronto’s vibrant punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s remains a compelling subject for reflection and documentation. The “Punk Talks” series, curated by author Liz Worth, continues to provide a platform for those who shaped this influential cultural movement. A recent installment, held at Peach Berserk in Parkdale, featured discussions with key figures from the era, alongside a screening and a hands-on workshop.
Documenting a Revolutionary Era
The event, held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, brought together Montreal-based Ralph Alfonso, founder of Toronto’s first punk venue, Crash ‘N Burn and manager of The Diodes; Don Pyle, photographer and author of Trouble in the Camera Club: A Photographic Narrative of Toronto’s Punk History, 1976–1980, and former member of bands Crash Kills Five and Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet; and Kire Paputts, son of Viletones bassist, and director of The Last Pogo Jumps Again.1
Worth, author of Treat Me Like Dirt: An Oral History of Punk in Toronto and Beyond, framed the discussion around the importance of documenting Toronto’s punk history.1 Panelists reflected on whether they anticipated their experiences would be discussed decades later.
Alfonso noted that while he documented the scene as a rock writer for publications like New York Rocker and Cheap Thrills, he didn’t foresee the lasting impact. Pyle recalled the revolutionary feeling of the scene’s emergence in 1976 with the arrival of the Ramones, but didn’t anticipate its enduring legacy.1
A Multi-Media Experience
The event began with a screening of Suzanne Naughton’s 15-minute film, An Afternoon With The Viletones At New Rose.12 Naughton passed away in February 2026. The event concluded with a punk-themed silkscreen workshop led by Kingi Carpenter, owner of Peach Berserk.2
Upcoming ‘Punk Talks’ Event
A final installment of the “Punk Talks” series, focusing on the influence of first-wave punk on Toronto’s culture and commerce, is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Peach Berserk.3 Tickets, priced at $12.19, include refreshments and a silk-screening workshop.4
Panelists for the April 26 event include:
- John Borra, solo artist and member of A Neon Rome, Groovy Religion, and Change Of Heart, as well as the Viletones and Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys).
- Kingi Carpenter, founder of Peach Berserk and a long-time fixture on Queen Street West.
- Bruce Eves, former assistant-programming director at the Centre for Experimental Art and Communication (CEAC) and co-founder of the International Gay History Archive.
- Nick Smash, author of Alone and Gone: The Story of Toronto’s Post-Punk Underground and former drummer for the Rent Boys.
The discussion will explore punk’s roots in art and counterculture, and its impact on Queen Street West and Toronto’s underground art scenes.3