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Punk From East LA: A History of the East Los Angeles Punk Scene

Tom Clancy

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The East Los Angeles punk scene was a vibrant and influential part of the American punk rock movement of the 1970s and 1980s. The scene emerged in the mid-1970s, as a reaction to the social and economic conditions of the time. The East Los Angeles punk scene was characterized by its DIY ethos, its focus on social justice, and its unique blend of punk rock with traditional Mexican and Chicano music.

The Social and Economic Context of East Los Angeles

East Los Angeles is a predominantly Latino community located just east of downtown Los Angeles. The community was founded in the 1850s by Mexican immigrants and has a long history of social and economic struggles. In the 1970s, East Los Angeles was faced with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime. The community was also plagued by police brutality and racial discrimination.

The social and economic conditions of East Los Angeles had a profound impact on the development of the punk scene. The punk scene provided a way for young people to express their frustration and anger with the status quo. The scene also provided a sense of community and belonging for young people who felt isolated and marginalized.

A Punk from East LA

by Anne Green Gilbert

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Birth of the East Los Angeles Punk Scene

The East Los Angeles punk scene began in the mid-1970s, with the formation of bands such as The Plugz, The Zeros, and The Germs. These bands were influenced by the British punk bands of the time, such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash. However, they also incorporated elements of traditional Mexican and Chicano music into their sound.

The East Los Angeles punk scene quickly gained a following, both in the East Los Angeles community and beyond. Bands from the scene began to play shows at local clubs and warehouses. They also released records on independent labels.

The DIY Ethos of the East Los Angeles Punk Scene

One of the defining characteristics of the East Los Angeles punk scene was its DIY ethos. The scene was not supported by major record labels or corporate sponsors. Instead, bands relied on their own resources to produce and promote their music.

The DIY ethos of the East Los Angeles punk scene was reflected in the way that bands recorded and released their music. Many bands recorded their songs on cassette tapes and sold them at shows. They also produced their own fanzines and organized their own shows.

The DIY ethos of the East Los Angeles punk scene also extended to the way that bands lived their lives. Many bands lived in squats or shared houses. They worked odd jobs to support themselves and their music.

The Social Justice Focus of the East Los Angeles Punk Scene

The East Los Angeles punk scene was not just about music. It was also about social justice. Bands from the scene often used their music to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. They also organized benefits for local community organizations.

The social justice focus of the East Los Angeles punk scene was reflected in the lyrics of bands such as The Plugz and The Zeros. These bands wrote songs about the struggles of the working class, the poor, and the marginalized.

The East Los Angeles punk scene was also a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. Many bands from the scene were openly gay or lesbian, and they used their music to challenge homophobia.

The Legacy of the East Los Angeles Punk Scene

The East Los Angeles punk scene had a profound impact on the American punk rock movement. The scene helped to popularize punk rock and make it more accessible to a wider audience. The scene also helped to inspire a new generation of punk bands, both in the United States and around the world.

The legacy of the East Los Angeles punk scene can still be seen today. Many of the bands from the scene continue to perform and record music. The scene has also inspired a number of books, documentaries, and exhibitions.

The East Los Angeles punk scene is a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and make a difference in the world. The scene is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the East Los Angeles community.

The East Los Angeles punk scene was a unique and influential part of the American punk rock movement. The scene emerged in the mid-1970s, as a reaction to the social and economic conditions of the time. The scene was characterized by its DIY ethos, its focus on social justice, and its unique blend of punk rock with traditional Mexican and Chicano music. The East Los Angeles punk scene had a profound impact on the American punk rock movement and continues to inspire punk bands today.

Bibliography

Brown, Mick. Punk: An Oral History. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2001.
**Heylin, Clinton. From the Velvets to the Voids: A Pre-Punk History of Underground Rock

A Punk from East LA

by Anne Green Gilbert

5 out of 5