‘PUNK’ by Janette Beckman
Photography by Janette Beckman
Punk is an irrepressible attitude. It brought an anti-establishment, raw freshness to music, art, and style. It was about change, the idea that people should question authority and take action themselves.
— Janette Beckman
Punks at Sid Vicious Memorial march, London 1979
It was taken after Sid Vicious died. They had this huge memorial march in London. It was this really amazing thing, because all sorts of youth cultures — skinheads, rockabillies, two-tone, punks — turned out in respect for Sid. Sid was a character that everybody knew. Everybody was terrified that there was going to be some kind of riot. There were as many police as there were demonstrators. It was a crazy day, and everybody turned out in their best punk finery. I have shown this photograph, particularly in America, and I have had people tell me it is disgusting because it says, “Belsen was a gas.” But they were punks, they were trying to be as rebellious and shocking as possible; so, you know, as far as this picture goes, I kind of love it, it sort of says it all.
— Janette Beckman
Left two punk girls, Hyde Park, London 1979. Right Will, South London 1975
Punk at Sid Vicious Memorial march, London 1979
It wasn’t just about the bands; I documented the whole scene, particularly the fans. The fans were often as intriguing a subject as the bands themselves. They would frequently end up fronting a band themselves a week or so later.
— Janette Beckman
Left Punk at 'Rock Against Racism' concert, London 1980. Right Punk, Coventry 1980
Skinheads, Scotland 1980
Two Punks on street, Coventry 1980