Sound Opinions Presents: 1977 – The Year Punk Broke

In 1977, punk rock went from an underground fringe movement to a full-blown mass culture phenomenon. Formerly unknown bands like The Ramones, The Clash and The Sex Pistols became mega-stars and released classic albums including Never Mind the Bollocks, The Clash, and Rocket to Russia. Kids in the U.S. and Europe responded to punk’s “do-it-yourself” message by starting their own bands regardless of musical ability. Parents, governments and the major labels stood on the sidelines, wondering what it all meant.

Few years in music history have seen more dramatic changes in attitude and sound than 1977. Now on the 35th anniversary of this game-changing year, Sound Opinions presents the one-hour special: 1977: The Year Punk Broke.

Tune in as hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore punk’s development in both New York and London, touching on landmark bands and albums along the way. Punk journalist Ira Robbins takes listeners through New York’s CBGB’s, where bands like Television, The Ramones, and The Talking Heads formed punk’s first organized scene. Later music writer Jon Savage remembers London’s “punk explosion” and the historic single that got the Sex Pistols banned across the British media. Finally, Jim and Greg share some of their favorite tracks from 1977 by bands including Wire, The Adverts, and The Voidoids.

So whether you’re a veteran of the punk underground or simply a casual music fan wondering what all the fuss and safety pins are about, join us for 1977: The Year Punk Broke.


This Sound Opinions special is available free to all stations with current PRX memberships, even if they aren't signed up to get the show weekly.  Learn how to get the show weekly at prx.org/soundopinions. 

In 1977, punk rock went from an underground fringe movement to a full-blown mass culture phenomenon. Formerly unknown bands like The Ramones, The Clash and The Sex Pistols became mega-stars and released classic albums including Never Mind the Bollocks, The Clash, and Rocket to Russia. Kids in the U.S. and Europe responded to punk’s “do-it-yourself” message by starting their own bands regardless of musical ability. Parents, governments and the major labels stood on the sidelines, wondering what it all meant.

Few years in music history have seen more dramatic changes in attitude and sound than 1977. Now on the 35th anniversary of this game-changing year, Sound Opinions presents the one-hour special: 1977: The Year Punk Broke.

Tune in as hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore punk’s development in both New York and London, touching on landmark bands and albums along the way. Punk journalist Ira Robbins takes listeners through New York’s CBGB’s, where bands like Television, The Ramones, and The Talking Heads formed punk’s first organized scene. Later music writer Jon Savage remembers London’s “punk explosion” and the historic single that got the Sex Pistols banned across the British media. Finally, Jim and Greg share some of their favorite tracks from 1977 by bands including Wire, The Adverts, and The Voidoids.

So whether you’re a veteran of the punk underground or simply a casual music fan wondering what all the fuss and safety pins are about, join us for 1977: The Year Punk Broke.


This Sound Opinions special is available free to all stations with current PRX memberships, even if they aren't signed up to get the show weekly.  Learn how to get the show weekly at prx.org/soundopinions.