The Roots of Punk...

The term "Punk" was not truly coined until the 70's. However, the first era was actually the 60's in which countless garage bands were fueled by the ear shattering and face melting sounds of the British Invasion and the social changes occuring not only in America, but throughout the world. One such band of utmost importance was, and still is The Pretty Things. They derived their name from and old Bo Diddley song entitled none other than Pretty Thing. This group although not as well known here stateside was formed from the partial ashes of the early Rolling Stones, when guitarist Dick Taylor left to form a new band where he was playing lead. He along with Phil May on vocals, Brian Pendleton on rhytm guitar, John Stax on bass, and a drunken maniac named Viv Price on drums. It is said that some of Keith Moons antics came from the actions of Viv who was, and still is one of the most basic, yet greatest drummers of all time, yet still maniacal. Fueled by the records comming from America and the rawness that Chess records captured of the Mississippi Delta and Chicago, they were able to forge their own sound which is still relevant today.
Playing the shit out of their guitars and overdriving their Vox AC30's,these long haired college art students created and played a unique style of filthy "Blue Eyed Blues" which can never truly be copied again....they will live on as long as there are peole still willing to listen...they still play to this day and can be seen in England. I urge you to listen to their music and explore on your own....I posted some old footage for you here, which is a taste of what may become perhaps a deeper love of American/British R&B and Blues. On a final note I leave you with this unusual fact....most people say Tommy by the Who was the "first" rock opera, when in fact it was The Pretty Things who beat them to the punch....S.F. Sorrow as the album was entitled beat them by about a year...it is a dark and psychedelic experience that I suggest one listens to in the right environment...