Pērkons is a Latvian rock band formed in 1981. They blended instrumental classical music with rock'n'roll and hard rock. Their lineup included Juris Kulakovs on keyboard and compositions, Juris Sējāns on bass and vocals, Leons Sējāns on lead guitar, Ieva Akurātere on vocals, Raimonds Bartaševics on vocals, and Ikars Ruņģis on drums. In 1983, they were banned by the Soviet government but continued performing under the name Ensemble of the Soviet Latvia Collective Farm. Despite facing bans and controversies, they persisted and performed at the Liepājas dzintars music festival in 1987. Known for their rebellious lyrics, often written by Māris Melgalvs, notable songs included "Balāde par gulbi". They released albums such as Mākslas darbi (1983), Zibens pa dibenu (1983), Klusā daba ar perspektīvu (1988), and Labu vakar! (1989). In 1994, they released the compilation album Dziesmu izlase #1: 1981—1982, followed by Dziesmu izlase #2: 1985—1987 (1996).
