Jon Savage, a distinguished British music critic and author known for works like 'England’s Dreaming', dives into the fascinating queer etymology of punk. He traces the origins of the term 'punk' from Shakespeare to its 1970s revival, revealing its deep connections to LGBTQ identity. Savage highlights the transformative contributions of artists like David Bowie and Little Richard, discussing how they reshaped gender perceptions in music. The conversation also touches on the cultural evolution of punk amidst societal challenges, providing a rich historical tapestry of rebellion and creativity.
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insights INSIGHT
Queer Roots of Leather Jackets
The black leather jacket symbolizes both rebellious youth masculinity and assertive queer identity.
This garment has queer roots tied to post-WWII homosexual motorcycle subcultures before punk appropriated it.
insights INSIGHT
Queer Aesthetic in Early Youth Music
Early queer aesthetics in music emphasized ambiguity and wildness over traditional masculinity.
Cultural icons like Little Richard and Elvis brought androgyny and femininity into youth culture.
insights INSIGHT
Queer Expression Amid Oppression
LGBTQ performers used coded lyrics and performances to express identity under oppressive conditions.
Social and legal restrictions only began loosening post-Stonewall, allowing open expression later.
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How LGBTQ Resistance Shaped Popular Culture from 1955 to 1979
Jon Savage
The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Resistance Shaped Popular Culture, 1955-1979 by Jon Savage is a book that looks at key moments in music and entertainment history which have helped move gay culture from the margins to mainstream, and in doing so, has changed the face of pop forever. From the ambiguous sexuality of stars like Little Richard in the 1950s, through the glam rock of David Bowie, ending at the dawn of the Thatcher and Reagan regimes with Sylvester's You Make Me Feel, My Name Real. The Secret Public is a searching examination of the fortitude and resilience of the gay community through the lens of popular music and culture.
Teenage
Jon Savage
Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture, 1875-1945 by Jon Savage examines the emergence of the teenager as a distinct social and cultural identity, tracing its roots from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. It explores the historical, economic, and social forces that shaped the concept of adolescence, including the impact of industrialization, urbanization, and mass media. The book delves into various youth subcultures and movements, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of young people during this transformative period. By analyzing historical documents, personal accounts, and cultural artifacts, Savage provides a comprehensive overview of the creation of youth culture and its lasting impact on society.
This Searing Light
This Searing Light
The Sun and Everything Else
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This Searing Light, The Sun and Everything Else: Joy Division by Jon Savage delves into the history and cultural impact of the British post-punk band Joy Division. Through extensive interviews, archival materials, and critical analysis, Savage explores the band's formation, music, and the tragic suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. The book examines the social and political context of late 1970s Britain and its influence on Joy Division's dark and introspective sound. It also highlights the band's artistic achievements and their lasting legacy on contemporary music. Savage provides a comprehensive account of Joy Division's brief but influential career.
England’s Dreaming
England’s Dreaming
Sex Pistols and Punk Rock
Jon Savage
'England's Dreaming' is a comprehensive exploration of the punk rock movement in Britain, focusing on the Sex Pistols and the cultural and social forces that shaped the era. It delves into the music, fashion, and socio-political context of the time, providing a rich narrative of the punk subculture. The book examines the movement's origins, its key figures, and its lasting impact on music and society. Savage captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk, offering a detailed account of its rise and eventual fragmentation. Through extensive interviews and meticulous research, the book provides an in-depth look at one of the most influential subcultures in modern history.
Man enough to be a woman
Jayne County
Rupert Smith
In the fifth episode of Soundscapes N.Y.C., host Ryan Purcell talks with British music critic Jon Savage about how LGBTQ resistance shaped American popular music from the 1950s to the 1980s. Savage discusses the curious and queer roots of the word punk stretching back to the time of Shakespeare when it was used to connote ambiguous and transgressive gender and sexuality. Those meanings carried through to the 1970s though their origins may have been obscured by popular culture.
Jon Savage is the award-winning author of England’s Dreaming: Sex Pistols and Punk Rock (1991) and Teenage: The Creation of Youth, 1875-1945 (2007) and his latest book, The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Resistance Shaped Popular Culture, 1955-1979 (2024). He is the writer of the award-winning film documentaries The Brian Epstein Story (1988) and Joy Division (2007), as well as the feature film Teenage (2013). His compilations include Meridian 1970 (Heavenly/EMI 2005) and Queer Noises: From the Closet to the Charts, 1961-1976 (Trikont 2006).
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