5 Funky Punk Bands You Need to Know About
Contents
Check out these five punk bands that are guaranteed to get you moving. From classic punk to modern punk, these bands have something for everyone.
The Ramones
Origins
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in 1974. They are often cited as the first true punk rock band. The Ramones were a major influence on the punk rock movement of the 1970s and 1980s. Their fast-paced, high-energy style of music influenced many other punk and alternative bands. The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
The band was formed by four friends from Queens, New York: John Cummings (later known as Johnny Ramone), Thomas Erdelyi (later known as Tommy Ramone), Jeffrey Hyman (later known as Joey Ramone), and Douglas Colvin (later known as Dee Dee Ramone). The four friends took on the stage names of their favorite pop culture icons: Johnny after John Ritter’s character in the sitcom Three’s Company, Tommy after Tommy Wiseau’s character in The Room, Joey after Steve McQueen’s character in The Getaway, and Dee Dee after Paul McCartney’s bass player from Wings, Denny Laine.
The band played its first gig at a club called CBGB in New York City in 1974. They gained a following among the underground music scene there. In 1976, they released their self-titled debut album, which is now considered one of the most important albums in the history of punk rock. They toured constantly and released several more albums over the next few years before breaking up in 1996.
Sound
With the possible exception of the Stooges, no band so thoroughly destroyed the wall between punk and hard rock as the Ramones. Emerging in 1974, they were initially dismissed by many punk fans as too derivative of the Stooges and too simplistic musically; yet, in their very simplicity, they were perhaps the most influential band of the entire punk movement. The Ramones distilled rock & roll down to its essence — three chords played fast and hard — and created an approach that would be immensely influential on generations of punk, power pop, new wave, pop-punk, and alternative rock bands. Although their career was plagued by limited commercial success (and internal tensions that resulted in a constantly shifting lineup), they were among the most influential bands of their era, inspiring countless imitators both in America and abroad; as such, nearly every punk and alternative band that followed owed them a debt of gratitude.
Influence
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in 1974. They were one of the first bands to really bring punk rock to the mainstream, and their influence can still be felt today. Here are 5 other punk bands that you should know about:
1.Bad Religion
2.Descendents
3.The Dickies
4.Redd Kross
5.T.S.O.L.
The Sex Pistols
Origins
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. The group was composed of vocalist Johnny Rotten, guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock. Their manager was Malcolm McLaren, who also owned the clothing store SEX, where the band members worked.
The band caused a sensation with their debut single, “Anarchy in the U.K.”, which was released in November 1976. The following year, they released their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. The album was officially banned in several countries and nearly caused a riot when it was played on British television.
The Sex Pistols broke up in 1978, after only two years and four singles. Johnny Rotten went on to form the post-punk band Public Image Ltd., while Steve Jones and Paul Cook started the rockabilly band The Professionals.
Sound
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.
Influence
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk rock movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians. Although their initial career lasted just two-and-a-half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.
The Clash
Formed in 1976, The Clash was a punk rock band from London, England. The band was composed of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky Topper Headon. The group rose to prominence in the United Kingdom with their 1977 debut album, The Clash.
Origins
The origins of punk rock date back to the early 1960s, when a group of musicians in the United Kingdom started playing raw, basic rock ‘n roll. Inspired by the music of bands like The Kinks and The Who, these musicians began experimenting with new sounds and ways of playing their instruments. This new style of music became known as “punk rock”.
Punk rock quickly spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it influenced the development of other genres of music such as alternative rock, grunge, and metal. Punk bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols became famous for their brash attitude and DIY ethic. Today, punk rock is still going strong and there are many great punk bands making new music.
If you’re looking to get into punk rock, or just want to check out some great bands, here are five that you need to know about:
1. Green Day
Green Day is one of the most popular punk bands of all time. Formed in 1986 in California, Green Day has released 12 studio albums, sold over 85 million records worldwide, and won five Grammy Awards. They are best known for their hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “American Idiot”.
2. Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American rock band formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. The band has released nine studio albums and has won 11 Grammy Awards. They are best known for their songs “Everlong” and “My Hero”.
3. Blink-182
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Sound
The initial wave of punk rock was primarily an English phenomenon, with London as the punk capital of the world and the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and the Damned as the genre’s most important bands. The movement quickly spread to Australia, where it produced such bands as the Saints and Radio Birdman, as well as to America, where it found a home in such cities as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. From there it spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe.
Influence
The Punk movement started in the mid-’70s as a reaction against the excesses of Prog and Hard Rock. Punk bands were raw and aggressive, with simple, three-chord songs and a DIY ethic. They were often political, and they rejected the mainstream music industry. Punk quickly spread from its roots in England to the United States and beyond, inspiring new waves of Punk in the ’80s and ’90s. Here are five of the best Punk bands from around the world.
1. The Clash (United Kingdom)
2. The Ramones (United States)
3. Sex Pistols (United Kingdom)
4. The Stooges (United States)
5. X-Ray Spex (United Kingdom)
The Damned
The Damned, formed in 1976, was the first punk band from the United Kingdom to release a single, “New Rose”, and an album, Damned Damned Damned. The band is still active today, and their most recent album, Evil Spirits, was released in 2018.
Origins
Formed in Ace Cafe in England in 1976, The Damned were one of the first UK punk bands. They were known for their wild onstage antics and their dark, gothic image. Their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, was released in 1977 and is considered one of the classic punk albums. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and they are still active today. If you’re a fan of punk rock, you need to check out The Damned!
Sound
When it comes to punk, there are a lot of different subgenres. Some are heavier, some are softer, and some are downright funky. If you’re looking to add a little more groove to your punk rock collection, check out these five bands.
1. The Damned – With a sound that is part gothic rock and part punk, The Damned were one of the first punk bands to emerge from the UK scene in the 1970s. They’ve been through a lot of lineup changes over the years, but their original singer, Dave Vanian, is still with the band today.
2. X-Ray Spex – This all-female punk band from London was known for their eccentric style and DIY ethic. They only released one album, but it’s a classic of the genre.
3. The Slits – Another all-female punk band, The Slits were contemporaries of The Clash and shared a similar DIY ethic. They’re best known for their song “Typical Girls,” which was covered by Nirvana in 1993.
4. Gang of Four – This post-punk band from Leeds was known for their political lyrics and innovative use of rhythms. They influenced a lot of subsequent bands, including R.E.M., Nirvana, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
5. Talking Heads – Though they started out as an art rock band, Talking Heads embraced funk and disco as they became more popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They’re best known for their hits “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime.”
Influence
The Damned were one of the original UK punk bands, and their influence can still be felt today. Formed in 1976, The Damned were known for their dark, gothic image and sound, which was a stark contrast to the more crudely produced and political punk bands that were popular at the time. Their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, is considered to be one of the first true punk rock albums, and it includes the classic track “Neat Neat Neat”. The band would go on to release several more influential albums before breaking up in the early 1980s.
Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys are one of the most well-known punk bands of all time. They were formed in San Francisco in 1978 and are known for their politically charged lyrics. The band members are: Jello Biafra (lead vocals), East Bay Ray (guitar), Klaus Flouride (bass), and D.H. Peligro (drums).
Origins
The Dead Kennedys were one of the most influential punk bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band was founded in San Francisco in 1978 by singer/songwriter Jello Biafra and guitarist East Bay Ray. The band’s lineup also included drummer D.H. Peligro and bassist Klaus Flouride.
The Dead Kennedys were known for their politically charged lyrics and sarcastic sense of humor. The band’s debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, was released in 1980 and featured the popular singles “California Uber Alles” and “Dead Kennedys – 5 Funky Punk Bands You Need to Know About.” The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established the Dead Kennedys as one of the leading bands in the punk rock scene.
The Dead Kennedys continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, but internal tensions within the band led to their disbandment in 1986. Despite their relatively short career, the Dead Kennedys left a lasting impact on punk rock music and culture.
Sound
The Dead Kennedys sound is unique in that it fuses together a number of different genres, including punk, surf rock, and new wave. One of the things that sets them apart from other punk bands is their use of humor, which is often satire. This combination of genres and elements creates a sound that is both unique and accessible to a wide audience.
Influence
One of the most influential punk bands of all time, the Dead Kennedys were known for their provocative lyrics and social commentary. Formed in San Francisco in 1978, the band was fronted by singer-songwriter Jello Biafra, who wrote most of their material. Musically, they blended elements of punk and surf rock, creating a unique sound that earned them a devoted following.
The Dead Kennedys were one of the first punk bands to incorporate keyboards into their music, and they were also one of the first to experiment with different genres, incorporating reggae, ska, and even disco into their songs. Their biggest hit was “Too Drunk to Fuck,” a song about sexual excess that became an underground anthem.
The Dead Kennedys were active until 1986, when they broke up due to creative differences. They reunited briefly in 2001 for a series of live shows, but have since disbanded again. Despite this, their influence can still be felt in many modern punk bands.
