midwest punk

Midwest Punk: A Riot of Misfits and Middle America

Midwest punk, born in the heartland of America, was a sonic rebellion against the blandness of suburban life. From the sweaty basements of Chicago to the grimy garages of Minneapolis, a DIY ethos fueled a movement that defied genre boundaries and embraced social commentary with a biting wit.

From The Replacements to The Meat Puppets:

The late 70s and early 80s saw the emergence of bands like The Replacements, whose raucous sound and raw lyrics resonated with a generation disillusioned by Reagan-era politics. The band’s legendary live shows were often chaotic, with frontman Paul Westerberg’s drunken antics becoming notorious. During one infamous concert, he threw his guitar into the crowd, only to be chased down the street by a group of angry fans.

Another prominent band, The Meat Puppets, pushed the boundaries of punk with their psychedelic leanings and introspective lyrics. While their music might have been considered “too weird” for some punk purists, the band’s unique sound helped define the Midwest scene.

The Rise of the Independents:

Fueled by a strong DIY ethic, Midwest punk thrived on independent labels like SST Records, founded by the legendary Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn. SST became a haven for punk bands from across the Midwest, including Hüsker Dü, whose complex arrangements and melodic songwriting helped bridge the gap between hardcore and pop.

A Legacy of Humor:

The Midwest punk scene wasn’t all anger and aggression. Bands like The dBs, known for their witty lyrics and sardonic humor, provided a lighter side to the movement. Their song “Amphetamine” became a cult classic, with its hilarious lyrics about the joys of drug-induced escapism.

The Misfit Legacy:

The spirit of Midwest punk continues to resonate with modern bands like The Hold Steady and Titus Andronicus. These bands, influenced by the raw energy and social consciousness of their predecessors, carry on the torch of rebellion while injecting their own brand of humor and introspection.

Funny Facts:

• The Replacements’ Paul Westerberg once lost a court case after his band’s name was used on a bottle of beer without their permission. The judge ruled that the band’s name was “so unique” that it would be “obvious” that it was a knock-off.
• Hüsker Dü frontman Grant Hart was once banned from a Minnesota airport for being drunk and disruptive. He claimed he was just trying to “have a good time.”
• The Meat Puppets’ Curt Kirkwood once admitted to writing a song about a cat named “Fudge.” The song, according to Kirkwood, was inspired by his “deeply disturbing” relationship with his feline companion.

Midwest punk was more than just loud music and rebellious lyrics. It was a community, a movement, and a testament to the power of individuality. The spirit of that movement continues to influence music today, reminding us that even in the heartland, there’s room for rebellion and a little bit of fun.