Summary: This text tells the story of two interconnected groups: the performance art group COUM Transmissions (1969-1979) and the music group, Throbbing Gristle (1975-1981). COUM shocked art audiences with their public nudity and often masochistic art actions. TG likewise shocked music audiences with their sonic terrorism and explicit lyrics. The book documents both groups work, and places it in the context of avant-gardism and permissiveness.