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Tuesday, 3 October 2017


John Millais Building, Room 315

Join us for this exciting conference which explores the history and the influence of the punk movement on music, politics, fashion and today's society.

Conference programme


11-11.30am Opening address

Professor Lucy Robinson (historian) on UK punk in its political and social context

11.30am-12.30pm Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché

Film trailer and panel discussion.

Chaired by John Robb (The Membranes, author, journalist), and featuring Poly's daughter (and filmmaker) Celeste Bell and writer and filmmaker Zoe Howe.

As the frontwoman of X-Ray Spex, Poly Styrene was, and remains, one of the most original and important figures in punk in terms of incisive lyrics, performance and attitude.

12.30-1.30pm Punk and Rock against Racism

Lois Wilson (Mojo magazine) and Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers/The Specials/The Special AKA) discuss how punk and politics came together in various ways and how the alliance between certain punk acts and Rock Against Racism remains one of the most important legacies of punk.

1.30-2pm Lunch

2-3pm Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols)

Talk and performance.

3-4pm Dr Lucy O'Brien (The Catholic Girls, academic, author) and John Robb discuss Sounds from the faraway towns

The importance of local scenes and empowerment. While discussions of punk tend to revolve around London, activities from outside (from bands to punk nights to DIY fanzines) were an important influence on punk as a whole and were empowered by it.

4-5pm Punk fashion

Punk fashion, whether designed by Vivienne Westwood or handmade by fans, provoked shock and disgust. Forty years on, its look and attitude still exerts its influence.

Pam Hogg (fashion designer/musician) and Sam Knee (fashion and subculture author) lend their expert insight.

5-5.30pm Closing address

The Beautiful People are Ugly Too: The Clash as my 'true fiction'.

A reflection on running away from home at the age of 14 to follow The Clash, with Professor Martin James.

Register now

For more information and to register to attend, contact Johnny Hopkins: johnny.hopkins@solent.ac.uk

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