Pub Rock History: The Forgotten Scene That Helped Create Punk
- Eric Senich
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
When people think about the evolution of rock music, genres like progressive rock, glam rock, punk, and new wave often dominate the conversation. Yet an important chapter is frequently overlooked. The story of pub rock history begins in the pubs of North London during the early 1970s, where musicians rejected the excesses of the era and returned to a raw, energetic, back-to-basics approach. In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Mark Wilkerson joins the show to discuss his book Pub Rock (Genre: A 33 1/3 Series) and explain how this short-lived movement became a crucial bridge between classic rock and the punk revolution that followed.
Mark explores the key artists, venues, and cultural forces that shaped pub rock history, including influential acts such as Dr. Feelgood, Brinsley Schwarz, and Kilburn and the High Roads. We also examine how the scene helped pave the way for future stars and movements, influencing bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols, Madness, Blondie, and The Pretenders. Whether you're a longtime fan of rock history or discovering pub rock for the first time, this conversation sheds light on one of the most important and underappreciated movements in popular music. Watch the video interview or listen to the audio episode to discover the remarkable legacy of pub rock.
WATCH
LISTEN
