Review of Punk's Not Dead (2007) by Lee R — 11 Apr 2010

Punks not dead is a documentary with plenty of talking heads from the likes of Charlie Harper, Ian Mackaye, Dick Lucas, Henry Rollins, Mike Ness, Jello Biafra and Tim Armstrong. The film explores such subjects as, what punk is, what it means to be punk to the individuals involved in the scene and whether bands like Sum 41 and and My Chemical Romance are really punk or just pop bands convorting under the title.

Are you really punk just because you dye your hair and buy your clothes from Hot Topic? This is a fascinating watch for anyone with an interest in the scene. The film doesnt spend alot of time with the bands from the first wave of punk such as The Sex Pistols or The clash, which is refreshing as so many documentarys have trod this ground before.

Instead bands from all over the globe, from the Anti Nowhere League and The Subhumans to PennyWise and Bad religion are interviewed and hung out with. The movie ends with footage that people have sent in showing there Punk rock scenes from around the world.

Pretty essential viewing for anyone into punk and interesting to get anecdotes and opinions from people who have spend 20+ years in the same bands, and yet still seeming as enthusiastic as when it began.

If the film has one flaw its that it doesnt explore much past the Hardcore scene, leaving out the likes of Crust, Ska, Horror and psychobiily. Still I found this highly enjoyable and definately worth a watch.