Punk Rock, So What?: The Cultural Legacy of Punk

Description

It's now over twenty years since punk pogo-ed its way into our consciousness. Punk Rock So What? brings together a new generation of academics, writers and journalists to provide the first comprehensive assessment of punk and its place in popular music history, culture and myth. The contributors, who include Suzanne Moore, Lucy OBrien, Andy Medhurst, Mark Sinker and Paul Cobley, challenge standard views of punk prevalent since the 1970s. They: * re-situate punk in its historical context, analysing the possible origins of punk in the New York art scene and Manchester clubs as well as in Malcolm McClarens brain * question whether punk deserves its reputation as an anti-fascist, anti-sexist movement which opened up opportunities for women musicians and fans alike. * trace punks long-lasting influence on comics, literature, art and cinema as well as music and fashion, from films such as Sid and Nancy and The Great Rock n Roll Swindleto work by contemporary artists such as Gavin Turk and Sarah Lucas. * discuss the role played by such key figures as Johnny Rotten, Richard Hell, Malcolm McClaren, Mark E. Smith and Viv Albertine. Punk Rock Revisited kicks over the statues of many established beliefs about the meaning of punk, concluding that, if anything, punk was more culturally significant than anybody has yet suggested, but perhaps for different reasons. Andy Medhurst University of Sussex Lucy O'Brien City University and Middlesex University David Kerekes Mark Sinker David Huxley Manchester Metropolitan Univers

"["Punk Rock: So Waht?] makes the case for why we should still care...A must for those of the old-school punk persuasion and an intriguing, if not moving, read for those more inclined to regard punk rock with a 'So what?'...A solid background in punk history."
-"Billboard Magazine
""Punk Rock: So What? provides a substantive take on issues like punk etiquette, punk fashion, the influence of punk on comics, punk and racism and punk nostalgia. Sabin has commissioned younger writers, all of whom were involved in punk's heyday, if only as fans."
-Publisher's Weekly, July, 1999