Learn more about one of the first major punk publications
Anti-establishment ideals, raw emotion, rejecting the rules… in the late 60s, punk music blasted its way into the music scene and changed the world as we knew it. It wasn’t long before several publications emerged, spreading news of this movement to an audience eager to embrace a subversive musical and cultural alternative. Cue Punk magazine, one of the first and most significant zines to popularize the scene.
A Fanzine For The Ages
Punk was a fan-made music magazine created by cartoonist John Holmstrom, publisher Ged Dun and Legs McNeil in 1975. Punk published a total of 20 issues — 15 between 1976 and 1979, a special issue in 1981 (The D.O.A. Filmbook), a 25th anniversary special in 2001 and three final issues in 2007. The Punk zine focused on the underground music scene in New York, primarily punk rock, covering the most popular acts of the day, including The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith, Blondie, Lou Reed, The Dictators, Destroy All Monsters, Iggy Pop and The Clash.
The magazine was especially notable for Holmstrom’s almost caricature-esque depictions of influential figures in the punk scene. Many of the aforementioned artists graced the zine’s cover.
A Standout Punk Publication
Punk‘s style combined cartoonish imagery with rich journalistic content. Like punk in general, it didn’t take itself too seriously. That created an attractive and credible rag of the punk subculture.
While Punk was more of a polished product than some of its counterparts, DIY publications flourished as well and seemed to pop up from even the smallest regions of North America and the UK. For example, Sniffin’ Glue.
The Bynx Punk Collection
We continue to curate a varied collection of Punk ephemera and publications at Bynx, which includes many of the published Punk Magazine issues. Check it out for yoursefl!
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