Learn Through English
 
Music
Punk

AREA: MÚSICA

TOPIC: PUNK

This is a treasure hunt about one of the most important styles of popular rock music in the XXth century all over the world. Find the information you need to answer the following questions. Read them carefully and follow the instructions. If you do, you will have learnt a lot about Punk when you finish. Click here for help if you can't answer the questions. There are lots of other websites where you can find more information.

Warm-up activity:

First of all, find the meaning of the word PUNK in a dictionary. Why do you think they used this name to call themselves?

A. THE ORIGINS.

All music styles have a background, that is to say, they are born from other music styles and are set in a historical context. Where does Punk come from? What were their music sources and social and cultural background?

Music sources
Social and cultural background
   

In Great Britain Punk was born as a reaction to some social and political circumstances. Can you name a few? Who was ruling the country? Why were young people so unhappy? One of their mottos was NO FUTURE. Relate it to your answer.

Punks also a reacted against the music that was popular at the time (Rock and big bands of the 70's like Yes, Pink Floyd, Eagles, etc.). What did they think about it?

Their reaction was reflected in their music. The following pairs show you opposite points of view regarding music. List them under the correct heading.

Long songs/Short songs. Lots of instruments/Only the essential instruments. Great production/Simple production. Gigs in big stadiums with lots of people/Gigs in small theatres and clubs. Music is Art/Music is fun. Long instrumental solos/No solos. Complicated rythms/Simple rythms. Complicated lyrics/Direct and simple lyrics.
PUNK
ROCK
   

C. THE SONGS

Let’s have a look at the lyrics now. Which of these topics are usual in Punk?

DISCOS, SEX, DRUGS, LOVE, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS, SCHOOL, HAPPINESS, POLITICS, WOMEN’S RIGHTS, LONELINESS, COUNTRY LIFE, CITY LIFE, RACISM, GIRLS, BOYS.

Find some information about the language Punk singers used in their lyrics? Describe it.

Back to the top

THE BANDS

There are ten names of some of the most popular Punk bands hidden in this chart. If you browse it with your mouse, you will find them quickly.

B
C
S
Y
U
J
S
D
K
O
K
L
U
V
H
E
X
P
L
O
I
T
E
D
Z
I
E
D
V
B
J
U
I
R
Q
W
Z
B
S
A
W
A
E
C
K
E
R
H
C
R
B
R
E
Z
I
L
L
O
S
U
O
A
S
W
U
I
M
K
O
P
E
I
C
T
Q
S
V
N
M
G
D
F
X
P
K
O
A
U
N
L
C
R
A
M
P
S
S
R
W
U
N
C
R
T
B
N
I
V
K
S
T
R
A
N
G
L
E
R
S
B
J
A
D
A
P
U
G
B
N
M
T
C
U
T
H
M
Q
S
C
H
U
J
O
D
V
G
H
O
D
F
B
J
U
I
L
R
D
A
M
N
E
D
S
C
L
A
S
H
S
A
M
E
C
F
T
U
N
J
K
N
S
E
C
S
G
U
U
I
N
S
I
O

Some of the names of Punk bands were very naughty and aggressive. Name a few examples. Why do you think they had such strong names?

TRIVIA

The following people are not musicians, but their names are closely related to the Punk movement. Could you say why? Who are they?

Malcolm McLaren
  
Vivianne Westwood
  

Back to the top