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Cover of Punk Revolution!

Punk Revolution!

by John Malkin

Book Details

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Published:2023-06-15
Pages:385
Format:BOOK
Language:en
ISBN:9798765161036

Reading Info

About This Book

The most wide-ranging and provocative look at punk rock as a social change movement told through firsthand accounts Punk rock has been on the front lines of activism since exploding on the scene in the 1970s. Punk Revolution! is a reflection on this cultural movement over the past 45 years, told through firsthand accounts of hundreds of musicians and activists. John Malkin brings together a wide cast of characters that include major punk and postpunk musicians (members of The Ramones, Bad Religi

Our Review

This oral history delivers exactly what its title promisesβ€”a comprehensive look at how punk rock evolved from musical rebellion into a genuine force for social change. Through hundreds of firsthand accounts from musicians like members of The Ramones and Bad Religion, John Malkin documents how the DIY ethos and anti-authoritarian spirit of punk have fueled activism for over four decades. The book connects the raw energy of the 1970s scene to modern movements, showing how the music consistently challenges political and social norms. This isn't just a chronicle of bands and albums, but a deep dive into punk as a living, breathing vehicle for protest.

What sets this work apart is its focus on the voices of those who lived the movement, creating a raw and authentic narrative that feels more like a conversation than a textbook. Readers interested in the intersection of music and politics will find a powerful testament to how subcultures can drive real-world change, from anti-war efforts to social justice campaigns. The book successfully argues that punk's greatest legacy isn't just its sound, but its sustained commitment to questioning power and building community. It leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the movement's enduring relevance and its blueprint for using culture as a tool for activism.

Themes

Music

Subjects

Music