August 23rd marks the 40th anniversary of the infamous 1st Police Picnic.

Toronto promoters Gary Topp and Gary Cormier known professionally as "The Garys" had an incredible reputation for introducing young artists to Southern Ontario who would later become legendary international artists.  Some acts included Ramones, The Talking Heads, U2, Simple Minds, and The Police.  When these acts first started performing in Toronto, an average of 30 - 50 people would show up at their shows.  However, this did not deter The Garys from promoting these acts.

The line up of the 1st picnic included:

THE POLICE

THE SPECIALS

IGGY POP

KILLING JOKE

THE GO-GOs

NASH THE SLASH

JOHN OTWAY & WILD WILLY BARRETT

THE PAYOLAS

OINGO BOINGO 

DAVID BENDETH BAND

GUEST: Gary Topp, Canadian Concert Promoter and Author

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