punk
A raw, aggressive rock subgenre that emerged in the 1970s, emphasising simplicity, energy, and DIY attitude.
In Depth
Punk rock stripped rock music back to its essentials: three chords, fast tempos, short songs, and an aggressive, anti-establishment attitude. The movement emerged simultaneously in New York (Ramones, Television) and London (Sex Pistols, The Clash) in the mid-1970s as a reaction against what punks saw as the pretentiousness of progressive rock.
Punk's cultural impact extends far beyond its music. The DIY ethic — anyone can start a band, anyone can release a record — democratised music production and distribution. Punk spawned post-punk, hardcore, pop-punk, and riot grrrl, and its influence on fashion, art, and politics remains powerful. The spirit of punk — rejecting gatekeepers and doing it yourself — is arguably more relevant today than ever.
The Sex Pistols existed for just two and a half years and released only one album, yet they are considered one of the most influential bands in music history.