Punk rock

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Iggy-Pop 1977

CBGB club facade

Ramones Toronto 1976

Sex Pistols in Paradiso

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Punk rock is a genre of rock music that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in 1960s garage rock, punk bands rejected the perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock. They typically produced short, fast-paced songs with hard-edged melodies and singing styles, stripped-down instrumentation, and often political, anti-establishment lyrics. Punk embraces a DIY ethic; many bands self-produce recordings and distribute them through independent record labels.

Origins

The term "punk rock" was first used by American rock critics in the early 1970s to describe 1960s garage bands and subsequent acts perceived as stylistic inheritors. By late 1976, bands such as the Ramones in New York City, the Sex Pistols and The Clash in London, and The Saints in Brisbane were recognized as the vanguard of a new musical movement. The music's roots lie in a wide range of influences, including the energetic rock and roll of the 1950s, the pub rock scene of early 1970s Britain, and the proto-punk sound of the Velvet Underground and Iggy and The Stooges.

Characteristics

Punk rock bands often emulate the bare musical structures and arrangements of 1960s garage rock. Typical punk rock instrumentation includes one or two electric guitars, an electric bass, and a drum kit, along with vocals. Songs often feature simple and repetitive chord progressions and lyrics that express punk ideologies. Unlike the rock music of the 1970s, punk's lyrics often confront social and political issues, aiming to challenge the status quo.

Culture

Punk rock has a distinctive culture and aesthetic, often visualized through its fashion and art. The punk fashion includes leather jackets, ripped jeans, band T-shirts, and boots or sneakers. This fashion was popularized by designer Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols. Punk visual art is characterized by its use of provocative and controversial imagery, often created with a DIY approach. The punk ethos is primarily one of individual freedom and anti-establishment views.

Impact and Legacy

Punk rock significantly impacted music, fashion, and culture worldwide. It led to the development of several sub-genres, including hardcore punk, post-punk, and alternative rock. Punk also influenced other music genres such as indie rock, grunge, and emo. Its DIY spirit has inspired countless artists and musicians to produce and distribute their work independently.

Subgenres and Fusion Genres

Punk rock has spawned a variety of subgenres and fusion genres, including skate punk, anarcho-punk, and ska punk. These genres often blend punk's speed and attitude with the sounds and rhythms of other music styles.

See Also

• Hardcore punk
• Punk subculture
• DIY ethic
• Punk fashion
• List of punk rock bands