In punk Postpunk groups such as Public Image Ltd and Joy Division replaced punk’s worldliness with inner concerns, matching rock with the technological rhythms of disco. Nevertheless, punk’s influence could be seen throughout British society, notably in mass media shock tactics, the confrontational strategies of environmentalists, and… Read More
Joy Division and New Order
In Joy Division/New Order …inner turmoil, ushering in the postpunk era, and later, as New Order, pioneered the successful fusion of rock and 1980s African American dance music styles. The principal members were Ian Curtis (b. July 15, 1956, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England—d. May 18, 1980, Macclesfield), Bernard Albrecht (later Bernard Sumner; b. January 4,… Read More
Nick Cave
In Nick Cave …a prominent role in the postpunk movement as front man for the bands the Birthday Party and the Bad Seeds. He is best known for his haunting ballads about life, love, betrayal, and death. Read More
Pere Ubu
In Pere Ubu …major force and influence in postpunk music. The original members were David Thomas (b. June 14, 1953), Peter Laughner (b. c. 1953—d. June 22, 1977), Tom Herman (b. April 19, 1949), Allen Ravenstine (b. May 9, 1950), Scott Krauss (b. November 19, 1950), and Tim Wright (b. 1952, Cleveland, Ohio,… Read More
Smiths
In the Smiths …fusion of 1960s rock and postpunk was a repudiation of contemporary dance pop, a stance emblazoned in the hit single “Panic,” with its controversial chorus, “Burn down the disco / Hang the blessed DJ.” After 1986’s The Queen Is Dead, their most perfect balance of private angst and public anger,… Read More
Sonic Youth
In Sonic Youth …at the height of the postpunk “no wave” movement (dissonant, noisy, experimental music generally created by untrained musicians). Both performed in the guitar orchestras of avant-garde composer Glenn Branca. In 1981 Sonic Youth formed, with Moore and Ranaldo on guitar and Moore’s girlfriend (later wife) Gordon on bass; the band… Read More
