HELLO, BEAUTIFUL
Upon coming back from England I’ve decided to dig deep into British musical culture in attempt at figuring out why in the world the British are so damn punk rock. Like I stated in my “about” section, this is a journey for us both. Although, I’m the one doing the research and you’re the one that gets easy access to incredible musical history. Fair trade, eh?
Punk Rock MOVEMENT basically originated in England (feel free to argue) around 1974 and 1976. The only reason why I feel it’s important to start with that is the fact that both the Sex Pistols and The Clash originated England-who are known to be two of the leading names within the Punk Rock era. As most of you know, the 70′s were a time of change. Not only had the Vietnam War come to an end, but our psychedelic rock leaders such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison had passed due to substance abuse. With bands arising early in the era such as Deep Purple, and Alice Cooper, rock n roll was no longer just about the feeling and connection of music, but about rebellion.
World, meet The Ramones.
These guys are easily known to be the official starters of the Punk Rock Era (important!!!). Though they originated in New York in 1974, their music quickly progressed across the pond. The Ramones were a band of “no bullshit.” They didn’t wear make up, nor did they combust with huge ego’s. Music to them stood for originality and quick tempo’d reenactments of their daily life. People liked this, especially people in GB given most bands in America at the time were being subtly ignored by those who fan-girled over big names. After they made their way across the pond, it nearly seemed as if bands in England were speeding up their tempo and challenging darker topics overnight.
It was then that previously mentioned bands The Clash, and Sex Pistols and The Ramones surfaced.
By 1977, all three bands had started a movement; the punk rock movement, along with other names such as The Damned, Patti Smith, and many more. This movement screamed rebellion. This was a time of humor and horror in equal measure that sparked glittery blackness throughout all of music. Rebellion was fucking Kool, with a capital K (I’m lame).
Here are two awesome punk rock girls on the London Underground- just for a lil taste of the fashion sense that went on around this time. Fucking. Amazing. (Might consider doing a piece on punk rock fashion alone? What do you think?)
But really. It was cool to be bad, it was cool to wear black head to toe, and it was cool to be sporadically everywhere all while being noticed. The creative expression through this era was through the roof. In my opinion, this really is the era that glowed with nothing more than original personalities. With each thought, I keep feeling like I’m dissing previous centuries- but I’m not! Janis and Jimi collided through what was happening in the world, they wanted to make peace through music-not amplify crazy kids to be even more crazy… through music. Anyways, both are incredible. This is besides the point. This era was nutso. Just look at Sid and Nancy, for example.
Sid Vicious had a late start in joining the Sex Pistols. Though, to this date he is one of the most well-known punk rockers gone bad of all time. Nancy Spungen, was equally, if not more rebellious than he was. Together, they were a chaotic Bonnie and Clyde, or the Kurt and Courtney of their century. The two became famous for her acting as his manager, or some may say, his infamous drug partner. The twisted relationship had only been under intense punk rock spotlight for about a year and a half before Sid was accused of murdering Nancy due to a stab in the stomach. Sid died a year later after being bailed out of prison, and overdosing on drugs that were given to him by his own mum. This story alone describes the punk rock era as a whole.
Last but certainly not least we have The Clash, or “The Only Band That Matters.” These bad boys were vital to the British punk-rock movement because, well, they were obviously the only band that mattered *winks.* After the pistols broke up, The Clash became the most mythologised band on the scene. Their music was attractive in the sense of realism- they were able to relate, not just to collectively lure fans in by sick guitar riffs- including political realism. They were known for intertwining other genres within their own music (how cool) and STILL attracting the same crowd.
Here’s a sick article I found on Billboard that goes more into the fiery rock n roll pits of The Clash.
Though the Ramones stayed strong until the 90′s, The Clash and Sex Pistols both broke up in the late 70′s, early 80′s. The punk rock movement slowly became the post-punk era, and then made it’s way into new wave.
Today, the punk rock scene will continue to live as a way of life, and will always have a huge impact on the way 70′s music is portrayed.
THE RAMONES: 1974-1996
THE CLASH: 1976-1986
SEX PISTOLS: (original) 1975-1979
BUT WAIT!! Here’s a sick vid of The Ramones and their first gig at CGBG’s in 1974.. This video is so important. Notice the tempo, how short the songs were, and how they obviously just didn’t give a single flying fuck.
GOLD HAND RECORDS 