Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Matt Staff
These 20 photos capture the chaos, charisma, and confrontational spirit of punk rock in its most authentic form. From iconic bands to unforgettable street style. Step into the sweat-soaked clubs, back-alley hangouts, and riotous scenes that made punk a revolution. Here are 20 photos that embody the ’70s and ’80s punk rock culture.
1. Punk rockers brought their music with them everywhere, 1980
2. In the ’70s, almost everyone was in a garage band
3. Green Day performing at an underground punk club in 1989
4. Punk rockers at the Rock Against Reagan concert, 1983
5. Punk rock girl in Soho, 1977
6. Punk rock hits London, 1970s
7. Rocking out at a small punk show in Britain, 1975
8. A Texas punk, 1981
9. Just a couple of punk rockers, mid-1980s
10. Peak punk rock, London, 1981
11. Rocking out in mom and dad’s basement, 1982
12. The punk legends The Descendents, 1977
13. “My dad’s punk rock band, Ralph and the Ponytails, 1978”
14. That must have taken a lot of hairspray, 1985
15. The Queens of Punk, 1980
16. Punk rock pit at 924 Gilman in Berkeley, CA, 1988
17. Living the punk rock life, 1988
18. Just a couple of punks in Manchester, England, 1979
19. Punks in London, 1980
20. Punk girls making their way into the concert, 1981
Want to take a look at more ’70s and ’80s content?
Check out 20 Photos That Prove the 1980s Were Plain Old Better, or take a look at 23 Vintage Photos of 1980s Family Vacations. Finally, if you want to take a look at things that no one misses from the ’70s, check out 17 Things No One Misses About The 1970s.