The History of Punk 

Punks originated in 1960’s New York. They encouraged rebellion of the status quo and made loud, angry music inspired by the Reggae and Jazz genres. The Velvet Under-Ground first brought punk rock to audiences in the late 1960’s. After them, came the Stooges and Iggy Pop, the latter of which is referred to as “the Godfather of Punk”. The lyrics in punk rock focus on unconventional and raw topics, staying to true to the foundation of punk which embraces chaos and anarchy.

While its first emergence can be traced back to the 1960’s, it was in the 1970’s that Punk and Punk Rock gained international popularity - particularly in England. Punk thrived off of the lower class and their struggles and at the time, increasing unemployment rates and dangerous streets in England sparked all new inspiration for Punk artists and desire from the Punk audience. Popular Punk bands included the Ramones and the Sex Pistols; these bands launched Punk into a world of global fame. As the culture grew, so did the criticism. Their blatant rejection of the conventional drew stares as they waltzed around in chains, pointed studs, piercings, and mohawks. Punk has died off in recent years. This is partly due to many of the famous Punk bands splitting up and a new modern taste in music that isn’t attracted to rough and loud guitar. However, no one can deny the mark they made on the world. In times of depression and anger, Punk allowed the expression of the people’s frustration in ways they couldn’t have before. It also allowed these people who are feeling low to realize there’s many out there who feel just like them.

For some, Punk was just a fun way to rebel. For some, it was a rebellion they took seriously and stood up to their confines. For some, it was a troublesome fad that the kids were doing. For others, Punk was an inspirational movement and an escape from their dull lives - and it changed the way they viewed the world. Now people could see that they don’t have to follow the “rules” that society has placed on them and they can make decisions based on their wants instead of what’s accepted.