50		Kid Dynamite Formed in '97 from ex-members of Lifetime, this Philly hardcore band is one of the most amazing things to be heard. East Coast hardcore punk has never had a better band than Kid Dynamite. With songs topping out at 2 minutes and beginning at 20 seconds they are the epitomy of Short, Loud, Fast. They only stuck around until 2000 and put out three records which all belong in any hardcore fans catalouge.
49		Lower Class Brats Clockwork punk at it's best, Austin, Texas street punk legends, Lower Class Brats brings a charged Clockwork Orange influence to their hard hitting punk and snotty vocals. LCB started out in Austin, Texas in 1995 in order to eradicte Austin of crappy music and bring back good ole fashioned punk. LCB continues their conquest to bring punk to the world with constant touring and releasing great album after great album. These droogs won't be running away anytime soon, not until they bring their punk sound to everybody
48		The Filaments The Filaments hailed from essex, UK and played brass heavy punk rock. There debut album "skull and trombones" was released in 2001 on Young Blood Records. They later signed to Household Name records and then went on to release their second album "....What's Next" in July 2004. Unfortunately, the band have now split, playing their last gig at the London leg of the City Invasion tour on 10th July this year. Although probably not the most technical band around, they toured solidly and wrote catchy songs.For fans of bands like the Casualties.
47		Conflict Dubbed the "kings of punk" conflict rightfully deserves this name. Their notorious release "The Ungovernable Force" is undoubtedly one of the greatest punk albums from this legendary anarcho-peace band. Conflict remain extremely political and socially-aware of demonstrations and protests that they still attend just like they scream in songs. This band has been shooting out material since the very early 80's and doesn't seem to be hinting a sign of letting out. This band will always be together and will always rule the punk planet. They will be in the crowd protesting this unjust government and will be on top of the justice that has been given. Conflict are the kings of punk rock.
46		The Damned The Damned formed in 1976 by singer Dave Vanian, drummer Rat Scabies, bassist Captain Sensible, and guitarist Brian James. They were the first British band to release a single ("New Rose") and also the first to release and album ("Damned Damned Damned". Since 1976, they've broken up and reformed many times, and released 9 albums. During the mid-eighties, however, they moved away from their punk-sound to more gothic type of music that they continue to play today.
45		Television Televison formed in 1972 by friends Richard Hell and Tom Veralaine with Billy Ficca on drums under the name The Neon Boys. In 1973, they changed their name to Television. Richard Hell left the band in 1975 before the release of an album. In 1977 with Fred Smith on bass and another guitarist, Richard Lloyd playing, Television released their first album "Marquee Moon". This album is thought by many to be one of the greatest in history. They've released 6 albums, 3 live, the latest being their self-titled release from 1992. Television is one the most innovative bands of al time.
44		The Velvet Underground Known as the grandfathers of punk rock, these New York rockers were revolutionary for their time. While the world was filled with the flowerchild mindset and lots of bands singing about love, peace, and happiness, Lou Reed, John Cale, and the rest of the Velvet Underground were ready to do something different. Instead of singing about all the hippie stuff, they sang about herion abuse, lives of prostitues and drug dealers, and many other subjects no one else dared the tread on. Backed by Andy Warhol for recording money, show money, and of course drugs, they lead the punk revolution. Their album did not sell very many copies, but every person who picked up a copy, started a band. That is saying something for these legends
43		Crass "Fight war, not wars." This band is absolutely incredible. I mean honestly they are the creator of a MOVEMENT. They started anarcho-peace which has made an influence on countless numbers of bands. When you think about people in history who made positive movements there has always been a significant change. This band isn't credited enough for all the changes that it has made, but other than that they put out positive, socially and politically aware music. What I love about Crass is they wanted to express themselves so they did it in a complete diverse and unique way. Crass matured so much as a band and had many different looks on things. They believed in peace and equality, yet freedom for all. Their release "The Feeding of 5,000" could go down in the books as one of the greatest punk albums ever. Crass is such a unique band. They didn't even know how to play their instruments, but they didn't care because they had something to say. And look what that started.
42		Sham 69 Oi legends along the same ranks of Cock Sparrer, Cockney Rejects, and Angelic Upstarts. Named for grafitti in their hometown of Hersham, Sham 69 formed at the same time as other punk legends Sex Pistols and The Clash. Unlike these other two bands, Sham played charged pub-worthy rock and roll to be enjoyed by the working class and the emerging skinhead culture. Responsible for the oi scene to follow, Sham 69 were true legends
41		Suicidal Tendencies Thrash influenced so-cal hardcore-punk band Suicidal Tendencies lead a major hand in marrying punk and skateboard culture in the early 80s. The band attracted both punks and metalheads to their shows, bridging a gap between two groups who usually have a dislike for each other
40		Hüsker Dü Formed in Minneapolis in 1979, Husker Du played a melodic version of hardcore punk, experementing and pushing there sound to new lengths with there unconventional musical and songwriting style. Often cited as the core of the bands style is the songwriting and singing, centered around the angry and agressive lyrics and vocals of guitarist Bob Mould and the melodic songwriting of drummer Grant Hart. In nine years as a band the Husker Du trio of Mould, Hart and the bassist Greg Norton had made a huge impact on the dwindling punk and hardcore scenes and there now over twenty year old records continue to influence alternative bands to this day.
39		G.B.H. Short for Grevious Bodily Harm, these street punk legends were known for their fast music and perfect blend of punk and a little hardcore, and lots of attitude. Orginally called Charged GBH to distinguish themselves from another band called GBH
38		Sonic Youth Influnced by New Yorks "no Wave" scence, Sonic Youth got their start by creating records of a slight avant-garde flavor, utilizing alternative guitar tunings, and other things to achevie wild effects. Soon Sonic youth took this approach and combined it with the sounds od such bands as The Stooges and the New York Dolls. With each succending realses Sonic Youth's sound was constantly evolving and are still going strong into the new millienum. Group members include: Lee Ranaldo Kim Gordon,Thurston Moore,Jim O'Rourke, Steve Shelley,and Bob Bert.
37		AFI AFI started in the summer of 1991. Their first release: Answer that and Stay Fashionable, released on Nitro Records, was a fast paced punk album,as was their second album: Very Proud of Ya!, whilst there next albums would be more rock influenced, and evry change they've made has been good. AFI are still going strong and have a new album coming out soon.
36		Catch 22 In 1996 while Tomas Kalnoky and Chris Greer met Kevin Gunther at a local record store, they discovered a mutual love of music, namely punk & ska. They wanted to make a newer sound that combined their love of both types of music. They played local shows around New Jersey and had a fast growing fan base of this new sound. The band signed on to Victory Records in late 1997. Within a year Keasbey Nights became one of the top-ten selling Victory albums of all time. After Tomas left, and a newer, more energetic line-up. Catch 22 took to the road with Ten Foot Pole, for what became their biggest tour yet.
35		Flogging Molly The band legendary for their mixing of irish folk and punk music, Flogging Molly. Formed by the only actual Irisih member, Dave King, the band made success for doing something that hadn't been done since The Pogues, and doing it just as well as their Irish counterparts. The band combines Irish folktunes and insturmentation with the speed and energy of punk, making for a fun mix.
34		Strike Anywhere Richmond, VA, although well renowned for it's great punk/hardcore scene, has never had a finer band than Strike Anywhere come from it. Perfectly blending all the agitation and vigor of old-school hardcore with the melodic sensibilities of new-school punk, these five boys are already on the verge of world-domination with their political melodicore.
33		Rise Against Rise Against are in in-your-face melodic hardcore band with highly political lyrics. A perfect blend of guitar-driven hardcore with a lot of melody, riffs, and solos, which are rarely seen in hardcore today. A truly unique band, no wonder they are edging ever closer to mainstream success.
32		The Dead Milkmen The Dead Milkmen,parodying almost everything, from Patti Smith all the way to 80's dance music,were one of the most underrated punk bands of the 80s. Formed in Philadelphia,originally was: Joe Jack Talcum, Dave Blood(RIP), Dean Clean, and Rodney Anonymous. The Dead Milkmen brought in comedy, sometimes with a subtle message, and lasted from 1987-1995. Their first published album <I>Big Lizard in My Backyard</I> is an essential that everyone should own. On March 10, 2004, sadly, Dave Blood chose to end his life.
31		Social Distortion Social Distortion was formed in 1978 by frontman Mike Ness in Orange County, California. Their first album, Mommy’s Little Monster, debuting in 1983, showed Social Distortion to be a standard melodic punk band, but by the time their self titled album came out in 1990, they started leaning more towards the roots rock and cowpunk genres. Albums subsequent to this, including 1992’s Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell and 2004’s Sex, Love, and Rock’ n’ Roll, proved that Social Distortion can be a very flexible and innovative band, and that Johnny Cash style country and the Clash style punk may look bad on paper, but it sounds great.
30		7 Seconds One of the longest last California hardcore-punk bands, 7 Seconds are usually a band mentioned in the same breath as other hardcore-punk legends like Minor Threat, and other youth crew bands like Youth Brigade. The band signed to BYO records in 1982, and released 3 LPs, then signed to Side 1 records and released other albums. They still tour today, with Kevin Seconds the only orginal membe
29		The Suicide Machines The Suicide Machines is a band out of Detroit that plays a variety of punk-related music including: punk, ska, hardcore and often a mix of two or three of the different genres. They are most renown for their first full-length album Destruction by Definition which even had the song New Girl featured on the first Tony Hawk game. They recently released another album titled War Profiteering is Killing Us All that so far has received positive feedback from their fans. They've nearly finished another US tour (West Coast) and plan on playing shows in Australia and Japan in October, so if you live out there check them out.
28		Cock Sparrer Formed in 1975, Cock Sparrer were one of the first oi bands, sprouting up even before the British punk wave had flowed through. Their songs were meant for the Cockney working class who frequented the pubs after a hard's day work and were ready to get drunk and have a good time with these fellas. Sparrer helped bring about all the oi bands around today, having nearly every modern oi band cite them as an influence. Them, along with Sham 69, Cockney Rejects, and Angelic Upstarts were the pioneers of the working class music of Oi!
27		The Adicts The Adicts are on of the catchiest pop-punk bands to ever emerge from the scene. Starting in late 70's England, their music made pop-punk cool for street punks to like. They soon became known for catchy, dark, and funny songs like Mary Whitehouse and Viva La Revolution. They've kept with their original line-up since the beginning, adding 2 new members, and continue to tour play the music they've been playing for almost 30 years. Their simple and catchy (yet still punX!) music is still relevant now.
26		The Stooges The original Stooges lineup formed in Detroit during 1968 with Ron Asheton on guitar, his brother Scott on drums, David Alexander on bass and Iggy singing. Their first album came in 1969 and had, in my opinion, two classics, "1969" which featured a psychedelic intro that is still unmistakable today and "Now I Wanna Be Your Dog" which is just a cool song. Later they came out with Fun House, their sophomore album. Both albums, however, pale in comparison to their 1973 album "Raw Power" which had Ron Asheton on bass and James Williamson on guitar. Just about every song on the album is a classic, and became a blueprint for a 1000's of bands to come. After that, The Stooges broke up, Iggy went on to do some stuff with David Bowie, most memorably the song, "Lust for Life", but nothing close to what he had with The Stooges.
25		Circle Jerks Circle Jerks was formed from the joining of former Black Flag frontman, Keith Morris, and former Redd Kross guitarist Greg Hetson in 1979. The band combined the rebellious attitude of 77 punk with the emerging hardcore music to make a mix we all know as hardcore-punk. Their debut album Group Sex, contained 14 tracks, none breaking the 2 minute mark. They played hard and fast and are loved by many.
24		Subhumans This band commenced in the raging anarcho-punk scene. They gave Flux a demo tape and Colin loved it. They released their first couple EP's and demos on Spiderleg (Flux's Label). Then the band created their own label 'Bluurg' and continued to march positively through the scene with amazing feedback. They still tour now however they disbanded in 1985. Dick Lucas, the frontman, is one of the most interesting and definitely innovative person of all the anarcho bands. He went on to other side projects like Citizen Fish and Culture Shock which were both successful. These bands had way more of a ska feel to them. There's more to this band than just a couple of albums or them breaking up in 1985, they have such a magic to the way and what they put on their CD's. This band got me into punk with their great music and intelligent lyrics. And I bet it didn't just get me into punk. Subhumans are one the greatest bands to ever come into the anarcho scene. And they still play shows and still continue to do what they love. How many bands can say that?
23		Minutemen Formed in San Pedro California by Singer/guitarist D. Boon, bassist Mike Watt, and drummer George Hurley. The Minutemen combined funk, free jazz, and hardcore punk to create an unique blend of punk rock. Most of their songs were a minute or less and lyrics included attacks on right wing politicians.With every new Minutemen releases their musicianship improved and songwriting skills got better. The peak of their life is Double Nikcles on the Dime, a double album.All of this was brought to a halt in 1985 with the tragic death of singer D. Boon in a van accident.
22		Refused Can I Scream? Refused formed in Umeå, Sweden in 1992 with the original view of incorporating their Marxist ideals into the blueprint of a fast paced hardcore band. After releasing strong LPs "This Just Might Be The Truth" and "Songs To Fan The Flames of Discontent" they released "The Shape Of Punk To Come." It was the most influential hardcore album of the nineties, containing amazing liner notes and "New Noise" One of the best hardcore songs ever written. Whether it truly was the shape of punk to come is debatable but Refused definitely raised the bar for all hardcore bands to follow.
21		Fugazi Perhaps one of the most important band's of its genre, post hardcore outfit Fugazi released one excellent album after another until their indefinite hiatus in 2001. Although they ventured into the indie genre more on their last release, The Argument, it still showed the extraordinary musicianship of the band, with MacKaye and Picciotto's interlocking guitars and Joe Lally's bass playing bordering on the virtuosic. Fugazi have retained their place in the hearts of many fans who view them as not only the best band in their genre, but as the best band of the decade.
20		Stiff Little Fingers Known as the Irish Clash, Stiff Little Fingers were plagued by this comparision. While similar in being a punk band from the 70s that played politically charged music and had a love for reggae, while The Clash were trying new styles and were able to do new things, SLF was first and foremost a punk band. Their debut album, Inflammible Material, was a masterpiece for early punk rock and is still considered a great album today.
19		Misfits In 1977 a band would change punk forever. This band was the Misfits. Formed by Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only, this band set out to make an impresion...and they did. Although Danzig, the original lead singer, left in 1980, but The Misfits returned in 1997 without Danzig,and with a new member, Doyle Von Frankenstein, and released "American Pshyco. The Misfits have influenced uncountable numbers of bands, all the way from AFI to Marilyn Manson and started the genre we know today as "Horror Punk".
18		Gorilla Biscuits Rising out of the militant hardcore scene of New York City in the late 1980s, Gorilla Biscuits are often contested as the definitive band of their genre. Their only LP, Start Today, is often contested as hardcore's definitive release. With a positive message in their music opposing the all too evident elitism in the scene, Gorilla Biscuits gained popularity in a number of underground circles. However, as is the case with far too many talented bands, they did not become known on a wider scale until after their untimely demise, only managing to release an LP and a self titled EP.
17		NOFX I'm not a huge NOFX fan other than "The Decline" but if there is one band that should be comemorated on this list, it is NOFX. This band started what we know as political/social pop-punk today. They created a whole new perspective of punk and for that they are dubbed innovative and true. But aside from making great music this band has contributed so much to the punk scene that they have done their share in the community with flying colors. They have given so many bands a chance to voice their expressions while maintaining respectable albums that they have released. This band is not only extremely influential but they are the fathers of the punk rock scene we know today. All I have to say is, props to NOFX, whom do what they love and help others do what they love just as much. Props, NOFX.
16		Dropkick Murphys What do you get when you mix in booze, traditional Celtic music, rowdy punk rock, more booze, and a fat guy named Spicy? You get Boston legends Dropkick Murphy’s. Dropkick started in 1996 in a barber shops basement. The band has changed up a bit sense its humble beginnings: a new singer, new pipest, new guitarist and new mandolin/whistle player. But still Dropkick Murphy’s stick to what they do best, playing loud blue collar music with a Celtic kick with lyrics that can hit home. What separates Dropkick Murphy’s from most bands is pride, for their city, friends, family, Bruins, this bands all about pride, alcohol and music.
15		Choking Victim In ’93 Stza, Erza. Alec, and Skwert formed Choking Victim. Not much happened until ’99 when CV was signed to Epitaph. Soon after they began recording for their debut album. After one day of recording CV broke up, but the material they recorded was good enough to turnout “No Gods, No Managers”, the only major release for the ska-punk/hardcore, atheist, politically charged foursome. Not too long after, Leftover Crack was formed by Stza, Erza, Alec and a new drummer.
14		Rancid One of the frontrunners for the mid 90s punk revival, Rancid were formed from the ashes of legendary ska band Operation Ivy. They recruited Brett Reed on drums for their first album, then for their 1994 smash hit Let's Go they recruited Lars Frederiksen, which remains their line-up to the present. A highly influential band, Rancid will remain punk legends for years to come.
13		Leftöver Crack Rising from the depths of Choking Victim comes one of the most innovative and creative ska-core bands to ever be heard. Leftover Crack mix everything from Hardcore, Punk, Ska, Death Metal, and even Classical to create some of the best ska-core albums ever heard. So far, singer Stza, guitarist Ezra, bassist Alec, and drummer Ara, put out two albums (Mediocre Generica in 2001 and fusty walrus! World Trade in 2004.) Both albums bend the rules and hold strong messages about American politics and culture. Ever since the begining Leftover Crack put out some heavy ska-core tracks never leaving their N.Y.C. roots and never selling out. There's the good...the bad...and the Leftover Crack.
12		Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols, love them or hate them, are what the public eye has equated with punk since in conception. Formed by Wally Nightingale, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook under the name 'The Strand' in 1972, they later added Glen Matlock to the band, but the lineup never achieved any success. In 1975, Malcolm McLaren took over as manager of the band, kicking out Wally, and recruiting Johnny Rotten. The band was renamed the Sex Pistols. While they may not of started punk rock, as some say they did, the Sex Pistols soon brought it into the public eye with a single, 'Anarchy in the UK', and a string of tabloid covers. Glen was kicked out of the band and replaced by the musically talentless Sid Vicious. With another controversial single, 'God Save the Queen', and an album, 'Never Mind the Bollocks...", the Sex Pistols left for a US tour in early '78, during which Rotten quit the band onstage due to his constant feuds with the controlling McLaren. McLaren tried to keep the band alive through gimmicks like recording with Ronnie Biggs, but the band was over. Although some will claim the Pistols were merely a manufactured band being steered by McLaren, their influence on the punk scene of the 70's, as well as the genre as a whole, can not be denied.
11		Against Me! Fat Wreck favourites Against Me! have been accused of a whole lot of things over the years. People with any sense accuse them of playing some of the best punk music to come out in a while, heavily influenced by the folk and anarcho movements and fueled with anger, irony and pure passion for what they do. Their seminal LP Reinventing Axl Rose exhibits an exciting new take on the genre and remains a favourite release of fans. Their songs range from political satires to poignant ballads, never losing their driving force that has kept them going through the years they have graced the Florida punk scene.
10		Bad Brains During the late 70's, former jazz fusion artists Dr. Know (Gary Miller), Darryl Jenifer, and Earl Hudson joined with singer H.R. (Paul Hudson) to create one of the most hardcore punk bands to ever hit the face of the earth. Influenced by anything ranging from The Sex Pistols to Led Zepplin, Bad Brains put out some of the most amazing hardcore albums punk fans had ever heard before. After H.R. discovered his roots, converting to the rastafarian religion and slowly converting the rest of the band, the four rasta-punks started putting reggae tracks into their albums, creating an amazing contrast between songs that had never been heard before. Mixing their rastafarian beliefs, and punk ethics Bad Brains put out some revolutionary hardcore tracks that no other band will ever come close to copy.
9		Propagandhi Three Canadian agit-rockers formed a band in the early 90's and named it Propagandhi. The band has progressed over the years, going from bubble-gum anarchy-skate to inflammatory prog-thrash, always raising the bar of political correctness, songwriting abilities and technical proficiency. One of the most influential acts in the Canadian punk scene, as well as the international arena, thanks to an unrelenting awareness and awe-inspiring live shows.
8		Streetlight Manifesto Formed by Tomas of Catch 22, along with the sax player and bass player, joining with members of One Cool Guy and a new drummer. Streetlight Manifesto are hailed as one of the greates ska-punk bands of this decade. With Tomas genius songwirting and lyrical skills with the playing ability of all the members, the bands make a ska-punk sound that is to be reckonned with. They even may be pioneers of a 4th wave.
7		Minor Threat What's there to be said that everyone doesn't know already? Minor Threat helped to form the way hardcore sounds today and influenced an entire generation with their Straight Edge philosophy, although legendary frontman Ian MacKaye first conceived the idea when in the band the Teen Idles. Such classic songs as Out Of Step, In My Eyes, Seeing Red and of course, Straight Edge remain favourites among all fans of the genre even today, with the band's fury and energy still attracting listeners today.
6		Black Flag Black Flag was one of the most influential hardcore bands of the 80's. Black Flag are credited with kick starting the underground movement in the United Staes with the devleopment of SST records. Black Flag toured relentlessly, influencing countless bands where ever they went. Their music filrted with heavy metal, experimental noise, and even free jazz at some points, but are still considered the definitive hardcore band.
5		Operation Ivy Ska gods Operation Ivy formed around March 1987, when Matt and Lint's (Tim Armstrong) band, Basic Radio broke up. After only being around for two years, and only releasing one album, Energy, Operation Ivy called it a day, playing their final show at the place where it all began, the Gillman Street club, in the home town of Berkeley, San Francisco.
4		Ramones Starting out in the New York City Underground in 1975, the Ramones played fast, catchy punk rock, taking influence from the New York Dolls and the glue they sniffed. Many consider them the founders of punk and pop-punk. Their 3 chord songs were simple and catchy, everything that punk rock was supposed to be. The Ramones' first album inspired a ton of bands across the Atlantic. They released great album after great album in the 70's and continued to play into the 90's. The Ramones weren't the most talented or political band, but that didn't stop them from making some amazing music.
3		Bad Religion The most influential band to come out of the 80s Southern California hardcore-punk scene, Bad Religion are, very ironiclly, gods of their genre. They inspired many bands to start up their own bands, playing hardcore-punk and getting a scene started up in there area. And with the founding of Epitaph by Bad Religion's own Brett Gurewitz, these bands were able to be signed to a label that would respect their needs as musicians and would help them get their name out there. Not only were Bad Religion pioneers in their genre, but they were also proof that punks could be intelligent. With many of the members going to college, finishing college, and even getting Master's degrees. And this intelligence shows in their music, provoding points of views on religion and politics that could get any young punk thinking differently about the world around him.
2		The Clash The Clash were formed in 1976 when Mick Jones and Paul Simonon got Joe Strummer to quit the 101ers and join their band, soon to be known as the Clash. Their first album had Terry Chimes on drums and blended punk with rock 'n' roll and hints of ska and reggae. Topper Headon soon came in as the band's permanent drummer, and in late 1979 London Calling was released and changed punk (and all music for that matter) forever, moving away from their original sound. The Clash scored some pop hits with their fifth and final album, Combat Rock. With Joe Strummer's amazing songwriting, Mick Jones's talent as a guitarist and arranger, Paul Simonon's "screw Sid Vicious I don't want to play root notes" basslines, all supported by Headon's smooth percussion, the Clash defined and perfected punk by playing what they wanted to.
1		Dead Kennedys The Dead Kennedys formed in 1978 in San Francisco, CA after Jello Biafra and Klaus Flouride answered East Bay Ray's ad to start a band in a local magazine. The 3 joined together with drummer Ted and started playing hardcore-punk together in the every changing SF scene. DK is known by nearly all punk fans because of their revolutionary changes in hardcore-punk, bringing in politically charge lyrics with high quality musicianship. The Dead Kennedys changed hardcore-punk forever.