1970s Punk Rock Music

The roots of punk music are an interesting topic, starting with the debate of where did punk music originate from, England or America. I believe that there were a few bands in America that had that 'punk' sound as early as 1969, The New York Dolls and MCS had the raw power chord, 'garage rock' sound that punk music is best known for, but they lacked the stereotypical punk look.

New York Dolls

The most well known punk band of the 70s has to be the English band, The Sex Pistols. With their 'new', shocking fashion style and strong political themes, they did not appeal to the masses, instead a subculture was formed quickly became associated with disillusioned, rebellious youth and an anti-government mentality, which opened the door for bands like The Ramones.

The Sex Pistols

The structure of the songs were very stripped down, basic melodies with thought provoking lyrics. The songs were normally very short, usually not going over the three minute mark. The lyrics dealt with real-life issues such as government, crime and poverty, which were sensitive subjects at the time, with strikes, lack of jobs and money. Anyone could play punk music, all you needed was a guitar and the ability to play a power chord or two in good old verse, chorus, verse style.

Punk Fashion

One of the first things you think about when you hear the word 'punk' is the fashion. The stereotype of punk fashion is dyed hair, ripped trousers and t-shirts and Doctor Marten boots.

 Punk fashion of the 70s suited the life style of many youths at that time because with limited cash due to unemployment and the general low income, school leavers and students could still be apart of the punk scene without spending a lot of money. Alot of the clothing was homemade or bought from secondhand shops and then customised in the hope of attracting attention and shocking people.


                                                            Punk Fashion                     'Vivien' from 'The Young Ones' TV series 

Body piercing and self-mutilation were another big part of the fashion. This is probably what shocked people the most because it simply was not 'the norm' to seeing people walking around with studs and safety pins hanging out of their faces.

Facial Piercing

The whole 'punk' fashion scene was said to have been started by Malcolm McClaren and Vivien Westwood with their shop 'Sex' which sold bondage wear and slogan T-shirts, in fact the band, The Sex Pistols, were originally put together by Malcolm McClaren, as an advert for the clothing that the shop sold.

Vivian Westwood                             Malcolm McClaren 

"Malcolm McClaren shaped the face of British Music. Without him, we would never have had Primal Scream or Oasis or so many iconic British bands that followed in the tracks of the Sex Pistols". - Alan McGee, music industry boss and musician

Who Punk Influenced

Punk music has influenced many bands in the 90s as it has evolved over the years. Quite a few of the punk bands that have emerged and gained popularity in the 90s are were from California, such as Green Day and the Offspring.

Green Day                                                                The Offspring       

Even though there are strong differences between the punk movements of the 70s and the 90s, they have still got alot in common. The punk bands of the 90s still sing about social and polictical issues such as Blink 182's song "What's My Age Again". Also they still have the fast hard rock aspect about their songs which leads them back to the punk roots of the late 70s.

Blink 182

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_rock

http://www.fashion-era.com/punks_fashion_history1.htm

http://www.luxsure.fr/2010/04/11/malcolm-mclaren/

http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Punk-Music-70S-90S/39550

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