1. The Late 1970s Punk

2. Mid to Late 70s New York City
In 1973, the U.S. fell into the deepest economic recession since the depression of the 1930s
Massive unemployment, rise in welfare recipients, disenfranchised youth, growing drug use, gang and mob warfare
Widening of the wage gap between rich and poor…
Major distrust in government leads to many people tired of Status quo
Musically…the 70s were about indulgence, the “EGO”, the selfishness, all this adds up to major disillusionment

3. Pop Music in the 70s
New breed of dance music called Disco was sweeping the airwaves and dancehalls across the country- but started in NYC
An example: Saturday Night Fever
This was fueled by drug use, sex, and an attempt to escape the daily struggles of real everyday life
But this didn’t appeal to everyone
The claim Pop Music in the 70s was predictable, glorified, ingenuine, and not relatable to many

4. To sum up what is in people’s ears & faces
Glam Rock
Disco

5. The Impact & Result
When culture is focused on something popular, it tends to saturate it becoming a part of everyday life
For some, this “status quo” needs an “anti-thesis”
A feeling of desperation, frustration, and a desire to go underground turns into an inspiration for something new, innovative, and open to the masses…

6. The Roots of Punk Rock Music
By the late 1960s, there were several bands in the U.S. who fueling a much more intense version of Rock N Roll
One of those bands was The Stooges let by a rebellious and anti authority front man named Iggy Pop
He and The Stooges have been credited for being the single source and root for what eventually is called Punk Rock
The Stooges- I wanna be your dog (1969)

7. Welcome to CBGB’s in NYC
Divey, seedy club in lower east side of Manhattan is breeding a new kind of underground music- musicians with no desire to be egotistical about their talent or even looks
CBGB Music Club
A group of 4 unattractive, musically inadequate individuals decide to give the “middle finger” to the status quo and send a cultural message to everyone… In comes in the Ramones…
With very little musicianship, a stripped down approach to the music, and in the words of Bob Dylan…”3 chords and the truth”…they change the musical landscape forever…
The Ramones "Beat on the Brat“
The Impact… The “democratization” of music

8. Across the Pond in the UK
At the same time the U.S. is going through it’s struggles, England is also under the grips of economic recession, a parliament that is extremely conservative, and music that is also “bubbly”, “fake”, and not “real”
The anger, frustration, and angst felt by a large population living on what is called the “Dole” (welfare)- gives rise to a new call for social, economic, and cultural change
With that- you need a soundtrack for that change…
Ladies and Gentlemen…
Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK“
The Gig That Changed The World…

9. Punk Music Spreads Southern California Washington D.C.
Between punk music moves all across the country- spawning smaller “scenes” with different variations
In Southern California, a new more intense version begins with bands such as Black Flag- from Hermosa Beach, CA.
Lead singer Henry Rollins joins in 1981 and begins what is now called Hardcore – Black Flag is a seminal band in the punk scene now
Black Flag- “Rise Above” (1981)
Bad Brains, formed in the first all black punk group
Originally a jazz fusion group- got interested in the speed and intensity of punk
Is often credited as the main source of hardcore punk
Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys has said” the best punk/hardcore album of all time”
Bad Brains- Right Brigade (1982)

10. Women in Punk Music…
In the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles- the same disenfranchisement, anger, frustration felt in NYC and UK is also bubbling.
Punk is a very male driven music. Women were fans, but often left out of the actual music making.
Kim Fowley, a record producer realized there could be LOTS of money to be made in punk music if you add some SEX appeal…
He finds Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Micki Steele, and Sandy Fox
Ladies and Gentlemen…
The Runaways- “Cherry Bomb”