Most important artists
Ramones were the first Punk band ever. They created the style and the rhythms that would characterize later punk bands. The band was formed in New York City in 1974 and it was originally formed by Joey Ramone (lead singer), Johnny Ramone (guitarist), Tommy Ramone (drummer) and Dee Dee Ramone (bassist). They are considered one of the best bands of all time (they were ranked the second-greatest band of all time by Spin magazine, trailing only the Beatles). The original four members and Marky Ramone (Tommy's replacement on drums), were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, they were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Whenever we talk of punk we think of the Sex Pistols; they were the biggest referent in punk music. The band was formed in London in 1975 and its members (Johnny Rotten, lead vocals; Steve Jones, backing vocals and guitar; Glen Matlock, backing vocals and bass guitar; Sid Vicious, backing vocals and bass guitar; and Paul Cook, backing vocals and drums) began the punk movement in England. They are known for their songs supporting anarchy and their outrageous personalities; Sid Vicious being the climax of it. They ‘created’ the punk aesthetic.
Green Day is the most popular punk rock band. It was formed in 1986 by Billie Joe Armstrong (vocalist/guitarist) and Mike Dirnt (bassist). They became a trio when Tré Cool (drummer) joined the band. They are one of the world's best-selling bands of all time ( > 75 million records worldwide) and have won five Grammy Awards: Best Alternative Album for Dookie, Best Rock Album for American Idiot, Record of the Year for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", Best Rock Album for the second time for 21st Century Breakdown and Best Musical Show Album for American Idiot: The Original Broadway Cast Recording. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Dead Kennedys was formed in 1978 in San Francisco by Jello Biafra and was one of the first American hardcore bands to make a huge impact in the UK. Their lyrics talked about the ‘sociopolitical concerns of the late 70s and 80s with a distinct sense of morbid humor and satire’.
The band was formed in the 80s; right after Joan Jett was back from the UK, where she had been recording with the Sex Pistols, Paul Cook and Steve Jones. Joan Jett is one of the most important female artists in the rock scene. Her songs belong to the Riot Grrrl movement and represent the power of women and the search for equality. She’s often called the ‘Queen of Rock N’ Roll’, the ‘Grandma of Punk’ and the ‘Original Riot Grrrl’. She’s considered one of the best guitar players of all time.
The Clash was an English punk rock band formed in 1976 which belonged to the original wave of British punk. It was formed by Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, lead vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Critic Sean Egan said: ‘They were a group whose music was, and is, special to their audience because that music insisted on addressing the conditions of poverty, petty injustice, and mundane life experienced by the people who bought their records. Moreover, although their rebel stances were often no more than posturing, from the Clash's stubborn principles came a fundamental change in the perception of what is possible in the music industry, from subject matter to authenticity to quality control to price ceilings.’
My Chemical Romance was formed in New Jersey in 2001 by Gerard Way (lead vocalist), Ray Toro and Frank Iero (guitarists), Mikey Way (bassist) and James Dewees (keyboardist). Although they have been said to belong to the Emo wave, their music shows their punk rock style. Their album ‘The Black Parade’ is one of the biggest in the world of concept albums and their songs’ lyrics refer to self-acceptance, teenage rebellion against injustice and inequality and freedom.