punk music
genresPUNK
A raw, fast, and aggressive genre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1970s as a reaction against mainstream rock excess.
Punk rock emerged simultaneously in New York and London in the mid-1970s, stripping rock music back to its essentials: three chords, fast tempo, short songs, and raw energy. Bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols, and the Clash rejected the technical complexity and studio polish of progressive rock and arena rock in favour of directness and accessibility. Punk's DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos encouraged anyone to form a band regardless of technical skill. Power chords, distortion, and aggressive vocals define the punk sound. The genre splintered into numerous subgenres: hardcore punk, post-punk, pop-punk, anarcho-punk, and ska-punk. Punk's cultural impact extends beyond music to fashion, visual art, and political activism. Its influence on subsequent genres — grunge, alternative rock, and indie music — has been enormous.
The Sex Pistols' "God Save the Queen" was banned by the BBC and most retailers in 1977, yet still reached number two on the UK charts.