Punks originated in 1960s New York. They encouraged rebellion against the status quo and produced loud, angry music inspired by the Reggae and Jazz genres. Velvet Under-Ground first brought punk rock to the public in the late 1960s. After them came the Stooges and Iggy Pop, the latter nicknamed "the Godfather of Punk". Punk rock lyrics focus on unconventional and raw subject matter, staying true to the foundations of punk that embrace chaos and anarchy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Although its first appearance can be traced back to the 1960s, it was in the 1970s that punk and punk rock gained international popularity, particularly in England. Punk thrived on the lower classes and their struggles and at the time, rising unemployment rates and dangerous streets in England triggered a new inspiration for punk artists and the desire of the punk audience. The most famous punk bands included the Ramones and the Sex Pistols; these bands launched Punk into a world of global fame. As the culture grew, so did the criticism. Their blatant rejection of the conventional attracted stares as they danced around in chains, spiky studs, piercings and mohawks. Punk has died in recent years. This is partly due to the dissolution of many famous punk bands and a new modern taste in music that is not attracted by rough and noisy guitar. However, no one can deny the mark they have left on the world. In times of depression and anger, Punk allowed people's frustration to be expressed in ways they previously couldn't. It also allowed these people who are feeling down to realize that there are many out there who feel just like them. For some, punk was just a fun way to rebel. For some, it was a rebellion that they took seriously and resisted to their limits. For some, it was an annoying trend that kids were doing. For others, punk was an inspirational movement and an escape from their boring lives - and it changed the way they saw the world. Now people can see that they do not have to follow the “rules” that society has imposed on them and can make decisions based on their desires instead of what is accepted.