Punk rock facts for kids

Punk rock (often just called "punk") is a type of music that is part of rock music. It sounds louder and sometimes rougher than other rock styles. Many punk rock songs have lyrics (words) that share strong feelings.

What is Punk Rock Music?

Punk rock is a unique style of music. Many musicians and fans of punk rock, called "punk rockers", want to protest or rebel against society's rules. They believe in "Do It Yourself". This means people should try to achieve their goals using what they have. Many punk bands record and share their music without big record companies.

Punk Rock and Its Message

Many punks have strong beliefs about how society works. Punk rock musicians often feel upset with the government or certain laws. Many punk songs speak out against injustice and unfairness in the world. They want to make people think about these issues.

The Look of Punk Rock

Many punk musicians color their hair with bright dyes. They might use gel to make their hair stand up in spikes. They also wear special clothes. This unique style is a way to show their protest or rebellion against common social rules.

Famous Punk Rock Bands and Artists

Many groups and singers helped make punk rock popular. These artists created music that inspired many people.

Early Punk Pioneers

Some bands started playing punk rock in the 1970s. They helped define the sound and style.

• The Clash was a very important band from the UK. They were known for their energetic shows.
• The Kinks were an earlier rock band that influenced punk.
• Iggy Pop is often called the "godfather of punk." He was known for his wild performances.
• Patti Smith was a singer and poet. She brought a unique artistic style to punk.
• Blondie, with singer Debbie Harry, mixed punk with pop music.

Important Punk Rock Places

Some places became famous for punk rock. They were where many bands played their first shows.

• CBGB was a legendary music club in New York City. Many famous punk bands started there.

Later Punk Rock Styles

Punk rock continued to grow and change. New bands created different sounds.

• Flipper was a band known for their slower, heavier punk sound.
• Bad Brains were pioneers of hardcore punk. They were known for their fast and powerful music.
• Dave Grohl played drums in the punk-influenced band Nirvana.
• Green Day became very popular in the 1990s. They helped bring punk rock to a wider audience.
• Rancid is a band known for their mix of punk and ska music.
• Sum 41 plays a type of punk rock that is very energetic.
• Rise Against is a band known for their powerful songs and strong messages.
• My Chemical Romance is an emo band. Emo music was influenced by punk rock.

Images for kids

• 

  The Clash, performing in 1980

• 

  The Kinks onstage during a Dutch TV appearance in April 1967

• 

  Iggy Pop, the "godfather of punk"

• 

  Patti Smith, performing in 1976

• 

  Facade of legendary music club CBGB, New York

• 

  Flipper, performing in 1984

• 

  Debbie Harry performing in Toronto in 1977

• 

  Bad Brains at 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C., 1983

• 

  Dave Grohl, future member of Seattle alternative rock band Nirvana, playing drums in 1989

• 

  Emo band My Chemical Romance

• 

  Green Day singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, with bassist Mike Dirnt to the right.

• 

  Rancid live in 2006

• 

  Sum 41 playing live in March 2008

• 

  Rise Against performing in Segrate, Italy in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Punk para niños