Punk rock (or simply punk) is a rock music genre that appeared between the years of 1974 and 1976, and its roots are born of the 60s garage rock. Punk rock was never a mainstream genre, but did influence traditional rock bands; in some cases it did have wide commercial success. Here are what we believe to be the best this genre has to offer…
1. “Blitzkrieg Bop” – Ramones
2. “Anarchy in the UK” – Sex Pistols
3. “Complete Control” – The Clash
4. “Kick Out the Jams – MC5
5. “Holiday in Cambodia” – Dead Kennedys
6. “Waiting Room” – Fugazi
7. “London Calling” – The Clash
8. “Search and Destroy” – The Stooges
9. “God Save the Queen” – Sex Pistols
Observation: As you can see, most of these bands never became household names. The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, Stooges, and the Clash did make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame though. MC5 may make the Hall within a year or two. Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols died at the age of 21, while Joe Strummer died at the age of 50 in 2002. Each should be given credit for what popularity punk rock did have.
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