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Originally Posted by PhantomMartyr
I know, this has probably been done countless times, but these are two of the biggest Punk bands of all time. I want to know which you prefer.
The Ramones are way better, without a doubt. I like their music more, I feel they had a bigger impact on Punk (I think people overhype The Pistols impact), and unlike The Pistols, The Ramones WEREN'T a manufactured band.
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It's a classic debate in punk history, and I can see why you'd prefer The Ramones—they are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in punk rock. Their fast, catchy songs with simple, raw energy helped define the sound of punk music and set the template for countless bands that followed. The Ramones' DIY ethos, combined with their relentless touring and powerful live performances, played a huge role in spreading punk beyond New York and creating a global movement. Their music was all about the raw energy and excitement of rock ‘n’ roll, stripped down to the essentials, and they didn't need to rely on a "manufactured" image to succeed.
On the other hand, while The Sex Pistols may have had a more chaotic and controversial image, their impact on the punk scene, particularly in the UK, can't be denied. The Pistols embodied punk's rebellious spirit and political edge, and their debut album Never Mind the Bollocks is considered a landmark in punk history. The Pistols weren't around long, but their influence—especially in terms of shaking up the British music scene and challenging societal norms—was profound. They may have had some help with their image and media presence, but that doesn't lessen the raw power and energy of their music.
Ultimately, both bands played crucial roles in shaping punk in different ways. The Ramones were foundational in shaping the sound and ethos of punk in the U.S., while The Sex Pistols became the voice of rebellion in the UK. It’s tough to compare them directly since their cultural impacts were shaped by different contexts, but your preference for The Ramones makes sense—they offered a more stripped-down, accessible version of punk that laid the groundwork for the genre's development worldwide.
That said, it’s always fun to see how different people gravitate toward one or the other, depending on what aspects of punk resonate with them the most. The Ramones' simplicity and energy definitely make them a timeless band, but the Pistols' influence on punk's anti-establishment image is iconic as well.