List of Forerunners in Punk Music
Punk was notorious for its confrontational attitude, outlandish fashion-sense and uncivilized musicianship. Punk has evolved from an underground music genre into a global subculture. The definition of punk remains open and pinning down one forerunner is impossible. A variety of disparate bands contributed to the genre in their own ways. However, there are a select few acts that are regularly credited with bringing punk to global attention.
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New York Dolls
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The New York Dolls are still touring and performing as of 2011. The 'Dolls formed in New York in 1971. They were performing before the punk movement took off, but are regarded as the first band to take on the distinctive and easily identifiable punk aesthetic of torn clothes, piercings and colored hair. Unusually for a rock band, guitarist Johnny Thunders was arguably the best-known member of the band. The Sex Pistols and The Clash both cited the New York Dolls as an influence. In fact, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones has confessed that he is embarrassed by how closely he modeled his style on Johnny Thunders. The New York Dolls were part of a tight-knit scene that spawned the Ramones, Talking Heads and Blondie.
Sex Pistols
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Jonny Rotten demonstrates his more "toned down" punk style. British band the Sex Pistols are as famous for their outrageous shenanigans as they are for their music. In fact, they only made one album, entitled "Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols." The Sex Pistols formed in London in 1975 under the guidance of soon-to-be-manager Malcolm McLaren and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Although portrayed by the media as rebellious, the Sex Pistols were heavily stylized. Richard Hell, bass player with New York punk band Television, was the style inspiration for the Sex Pistols. Despite their limited musical output, the Sex Pistols defined British interpretation of the punk look and style. Their biggest hits were "Anarchy In The UK" and "God Save The Queen."
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The Ramones
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Drummer Marky Ramone with his Grammy statue. The New York band the Ramones are one of the most revered punk bands. Speaking upon the death of Ramones front man Joey Ramone, Blink 182 bass player Mark Hoppus remarked that without the Ramones "there certainly wouldn't have been a Blink-182." Adam Horowitz from the Beastie Boys cited the Ramones as his first real influence. Despite their wide reaching influence, the Ramones achieved relatively little commercial success. Susan Boyle's 2009 debut album outsold the Ramones 1976 debut after only three days. Jason Mraz, Green Day, the Beautiful South and Die Toten Hosen have all covered the Ramones song "Blitzkreig Bop."
The Clash
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Mick Jones now performs with Gorillaz. Rolling Stone voted "London Calling" by The Clash as "best album of the Eighties." The BBC claims that Mike Jones and Paul Simonon were inspired to form The Clash after seeing the Ramones in London. Although often associated with the punk movement, they are rarely credited as forerunners but rather as the band that made punk music popular.
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