YMHS
2014
Punk Rock
Kaylee Fagan
Senior Thesis
Aaron Garland
Sonja Linman
May 23, 2014
Punk Rock- (noun)“”Rock music marked by extreme and often deliberately offensive expressions of alienation and social disconnect”
The Punk Rock movement is comprised of intensity political activists who were willing to overstep boundaries to push their message through their music. Although the message is solid and well informed, the lifestyle resulted in a lack of political power/ respect and ultimately for many self activists this meant self-destruction. For those who did not self destruct, they gained political power and created cultural change through lyrics and actions that ultimately impacted society over time.
The genre of punk rock made it nearly impossible to write the history of itself, due to underground ideologie. Punk rock's anthem "no future" was a pessimistic attitude towards the future, which is partially responsible for the later lack of interest by most. The term punk became popular due to posters hung around New York City that said “PUNK IS COMING! WATCH OUT!” Punk rock rejected the 60s hippie movement, the bright colors, loose clothes and the unkept hippie look was highly criticized among the pock rock community. With the 1970s rise of superficial disco music, big hair and pantsuits, punk was a rebellious way of saying “no thanks” to the mainstream genre. Punk rock was created from an angry generation and it truly showed in their music and lifestyle. Punk was the start of fast “hard-edged” music with typically short songs. Often the song’s lyrics were political and/or anti establishment.
Typically a punk band is made up of one or two guitarists, one bassist, one drummer and one or two vocalists, all of whom used music for the expression of discontent with the general political climate of the day. Punk rock bands operated in small "scenes" that were generally local. Most punk bands followed the DIY mentality (to build, modify or repair something without the help of professionals,) for example, the refusal to use large record companies, or go mainstream. They made the choice to stay underground. In addition to rejecting the mainstream, punk fashion is an expression of non-conformity toward society and current trends. Do to the looks of punkers, they were often discriminated against by the general public. Punks tended to be extremely rebellious and have very anti-capitalist, anti-establishment and frequently categorized “left-wing” views.
Punk rock is a genre that developed in the 60s, with bands like the Stooges, Velvet Underground, The Dictators and mc5 but became more known between 1974 and 1976. In 1975 Malcolm McLaren and Viviane Westwood started "SEX", a clothing company producing a radical punk style. The Ramones held a show July 6th, that inspired many future punk rock leaders in the U.K and launched the U.K punk movement into full swing. Punk exploded in 1977 with bands such as The Damned and the Sex Pistols. Punk in the U.K had more economic roots due to conditions in England at the time. Unemployment rates were at an all time high, causing dissatisfaction among the youth of industrial Britain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) . Nearly all British punk bands at the time expressed an attitude of angry, social annihilation. Punk bands such as the Sex Pistols used intentional strategies for political revolution. The philosophy was very minimalist and used nihilism to support its careless, humorous and sometimes bleak character. In the U.S (mainly New York) artists such as Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Ramones and Blondie were also active, but were within a more stable economy so were not as politically rooted until later, during the Reagan term. The drug influence/subculture of new york (especially heroin) formed a fatal stage in the New York City punk scene. Patti Smith's first album “Horses” was a large inspiration to the 70s punk movement. The movie “A Clockwork Orange” as well had a large influence over punk in the 70s. Some say that punk rock arose at CBGB’s in New York in 1975 then spread to England and California in 1976, then Canada, Australia and other parts of America in 1977 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) (http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html) . Although The Ramones influenced American punk, most say they had more of an impact on Britain's punk scene. LA was also facing economic hardship, with a thriving drug scene and massive amounts of collage art students. It is said that LA had one of the earliest punk scenes.
By the 80s many people had caught on to the fashion of punk, but did not listen to the music or live the life-style. These people were referred to as “posers.” Sporting songs and lyrics more about "fun" and "relationships" as opposed to punk rock’s general nihilism and anti-establishment ideology, these bands were referred to as "pop punk," and bands such as the Buzzcocks and Generation X exemplified the term early on (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) True punks saw punk as more than a fashion statement, it was a way of life and refused to change with the time and conform to society. The original Punk scene peaked in the late 70s, mutating the hardcore underground punk scene that arose in the 80s. Many punk rock bands had ties to other genres such as reggae, funk and rockabilly. Sexism was very prominent in punk rock culture until the late 80s. During the late 80s punk began to diversify in political views, which lead to sub-genres within punk rock. The early 80s punk underwent a renaissance as the hardcore punk subculture/genre emerged. The hard core subgenre was first U.S based, and was more fast and more aggressive. It was more politically based in the 80s era than the 70s, due to the Reagan term. It can be argued that "hardcore" first emerged in Washington D.C.. Early hardcore bands included the Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Bad Brains, the Descendants, and Minor Threat. The New York hardcore scene included Agnostic Front, the Cro-mags, Murphy's Law and Sick of it All. "Straight-edge" and "skate punk" emerged from the hardcore subgenre. Washington D.C's band Minor Threat made the "straight edge" definition popular amongst punk. Ian McKaye (lead singer), considered one of the most influential straight edgers in history having introduced the subgenre to kids in the 80s. The dead kennedys generally played all age shows to involve young people in politics. The Punk Rock movement began to carry clout and use it’s power for “change.” In 1974 Jello Biafra ran for mayor of San Francisco, with the slogan "There's Always Room for Jello". He finished fourth out of a field of ten, receiving 3.79% of the vote (6,591 votes); the election ended in a runoff that did not involve him (Feinstein was declared the winner). He was very politically active and opened politics to the punk culture in a new way.
A new movement started in the mainstream in the early 90s claiming to be punk, when bands tried take bits and pieces from the genre to sell themselves as "rebels". True punkers adamantly complained that being signed to major record labels and appearing on MTV (music television) was giving into the system that punk rock tried so hard to fight against. With bands such as Green Day, Rancid, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Sum 41 and AFI (all of which known as pop punk). "Alternative Rock" was another genre that mainstream media tried claiming as punk. The late 90s saw a second skate punk revival with bands like The Offspring, Pennywise, and NOFX, all of which were signed to Epitaph Records, an independent record label company owned by Brett Gurewitz (of Bad Religion). Through the 80s to current times, Bad Religion and other “old school” bands have been a major influence on current punk bands.Ska another sub-genre of punk rock, revival continued through 2000s with bands like Streetlight Manifesto, Reel Big Fish, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Fat Mike (of NOFX) launched the "Rock Against Bush" tour to mimic the "Rock Against Reagan" tour in the 80s. In 2012, a documentary called "A Band Called Death" was made about a band classified about punk that pre-dated the Ramones, The dictators and any "hard-core" sound that is punk. To this day there is still a widespread punk scene in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. Illegal downloading supports current punk bands and the DIY idiologie.
"Punk rock was created by the youths who identified themselves, not primarily as artists, but as bored working class youths looking for entertainment" -Tricia Henry***
As recently as this year, 2014, Pussy Riot, a Russian punk band made headlines for human rights activism. A relatively recent arrival to the political punk scene, Anti-Flag is still one of the most politically active bands, standing up against war and capitalism, and addressing such issues as fascism in the punk scene, American foreign policy and racism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) (http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/283096/politics) (http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_biafra) (http://punkmusic.about.com/od/punkinthenews/a/Who-Is-Pussy-Riot.htm)
Every music genre / creative culture and community of artists contains people who manage their brilliance, and those who can't. Artists tend to be risk-takers which can lead to either a destructive path, or an enlightened path. Consequently the punk rock culture contributes to self destruction by its very definition. Those who self destructed through punk rock culture, such as Sid and Nancy Vicious and Jeff Hanneman, continue to influence the culture of activists, but often in a manner that encourages and results in the ultimate loss of life.
Sid Vicious, (John Simon Richie), was born may 10th 1957 in Lewisham, London. Sid’s mother was a dropout who joined the RAF(Royal Air Force). His father was a guardsman at Buckingham Palace. Sid’s father abandon him and his mother, shortly after his mother married Christopher Beverly in 1965. Christopher died three years later in 1968 from cancer. Sid inherited Christopher’s last name. While Sid was in Hackney Technical College, he met John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) in 1973. Lydon gave him the nickname Sid after his hamster when he had said, “This Sid really is vicious.” Sid and Johnny started “busking” and “squatting” the streets of London together.
Sid had a successful musical career with multiple bands, although the Sex Pistols were most famous. Sid’s first band was named The Flowers of Romance and the Banshees. This band started in 1976 with Keith Levene (of The Clash) Palmolive and Viv Albertine (who became The Slits). Sid played the drums. He was considered for the role of the lead singer of The Damned, but never showed for the audition. Sid claimed that his favorite band was The Ramones. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious)
The second band Sid joined was his most well known, The Sex Pistols. Johnny Rotten asked Sid to join the band in 1977, after Glen Matlock left the band. Sid played his first gig with the Sex Pistols on April 3rd 1977 at “The Screen on the Green” in London. On the band’s tour to the U.S in 1978, Sid carved “gimme a fix” into his own chest. According to Malcolm McLauren, Sid’s punk charisma is what made the Sex Pistols such a good stage show.
After the Sex Pistols Sid tried to start a solo career playing with musicians such as Mick Jones of The Clash, Glen Matlock previous bassist of the Sex Pistols, Rat Scabies of The Damned and The New York Dolls. He played mainly at Max’s Kansas City, due to the large crowds it drew. Sid and Nancy moved to the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, New York in 1978. Sid was accused of murdering Nancy with a single stab to the abdomen, with a knife registered in Sid’s name. She was found on the bathroom floor of their hotel room. Ten days after Nancy’s death Sid attempted to kill himself by slitting his wrists with a shard of glass from a broken light bulb. Sid was arrested Dec. 9th, 1978 and sent to jail for 55 days on a $50,000 dollar bond. The self destructive culture was in full swing and kids around the world were able to watch and emulate the behaviors of the bands as television and news papers picked up the information. The “underground bands” were “above ground” and attracting attention and mimicking actions based on shock value rather than the message of the movement.
On Feb. 2nd, 1979 Sid had a small gathering at his new girlfriend (Michelle Robinson) house to celebrate making bail. Sid remained clean through his entire experience of jail. Sid’s mother was a heroin addict as well, and had some delivered to the home. Sid overdosed at midnight but they forced him to walk around, in order to revive him. At 3 am Sid and Michelle went to bed together and he was found dead the next morning. Later that week, a suicide note was found in his coat, it said “We had a death pact, and I have to keep my end of the bargain. Please bury me next to my baby in my leather jacket, jeans, and boots. Goodbye.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious) Since Nancy was Jewish, she was buried in a Jewish cemetery, where Sid could not be buried.
Nancy Vicious, Nancy Laura Spungen, was born on Feb. 27th, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nancy was born with severe cyanosis and nearly died of oxygen deprevation after being choked by her umbilical cord. Nancy was a difficult baby, she threw temper tantrums and was prescribed barbitutes. At 15, Nancy was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At the age of 16 Nancy graduated early and was accepted into the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Shortly after, she was arrested for purchasing marijuana from an undercover police officer. Nancy had also been arrested for stealing from others’ dorm rooms, and was expelled from the university. Nancy was offered a plea bargain and banished from the state of Colorado. After being fired on the first day of her new job, Nancy started stealing and selling drugs to support herself. At the age of 17 Nancy moved to New York, and became a stripper, at a strip club near Times Square. She followed bands like the Ramones, and Aerosmith.
In 1976 Nancy moved to London (supposedly over Jerry Nolan of the Heart Breakers), and that’s where she met the Sex Pistols. Initially, she was trying to get with Johnny Rotten (lead singer), but he showed no interest. She moved in with Sid Vicious (bassist). They were together for 23 months, and were both addicted to heroin. When the Sex Pistols broke up in Jan. of 1978 Sid and Nancy moved to the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious)
Sid and Nancy got deeper and deeper into their drug addiction and domestic violence became an issue. The relationship ended Oct. 12th when she was found dead on the bathroom floor of their hotel room with one single stab to the abdomen. Four months after Nancy’s death Sid overdosed on a lethal amount of heroin and died before his trial. Nancy was buried in Philadelphia.
“A young woman is dead. I don’t care. You probably don’t care. The police don’t care, the papers don’t care, and the punks don’t care. I suppose the only people who do care are her parents, and the boy accused of murdering her.” - Lester Bangs
For every self-destructing musician, there are those who use their lives to continue to “cause.” fame can destroy people, or it can provide a platform for expression and cultural change. Jello Biafra is a strong example of a musician who used his fame and fortune for activism and community shift.
Eric Boucher, Jello Biafra, was born June 17th, 1958 in Boulder, Colorado. His mother was a psychiatric social worker and poet. His sister, Julie J. Boucher died in 1997
in a mountain climbing accident. Ever since a child, Biafra was interested in international politics, in fact, one of his earliest memories was of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Biafra had been a fan of rock music since a very young age as well. In 1977, Biafra became a roadie for a band called the Ravers (who later became the Nails.) He attended the University of California in Santa Cruz. He studied acting and the history of Paraguay until he dropped out and joined the punk scene of Francisco.
In 1974, when Jello Biafra ran for mayor of San Francisco, he inspired others in the punk movement to use intelligence and public platform for social/political activism. Eric responded to an advertisement saying, “Guitarist wants to form punk band” Jello Biafra and “East Bay Ray” formed the Dead Kennedys.The Dead Kennedys toured widely starting in the late 1970’s. In June, 1979 Biafra co-founded a record label “alternative Technical’s”. Biafra started speaking his political views. Though the bulk of his albums have featured his singing, he has also released eight spoken-word recordings. Biafra wrote the lyrics, which tended to be political but with a sense of humor regardless of the serious subject matter. The Dead Kennedys were one of the first U.S punk bands to be politically themed. Biafra tried to play guitar, but was not very good at it, so Klaus Fluoride (bassist) suggested that he just sing. Biafra recorded practice and sessions with a tape recorder, which later caused problems with the other band members, resulting in a lawsuit for royalties and publishing rights, but it maintained the underground ideology of the movement. Biafra’s first single with the Dead Kennedys was “California Uber Alles”; the song resulted in many covers. Their second hit song was “Holiday in Cambodia”. The Album “Kill the Poor” was about potential abuse of the neutron bomb. Controversy conspired over the album “Too Drunk To Fuck” when it became a hit single in Britain and made it to 31 on the charts. In 1986 Biafra was taken to trial buy the, Parents Music Resource Center, they felt offended by the “penis landscape”, a print included in the album. Facing up to a year in jail and a $2000 dollar fine, they founded the No More Censorship Fund, a benefit made up of several punk bands to help pay the legal fines. The Dead Kennedys broke up in Dec. 1986 due to legal costs. When attending a re-trial the judge dropped all charges. In Oct. 1998 former band members tried to sue Biafra for royalties to “Holiday in Cambodia”. In May 2000, the court found Biafra guilty for fraud and malice, he was ordered to pay $200,000 dollars in court fees
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_Biafra)
In 2000, the New York State Green Party drafted Biafra as a candidate for the Green Party presidential nomination, and a few supporters were elected to the party's nominating convention in Denver, Colorado. Biafra chose death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal as his running mate. The party overwhelmingly chose Ralph Nader as the presidential candidate with 295 of the 319 delegate votes. Biafra received 10 votes. After losing the 2000 nomination, Jello became highly active in Ralph Nader’s presidential campaign, as well as remaining involved in 2004 and 2008. During the 2008 campaign, Jello played at rallies and answered questions for journalists in support of Ralph Nader. After Barack Obama won the general election, Jello wrote an open letter making suggestions on how to run his term as president.
Although some punkers self destructed, many have continued to use the genre for social reform and have tempered their behavior to address social issues and make a difference in the street and current political culture. Many bands still tour so that the younger generation has a chance to see punk and what it is about. Punk's not dead, its reforming, as it has been for generations. The mainstream is pushed so hard onto the youth of today, that this generation is manipulated and controlled and most will do anything to “fit in.” It will be up to the few who are true originals and refuse to conform who will SAVE this generation.
Works Cited
""No Future"." "No Future". N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2014. <http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html>.
"History of the punk subculture." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture>.
"Jello biafra." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Mar. 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_biafra>.
"Nancy Spungen." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 July 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Spungen>.
"Punk ideologies." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 July 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_ideologies>.
"Sid vicious." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Mar. 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_vicious>.
"Teen Ink." Teen Ink. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://www.teenink.com/academic/article/283096>.
"Who Is Pussy Riot?." About.com Punk Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://punkmusic.about.com/od/punkinthenews/a/Who-Is-Pussy-Riot.htm>.
MLA formatting by BibMe.org.
2014
Punk Rock
Kaylee Fagan
Senior Thesis
Aaron Garland
Sonja Linman
May 23, 2014
Punk Rock- (noun)“”Rock music marked by extreme and often deliberately offensive expressions of alienation and social disconnect”
The Punk Rock movement is comprised of intensity political activists who were willing to overstep boundaries to push their message through their music. Although the message is solid and well informed, the lifestyle resulted in a lack of political power/ respect and ultimately for many self activists this meant self-destruction. For those who did not self destruct, they gained political power and created cultural change through lyrics and actions that ultimately impacted society over time.
The genre of punk rock made it nearly impossible to write the history of itself, due to underground ideologie. Punk rock's anthem "no future" was a pessimistic attitude towards the future, which is partially responsible for the later lack of interest by most. The term punk became popular due to posters hung around New York City that said “PUNK IS COMING! WATCH OUT!” Punk rock rejected the 60s hippie movement, the bright colors, loose clothes and the unkept hippie look was highly criticized among the pock rock community. With the 1970s rise of superficial disco music, big hair and pantsuits, punk was a rebellious way of saying “no thanks” to the mainstream genre. Punk rock was created from an angry generation and it truly showed in their music and lifestyle. Punk was the start of fast “hard-edged” music with typically short songs. Often the song’s lyrics were political and/or anti establishment.
Typically a punk band is made up of one or two guitarists, one bassist, one drummer and one or two vocalists, all of whom used music for the expression of discontent with the general political climate of the day. Punk rock bands operated in small "scenes" that were generally local. Most punk bands followed the DIY mentality (to build, modify or repair something without the help of professionals,) for example, the refusal to use large record companies, or go mainstream. They made the choice to stay underground. In addition to rejecting the mainstream, punk fashion is an expression of non-conformity toward society and current trends. Do to the looks of punkers, they were often discriminated against by the general public. Punks tended to be extremely rebellious and have very anti-capitalist, anti-establishment and frequently categorized “left-wing” views.
Punk rock is a genre that developed in the 60s, with bands like the Stooges, Velvet Underground, The Dictators and mc5 but became more known between 1974 and 1976. In 1975 Malcolm McLaren and Viviane Westwood started "SEX", a clothing company producing a radical punk style. The Ramones held a show July 6th, that inspired many future punk rock leaders in the U.K and launched the U.K punk movement into full swing. Punk exploded in 1977 with bands such as The Damned and the Sex Pistols. Punk in the U.K had more economic roots due to conditions in England at the time. Unemployment rates were at an all time high, causing dissatisfaction among the youth of industrial Britain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) . Nearly all British punk bands at the time expressed an attitude of angry, social annihilation. Punk bands such as the Sex Pistols used intentional strategies for political revolution. The philosophy was very minimalist and used nihilism to support its careless, humorous and sometimes bleak character. In the U.S (mainly New York) artists such as Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Ramones and Blondie were also active, but were within a more stable economy so were not as politically rooted until later, during the Reagan term. The drug influence/subculture of new york (especially heroin) formed a fatal stage in the New York City punk scene. Patti Smith's first album “Horses” was a large inspiration to the 70s punk movement. The movie “A Clockwork Orange” as well had a large influence over punk in the 70s. Some say that punk rock arose at CBGB’s in New York in 1975 then spread to England and California in 1976, then Canada, Australia and other parts of America in 1977 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) (http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html) . Although The Ramones influenced American punk, most say they had more of an impact on Britain's punk scene. LA was also facing economic hardship, with a thriving drug scene and massive amounts of collage art students. It is said that LA had one of the earliest punk scenes.
By the 80s many people had caught on to the fashion of punk, but did not listen to the music or live the life-style. These people were referred to as “posers.” Sporting songs and lyrics more about "fun" and "relationships" as opposed to punk rock’s general nihilism and anti-establishment ideology, these bands were referred to as "pop punk," and bands such as the Buzzcocks and Generation X exemplified the term early on (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) True punks saw punk as more than a fashion statement, it was a way of life and refused to change with the time and conform to society. The original Punk scene peaked in the late 70s, mutating the hardcore underground punk scene that arose in the 80s. Many punk rock bands had ties to other genres such as reggae, funk and rockabilly. Sexism was very prominent in punk rock culture until the late 80s. During the late 80s punk began to diversify in political views, which lead to sub-genres within punk rock. The early 80s punk underwent a renaissance as the hardcore punk subculture/genre emerged. The hard core subgenre was first U.S based, and was more fast and more aggressive. It was more politically based in the 80s era than the 70s, due to the Reagan term. It can be argued that "hardcore" first emerged in Washington D.C.. Early hardcore bands included the Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Bad Brains, the Descendants, and Minor Threat. The New York hardcore scene included Agnostic Front, the Cro-mags, Murphy's Law and Sick of it All. "Straight-edge" and "skate punk" emerged from the hardcore subgenre. Washington D.C's band Minor Threat made the "straight edge" definition popular amongst punk. Ian McKaye (lead singer), considered one of the most influential straight edgers in history having introduced the subgenre to kids in the 80s. The dead kennedys generally played all age shows to involve young people in politics. The Punk Rock movement began to carry clout and use it’s power for “change.” In 1974 Jello Biafra ran for mayor of San Francisco, with the slogan "There's Always Room for Jello". He finished fourth out of a field of ten, receiving 3.79% of the vote (6,591 votes); the election ended in a runoff that did not involve him (Feinstein was declared the winner). He was very politically active and opened politics to the punk culture in a new way.
A new movement started in the mainstream in the early 90s claiming to be punk, when bands tried take bits and pieces from the genre to sell themselves as "rebels". True punkers adamantly complained that being signed to major record labels and appearing on MTV (music television) was giving into the system that punk rock tried so hard to fight against. With bands such as Green Day, Rancid, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Sum 41 and AFI (all of which known as pop punk). "Alternative Rock" was another genre that mainstream media tried claiming as punk. The late 90s saw a second skate punk revival with bands like The Offspring, Pennywise, and NOFX, all of which were signed to Epitaph Records, an independent record label company owned by Brett Gurewitz (of Bad Religion). Through the 80s to current times, Bad Religion and other “old school” bands have been a major influence on current punk bands.Ska another sub-genre of punk rock, revival continued through 2000s with bands like Streetlight Manifesto, Reel Big Fish, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Fat Mike (of NOFX) launched the "Rock Against Bush" tour to mimic the "Rock Against Reagan" tour in the 80s. In 2012, a documentary called "A Band Called Death" was made about a band classified about punk that pre-dated the Ramones, The dictators and any "hard-core" sound that is punk. To this day there is still a widespread punk scene in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. Illegal downloading supports current punk bands and the DIY idiologie.
"Punk rock was created by the youths who identified themselves, not primarily as artists, but as bored working class youths looking for entertainment" -Tricia Henry***
As recently as this year, 2014, Pussy Riot, a Russian punk band made headlines for human rights activism. A relatively recent arrival to the political punk scene, Anti-Flag is still one of the most politically active bands, standing up against war and capitalism, and addressing such issues as fascism in the punk scene, American foreign policy and racism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture) (http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/283096/politics) (http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_biafra) (http://punkmusic.about.com/od/punkinthenews/a/Who-Is-Pussy-Riot.htm)
Every music genre / creative culture and community of artists contains people who manage their brilliance, and those who can't. Artists tend to be risk-takers which can lead to either a destructive path, or an enlightened path. Consequently the punk rock culture contributes to self destruction by its very definition. Those who self destructed through punk rock culture, such as Sid and Nancy Vicious and Jeff Hanneman, continue to influence the culture of activists, but often in a manner that encourages and results in the ultimate loss of life.
Sid Vicious, (John Simon Richie), was born may 10th 1957 in Lewisham, London. Sid’s mother was a dropout who joined the RAF(Royal Air Force). His father was a guardsman at Buckingham Palace. Sid’s father abandon him and his mother, shortly after his mother married Christopher Beverly in 1965. Christopher died three years later in 1968 from cancer. Sid inherited Christopher’s last name. While Sid was in Hackney Technical College, he met John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) in 1973. Lydon gave him the nickname Sid after his hamster when he had said, “This Sid really is vicious.” Sid and Johnny started “busking” and “squatting” the streets of London together.
Sid had a successful musical career with multiple bands, although the Sex Pistols were most famous. Sid’s first band was named The Flowers of Romance and the Banshees. This band started in 1976 with Keith Levene (of The Clash) Palmolive and Viv Albertine (who became The Slits). Sid played the drums. He was considered for the role of the lead singer of The Damned, but never showed for the audition. Sid claimed that his favorite band was The Ramones. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious)
The second band Sid joined was his most well known, The Sex Pistols. Johnny Rotten asked Sid to join the band in 1977, after Glen Matlock left the band. Sid played his first gig with the Sex Pistols on April 3rd 1977 at “The Screen on the Green” in London. On the band’s tour to the U.S in 1978, Sid carved “gimme a fix” into his own chest. According to Malcolm McLauren, Sid’s punk charisma is what made the Sex Pistols such a good stage show.
After the Sex Pistols Sid tried to start a solo career playing with musicians such as Mick Jones of The Clash, Glen Matlock previous bassist of the Sex Pistols, Rat Scabies of The Damned and The New York Dolls. He played mainly at Max’s Kansas City, due to the large crowds it drew. Sid and Nancy moved to the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, New York in 1978. Sid was accused of murdering Nancy with a single stab to the abdomen, with a knife registered in Sid’s name. She was found on the bathroom floor of their hotel room. Ten days after Nancy’s death Sid attempted to kill himself by slitting his wrists with a shard of glass from a broken light bulb. Sid was arrested Dec. 9th, 1978 and sent to jail for 55 days on a $50,000 dollar bond. The self destructive culture was in full swing and kids around the world were able to watch and emulate the behaviors of the bands as television and news papers picked up the information. The “underground bands” were “above ground” and attracting attention and mimicking actions based on shock value rather than the message of the movement.
On Feb. 2nd, 1979 Sid had a small gathering at his new girlfriend (Michelle Robinson) house to celebrate making bail. Sid remained clean through his entire experience of jail. Sid’s mother was a heroin addict as well, and had some delivered to the home. Sid overdosed at midnight but they forced him to walk around, in order to revive him. At 3 am Sid and Michelle went to bed together and he was found dead the next morning. Later that week, a suicide note was found in his coat, it said “We had a death pact, and I have to keep my end of the bargain. Please bury me next to my baby in my leather jacket, jeans, and boots. Goodbye.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious) Since Nancy was Jewish, she was buried in a Jewish cemetery, where Sid could not be buried.
Nancy Vicious, Nancy Laura Spungen, was born on Feb. 27th, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nancy was born with severe cyanosis and nearly died of oxygen deprevation after being choked by her umbilical cord. Nancy was a difficult baby, she threw temper tantrums and was prescribed barbitutes. At 15, Nancy was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At the age of 16 Nancy graduated early and was accepted into the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Shortly after, she was arrested for purchasing marijuana from an undercover police officer. Nancy had also been arrested for stealing from others’ dorm rooms, and was expelled from the university. Nancy was offered a plea bargain and banished from the state of Colorado. After being fired on the first day of her new job, Nancy started stealing and selling drugs to support herself. At the age of 17 Nancy moved to New York, and became a stripper, at a strip club near Times Square. She followed bands like the Ramones, and Aerosmith.
In 1976 Nancy moved to London (supposedly over Jerry Nolan of the Heart Breakers), and that’s where she met the Sex Pistols. Initially, she was trying to get with Johnny Rotten (lead singer), but he showed no interest. She moved in with Sid Vicious (bassist). They were together for 23 months, and were both addicted to heroin. When the Sex Pistols broke up in Jan. of 1978 Sid and Nancy moved to the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Vicious)
Sid and Nancy got deeper and deeper into their drug addiction and domestic violence became an issue. The relationship ended Oct. 12th when she was found dead on the bathroom floor of their hotel room with one single stab to the abdomen. Four months after Nancy’s death Sid overdosed on a lethal amount of heroin and died before his trial. Nancy was buried in Philadelphia.
“A young woman is dead. I don’t care. You probably don’t care. The police don’t care, the papers don’t care, and the punks don’t care. I suppose the only people who do care are her parents, and the boy accused of murdering her.” - Lester Bangs
For every self-destructing musician, there are those who use their lives to continue to “cause.” fame can destroy people, or it can provide a platform for expression and cultural change. Jello Biafra is a strong example of a musician who used his fame and fortune for activism and community shift.
Eric Boucher, Jello Biafra, was born June 17th, 1958 in Boulder, Colorado. His mother was a psychiatric social worker and poet. His sister, Julie J. Boucher died in 1997
in a mountain climbing accident. Ever since a child, Biafra was interested in international politics, in fact, one of his earliest memories was of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Biafra had been a fan of rock music since a very young age as well. In 1977, Biafra became a roadie for a band called the Ravers (who later became the Nails.) He attended the University of California in Santa Cruz. He studied acting and the history of Paraguay until he dropped out and joined the punk scene of Francisco.
In 1974, when Jello Biafra ran for mayor of San Francisco, he inspired others in the punk movement to use intelligence and public platform for social/political activism. Eric responded to an advertisement saying, “Guitarist wants to form punk band” Jello Biafra and “East Bay Ray” formed the Dead Kennedys.The Dead Kennedys toured widely starting in the late 1970’s. In June, 1979 Biafra co-founded a record label “alternative Technical’s”. Biafra started speaking his political views. Though the bulk of his albums have featured his singing, he has also released eight spoken-word recordings. Biafra wrote the lyrics, which tended to be political but with a sense of humor regardless of the serious subject matter. The Dead Kennedys were one of the first U.S punk bands to be politically themed. Biafra tried to play guitar, but was not very good at it, so Klaus Fluoride (bassist) suggested that he just sing. Biafra recorded practice and sessions with a tape recorder, which later caused problems with the other band members, resulting in a lawsuit for royalties and publishing rights, but it maintained the underground ideology of the movement. Biafra’s first single with the Dead Kennedys was “California Uber Alles”; the song resulted in many covers. Their second hit song was “Holiday in Cambodia”. The Album “Kill the Poor” was about potential abuse of the neutron bomb. Controversy conspired over the album “Too Drunk To Fuck” when it became a hit single in Britain and made it to 31 on the charts. In 1986 Biafra was taken to trial buy the, Parents Music Resource Center, they felt offended by the “penis landscape”, a print included in the album. Facing up to a year in jail and a $2000 dollar fine, they founded the No More Censorship Fund, a benefit made up of several punk bands to help pay the legal fines. The Dead Kennedys broke up in Dec. 1986 due to legal costs. When attending a re-trial the judge dropped all charges. In Oct. 1998 former band members tried to sue Biafra for royalties to “Holiday in Cambodia”. In May 2000, the court found Biafra guilty for fraud and malice, he was ordered to pay $200,000 dollars in court fees
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_Biafra)
In 2000, the New York State Green Party drafted Biafra as a candidate for the Green Party presidential nomination, and a few supporters were elected to the party's nominating convention in Denver, Colorado. Biafra chose death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal as his running mate. The party overwhelmingly chose Ralph Nader as the presidential candidate with 295 of the 319 delegate votes. Biafra received 10 votes. After losing the 2000 nomination, Jello became highly active in Ralph Nader’s presidential campaign, as well as remaining involved in 2004 and 2008. During the 2008 campaign, Jello played at rallies and answered questions for journalists in support of Ralph Nader. After Barack Obama won the general election, Jello wrote an open letter making suggestions on how to run his term as president.
Although some punkers self destructed, many have continued to use the genre for social reform and have tempered their behavior to address social issues and make a difference in the street and current political culture. Many bands still tour so that the younger generation has a chance to see punk and what it is about. Punk's not dead, its reforming, as it has been for generations. The mainstream is pushed so hard onto the youth of today, that this generation is manipulated and controlled and most will do anything to “fit in.” It will be up to the few who are true originals and refuse to conform who will SAVE this generation.
Works Cited
""No Future"." "No Future". N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2014. <http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html>.
"History of the punk subculture." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_punk_subculture>.
"Jello biafra." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Mar. 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_biafra>.
"Nancy Spungen." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 July 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Spungen>.
"Punk ideologies." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 July 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_ideologies>.
"Sid vicious." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Mar. 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_vicious>.
"Teen Ink." Teen Ink. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://www.teenink.com/academic/article/283096>.
"Who Is Pussy Riot?." About.com Punk Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://punkmusic.about.com/od/punkinthenews/a/Who-Is-Pussy-Riot.htm>.
MLA formatting by BibMe.org.
Why pi equals 3.14
No one invented pi, it was discovered as early as 1900 B.C. mathematicians noticed that every time they measured the circumference of a circle and divided by the diameter the answer is always 3.14. Pi is a ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter, pi=c/d. Pi times the diameter equals the circumference, Pi (D)=C. Pi can only be used to find measurements of circles. Pi is a natural phenomenon, it’s not known why it occurs, but it always has and always will.
No one invented pi, it was discovered as early as 1900 B.C. mathematicians noticed that every time they measured the circumference of a circle and divided by the diameter the answer is always 3.14. Pi is a ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter, pi=c/d. Pi times the diameter equals the circumference, Pi (D)=C. Pi can only be used to find measurements of circles. Pi is a natural phenomenon, it’s not known why it occurs, but it always has and always will.
Kaylee Fagan 9/29/11
Forest Gump History
Civil Rights Homework
Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership conference believed that non-violent protest was the most productive way to get things done. Where did non-violent protest come from? During the Civil rights movement, some groups/people did not feel that non-violence was the answer. A group in particular called the black panthers.
Non-violent protest originated with Gandhi. He believed that to be violent was to stoop to the level of the opponent. He protested with many others for South African Campaign for Indian rights. Later as well, protested for full rights for Indians in the British Empire. He and his men endured extravagant amounts of pain, in hopes of the other side realizing that you can’t avoid them forever, as well that you cant have a war or fight when one side does not believe in violence. Non-violent protest is based on not being violent to get the things you want. Ways that non-violent protest was practiced were public speeches, signed public declarations, letters of opposition, group petitions and marches.
The black panthers were a group that believed non-violence was not productive, and that you must fight fire with fire. One of the main reasons they felt non-violence was not productive was because there was a national television broadcast of state troopers beating the black protesters while they were doing a march of there independence. They felt violence was the only productive way.
The Civil Rights movement was said to be won by Non-violence. Blacks are now equal and given the same rights as the whites. They are respected upon the same level as whites to most. If it weren’t for Martin Luther King that might have never happened.
Forest Gump History
Civil Rights Homework
Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership conference believed that non-violent protest was the most productive way to get things done. Where did non-violent protest come from? During the Civil rights movement, some groups/people did not feel that non-violence was the answer. A group in particular called the black panthers.
Non-violent protest originated with Gandhi. He believed that to be violent was to stoop to the level of the opponent. He protested with many others for South African Campaign for Indian rights. Later as well, protested for full rights for Indians in the British Empire. He and his men endured extravagant amounts of pain, in hopes of the other side realizing that you can’t avoid them forever, as well that you cant have a war or fight when one side does not believe in violence. Non-violent protest is based on not being violent to get the things you want. Ways that non-violent protest was practiced were public speeches, signed public declarations, letters of opposition, group petitions and marches.
The black panthers were a group that believed non-violence was not productive, and that you must fight fire with fire. One of the main reasons they felt non-violence was not productive was because there was a national television broadcast of state troopers beating the black protesters while they were doing a march of there independence. They felt violence was the only productive way.
The Civil Rights movement was said to be won by Non-violence. Blacks are now equal and given the same rights as the whites. They are respected upon the same level as whites to most. If it weren’t for Martin Luther King that might have never happened.
civics stool project.
Explanation of stool civics project
In order for a law to by passed it needs three things. A vote from the house of representatives, a vote from the senate, and a signing by the executive branch. Without one of these three votes or “legs” the stool will fall and the new law will not be passed.
In order for a law to by passed it needs three things. A vote from the house of representatives, a vote from the senate, and a signing by the executive branch. Without one of these three votes or “legs” the stool will fall and the new law will not be passed.
This shirt represents the liberal and conservative sides of the spectrum. The tie-dye is liberal, representing lax laws and "hippie" characteristics. The white-collar shirt is a conservative, representing strict laws and businessmen. Each side has their opinion on laws under debate. We sewed the shirt our selves :)
summarizing news paper articles
In Glenwood Springs Colorado there was a fire. The fire took place in a PI building at 2014 Grand Avenue. It was the former Glenwood Post offices from the late 1970’s to 2000. It was used as the home of Post Independent until last fall. They are thinking of turning the ruined site into fire departments.
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120307/VALLEYNEWS/120309934/1083&ParentProfile=1074
In Georgetown, Colorado, there has been a two-day questioning in the murder trial of Richard Moreau. Moreau is being tried for 1st-degree murder of a local doctor from Carbondale. Seven other felonies from Nov. 7, 2009 and his mental state is a large factor in this trial. They asked him many questions to prove if he were mental or not, many people say that as an excuse to lessen the consequence. The district attorney had videos of moreau committing the murder, witch they would watch to determine the mental state. The case is ongoing and not determined yet.
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120306/VALLEYNEWS/120309942/1083&ParentProfile=1074
In Rifle Co CMC and the Garfield county human services are teaming setting up a sewing school. The program is mainly for the unemployed and people who need something to put on their resume. Garfield County awarded a grant of $47,000 to set this up in the Henry building in down town rifle. About $28,000 will go to purchasing 6 industrial sewing machines. The program will be able to hold six to eight people at a time.
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120306/VALLEYNEWS/120309945/1083&parentprofile=1074
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120307/VALLEYNEWS/120309934/1083&ParentProfile=1074
In Georgetown, Colorado, there has been a two-day questioning in the murder trial of Richard Moreau. Moreau is being tried for 1st-degree murder of a local doctor from Carbondale. Seven other felonies from Nov. 7, 2009 and his mental state is a large factor in this trial. They asked him many questions to prove if he were mental or not, many people say that as an excuse to lessen the consequence. The district attorney had videos of moreau committing the murder, witch they would watch to determine the mental state. The case is ongoing and not determined yet.
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120306/VALLEYNEWS/120309942/1083&ParentProfile=1074
In Rifle Co CMC and the Garfield county human services are teaming setting up a sewing school. The program is mainly for the unemployed and people who need something to put on their resume. Garfield County awarded a grant of $47,000 to set this up in the Henry building in down town rifle. About $28,000 will go to purchasing 6 industrial sewing machines. The program will be able to hold six to eight people at a time.
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120306/VALLEYNEWS/120309945/1083&parentprofile=1074
Divergent Final
Kaylee Fagan
Q&A
• Q what faction do you think you would have been born into, given your family and it’s values? Witch faction would you select at your choosing ceremony? Why?
A I think that I would have been born into the dauntless fraction, given my family and its values. I think that I would have stuck with dauntless, because though they are hot headed and quick to act without thought they protect themselves, the things they love and the things that are required to keep the fraction in tact.
2.) Q what choices have you made that transformed you? What future choices might you also make, and how do you think that they will change you?
A I chose to move out of my parent’s house at a extremely young age and became self-sufficient. It made me much more responsible at a young age. I plan on becoming a part of the music industry and changing those course of progression with up and coming artist.
• Q what is the difference between being fearless and learning to control you fears? Do you believe anyone is truly fearless?
A being fearless would be the definition of not having fear, controlling your fears is not letting them affect you in important situations and to not let people see your fears. (As a weakness) I personally do not believe anyone is truly fearless it would be illogical and impractical to believe that someone could get rid of natural human instinct.
• Q Tris’s mom says, “Human beings as a whole can not stay good for long before the bad creeps back in and poisons again.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
A I believe the humans are far from perfect and “good” and “bad” are two words that are based off a individuals morals and ideology. Therefore I agree and disagree because you can’t generalize the morals of the entire human population.
• Q When her old Neighbors Robert, concerned about her, says, “ you should be happy” Tris responds, “The goal isn’t to be happy.” What do you think is the goal of Tris’s life? What is the goal of you life?
A I think she is too young to know what her life goal is, in fact I don’t believe anyone truly knows there life goal. But at this point in the book her life goal is to make it through dauntless initintion, to stop the simulation, to stay alive and to keep her friends alive.
Kaylee Fagan
Q&A
• Q what faction do you think you would have been born into, given your family and it’s values? Witch faction would you select at your choosing ceremony? Why?
A I think that I would have been born into the dauntless fraction, given my family and its values. I think that I would have stuck with dauntless, because though they are hot headed and quick to act without thought they protect themselves, the things they love and the things that are required to keep the fraction in tact.
2.) Q what choices have you made that transformed you? What future choices might you also make, and how do you think that they will change you?
A I chose to move out of my parent’s house at a extremely young age and became self-sufficient. It made me much more responsible at a young age. I plan on becoming a part of the music industry and changing those course of progression with up and coming artist.
• Q what is the difference between being fearless and learning to control you fears? Do you believe anyone is truly fearless?
A being fearless would be the definition of not having fear, controlling your fears is not letting them affect you in important situations and to not let people see your fears. (As a weakness) I personally do not believe anyone is truly fearless it would be illogical and impractical to believe that someone could get rid of natural human instinct.
• Q Tris’s mom says, “Human beings as a whole can not stay good for long before the bad creeps back in and poisons again.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
A I believe the humans are far from perfect and “good” and “bad” are two words that are based off a individuals morals and ideology. Therefore I agree and disagree because you can’t generalize the morals of the entire human population.
• Q When her old Neighbors Robert, concerned about her, says, “ you should be happy” Tris responds, “The goal isn’t to be happy.” What do you think is the goal of Tris’s life? What is the goal of you life?
A I think she is too young to know what her life goal is, in fact I don’t believe anyone truly knows there life goal. But at this point in the book her life goal is to make it through dauntless initintion, to stop the simulation, to stay alive and to keep her friends alive.
Kaylee Fagan
History Through Music
9/9
“Us History” FLIPSYDE ESSAY
This song deals with many different wars and important events in the 19th century such as Revolutionary war, WWI ,WWII, and the cold war. I think that this song did a very good job on explaining the point of view from our county.
During the Civil War, Britain had world power. Britain had sent ships over to invade new land. We pushed Indians out of their land and if they weren’t willing to moved we killed them. King George the 3rd over-taxed items and that’s when the rebellion started. We fought Britain, and through a long death filled war we won.
WWI occurred during the early 1900’s. During WWI our allies were France, Russia and Italy. The machine gun changed warfare forever. Most of the war was fought in France. 20 years later WWII happened. Adolf Hitler was responsible for the estimated death toll of 6 million Jews. The Japanese was on Germany’s side because they wanted to control the Pacific Ocean. The creation of the atom bomb ended World War 2.
The cold war was about the fact that America wanted capitalism and Russia and Korea wanted communism. Russia and America were racing to the moon and the discovery nuclear bombs. It was fearful for citizens of Russia and America because each country has the ability to blow each other up. The cold war occurred during the 1960’s.
America has been involved in many wars and has been the reason for many too. This song does a good job at showing these events through Americas prospective.
History Through Music
9/9
“Us History” FLIPSYDE ESSAY
This song deals with many different wars and important events in the 19th century such as Revolutionary war, WWI ,WWII, and the cold war. I think that this song did a very good job on explaining the point of view from our county.
During the Civil War, Britain had world power. Britain had sent ships over to invade new land. We pushed Indians out of their land and if they weren’t willing to moved we killed them. King George the 3rd over-taxed items and that’s when the rebellion started. We fought Britain, and through a long death filled war we won.
WWI occurred during the early 1900’s. During WWI our allies were France, Russia and Italy. The machine gun changed warfare forever. Most of the war was fought in France. 20 years later WWII happened. Adolf Hitler was responsible for the estimated death toll of 6 million Jews. The Japanese was on Germany’s side because they wanted to control the Pacific Ocean. The creation of the atom bomb ended World War 2.
The cold war was about the fact that America wanted capitalism and Russia and Korea wanted communism. Russia and America were racing to the moon and the discovery nuclear bombs. It was fearful for citizens of Russia and America because each country has the ability to blow each other up. The cold war occurred during the 1960’s.
America has been involved in many wars and has been the reason for many too. This song does a good job at showing these events through Americas prospective.