Punk was initially fueled in an era much like the one we now face. It was a world sparking furious debates about inequality and justice. Life during national tension and horrid acts of terrorism left people in need of harmony and camaraderie. Punk does just this. Punk unites people from all walks of life regardless of your race, gender, or sexual orientation, bringing together fans and musicians alike and making the scene a family, rather than a face-off between strangers. Containing a diverse group of musicians and fans who share a love for fast and unapologetic music, punk accurately reflects the strange times we live in.
Chattanooga’s punk rock scene has been steadily gaining momentum for the past few years now. At the forefront of the scene are bands like Gumm, Hard Way Out, Corrupted Influence and The Claw, who have been instrumental in creating and maintaining the Punk and Rock ethos that permeates the Chattanooga music scene. These bands, along with many others, regularly play shows at local venues like JJ's Bohemia, Sluggo's, and more recently Poor Taste where they are often joined by touring acts from across the country.
Chattanooga punk bands have been drawing suburban middle-class youth in for a while now. The local scene extends all the way back to a band known as the Unsatisfied, who once opened up for Iggy Pop and the Ramones at the infamous New York CBGB. They frequently played a long-gone pool hall once known as Hollywood’s in Chattanooga. Fights often broke out between skinheads and bikers leaving broken glass and bloody traces. Shows would even draw in the Signal Mountain rich kids who would gel up their hair for shows and slick it back for class at Mccallie.
One more recent wave drawing people into these shows are Mosh Pits. A mosh pit is a swirling pool of bodies where people move in and out influenced by the same forces that guide a raging fire or a tornado. Despite their appearance, mosh pits can often reveal a beautiful sort of order if you take the time to observe them. It provides a more physical way of interpreting the music you are listening to. For example, the last show I attended my friend got knocked out in the pit while we were listening to “Weak Die First”.
As the Chattanooga punk rock scene continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of the power of music to bring people together, promote social change, and create a sense of belonging. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the scene, there's never been a better time to get involved and experience the raw energy and passion of Chattanooga's punk rock community. If you feel so inclined to attend these shows just hit up the Catacombs & we will gladly fill you in on Concert dates.