The Toy Dolls at 3-Majówka: Michael “Olga” Algar and British punk rock in Wrocław

The band formed in England in 1979 and quickly attracted local attention, supporting Angelic Upstarts on two tours. Having honed their craft, The Toy Dolls began touring in their own right, earning acclaim from audiences in both Britain and Europe. They soon developed their unique style, drawing on punk rock’s street roots. What distinguished them from other acts on the Oi! scene was, above all, their inimitable sense of humour and excellent lyrics, often built around wordplay.

Songs such as “Yul Brynner Was a Skinhead”, “James Bond Lives Down Our Street” and their fantastic cover of the children’s rhyme “Nellie the Elephant” combined musical intelligence with irresistible catchiness. “Dig That Groove Baby” from 1983 and “Absurd-Ditties” from 1993 are widely regarded as among the greatest punk albums of all time. Including all live recordings and compilations, the band’s discography now comprises more than 50 releases, including over a dozen studio albums.

The band are known for inventive covers. The Toy Dolls' victims have included Ricky Martin (“Livin' La Vida Loca”), Europe (“The Final Countdown”), Chuck Berry (“No Particular Place to Go”), Elvis Presley (“Blue Suede Shoes”) and even Johann Sebastian Bach (“Toccata in D minor”).

3-Majówka is a truly exceptional event, offering the chance to hear international stars and Poland’s finest performers alongside fresh, emerging talent. Since last year, the festival has been linked with the legendary Guitar Guinness World Record, which has rapidly made Wrocław the European Capital of Guitar. During 3-Majówka, the festival stars will perform on two stages: outdoors at the Pergola, surrounded by water and greenery with views of Poland’s largest and most beautiful fountain, and inside the celebrated Hala Stulecia. Acts already confirmed for 3-Majówka 2017 include 5’nizza, Lacuna Coil, Lady Pank, Krzysztof Zalewski, Czesław Śpiewa, Łąki Łan, Kult, Luxtorpeda, Acid Drinkers with their “Tribute to Lemmy”, Coma, Renata Przemyk, xxanaxx and L.U.C. & Rebel Babel Ensemble. And that is only the beginning of the long list of artists who will visit Wrocław over the first weekend in May!

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