[1][non-primary source needed] Following decades of activity and sold-out shows across major European cities and the US, some have dubbed Perkele one of Europe's biggest punk rock bands and an important part of the genre's evolution.

In a 2003 interview, lead vocalist and founding member Ron Halinoja cited his "roots in Finland" and the word's expressively vulgar nature as the main reasons behind choosing this for the band's name.

[1] Despite this, in the past their appearance at traditionally left-wing events has caused controversy due to some of their songs featuring lyrical themes of Swedish and Finnish nationalist sentiments.

[6] Due to the background of their bassist Chris as an adoptee originally from Sri Lanka, the band have at one point experienced racist abuse from the audience at a concert in Belgium.

[9] In late October 2019, in coordination with the event organisers Perkele cancelled their scheduled performance in Warsaw with over two weeks' notice, citing "low ticket sales" as the primary reason.