The Rise of Punk Rock

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Questions and Answers

What was the original intention of the punk movement?

To create a new genre of music that blended progressive rock and pop

To sweep away the bloated dinosaur of progressive rock and the blandness of pop music (correct)

To create a more commercial and mainstream sound

To focus on musicianship and instrumental complexity

Where did punk music supposedly originate?

New York City, USA (correct)

Paris, France

London, England

Los Angeles, USA

What was a key difference between punk in New York and punk in London?

New York punk was more focused on fashion, while London punk was more focused on music

New York punk was more commercial, while London punk was more underground

London punk was more influenced by glam rock, while New York punk was more influenced by hardcore

London punk was more political, while New York punk was more apolitical (correct)

What was the name of the clothes shop where the Sex Pistols met and rehearsed?

SEX, run by Malcolm McClaren and Vivienne Westwood Signup and view all the answers

How did the Sex Pistols' behavior on national television affect their career?

It helped to spread the word about the Pistols and attracted record companies Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the Sex Pistols' seminal album?

Never Mind the Bollocks Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the single that was banned from radio but still topped the charts?

God Save the Queen Signup and view all the answers

When did the Sex Pistols split up?

1978, after finishing a U.S. tour Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the punk band that issued the first punk single and album?

The Damned Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the London club that became a hub for punk bands in 1977?

The Roxy Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of The Clash's album that made many 'best of the century' lists?

London Calling Signup and view all the answers

Why were many of the punk band's gigs cancelled in 1977?

Due to council cancellations Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key aspects of the punk movement?

Instrumental ability wasn't necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which band's lead singer was Johnny Rotten?

The Sex Pistols Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bands did not release their debut album in 1977?

Eater Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of The Clash's 1982 album that made them global stars?

Combat Rock Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Origins of Punk

Punk emerged as a reaction to the commercialism of progressive rock and the blandness of pop music.
The movement succeeded in changing the course of popular music completely.

Punk in New York and London

Punk existed in New York before it hit London, with groups like the Ramones and Patti Smith playing at venues like CBGB's.
In London, punk was more political, with groups like The Sex Pistols and The Clash crying out against the established system of government.

The Sex Pistols

The Sex Pistols emerged from a clothes shop run by Malcolm McClaren and Vivienne Westwood, where the members met and rehearsed.
The band was known for their outrageous behavior, including swearing on national television.
Despite being dropped by EMI and A&M, the band signed with Virgin Records and released successful records, including "God Save the Queen" and "Never Mind the Bollocks".
The Sex Pistols split up in 1978 after completing a US tour.

The Clash

The Clash was formed by Joe Strummer, who had played in a pub-rock band, and three aspiring musicians.
The band was deliberately political from the outset and released albums to critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.
Their third album, "London Calling", made many best of the century lists, and they became global stars with "Combat Rock" in 1982.

The Damned

The Damned was the first punk band to release a single ("New Rose") and album ("Damned Damned Damned").
The band's punk credentials were debated at the time, but they were accepted and embraced by the punk community.
The Damned outlasted all their contemporaries.

The Venues

The 100 Club hosted a two-night punk festival in autumn 1976, and the Roxy club became a short-lived home for punk bands in 1977.
The Roxy gave opportunities to many young punk bands, including those with inexperienced members.

The Legacy of Punk

The idea of punk, of kids getting together regardless of ability to make music and release their frustrations, has never really died.
Punk's influence spread wide, inspiring many young bands, even though the original movement was short-lived.