Photo by Jillian Bailey

Austin Punk Chronicles

Local punk scholar Tim Stegall’s serialized history of homegrown DIY culture has been playing out in the pages of the Chronicle. The chapters began dropping in 2019 and will ultimately amount to a book, which the veteran journalist plans to call You’ll Never Understand What We’re Trying to Say: Austin Punk Rock 1975-Present. You can find all the published installments here.

Raul's in Overdrive: "AUSTIN IS UN-MELLOWING OUT!"
Ch. 6, Pt. 2: "AUSTIN IS UN-MELLOWING OUT!"
Patti Smith and Elvis Costello visit Raul's, after the Bodysnatchers beat the Skunks to vinyl, in Chapter 6, Part 2 of the "Austin Punk Chronicles"

Dec. 29, 2022

Raul's in Overdrive: "Have a Good Time, Get in Free, and Drink Some Beer"
Ch. 6, Pt. 1: "Have a Good Time, Get in Free, and Drink Some Beer"
1978, when San Antonio's the Next became Austin's Fourth Punk Band and Dallas' Nervebreakers beat locals in a battle of the bands for Chapter 6, Part 1 of the "Austin Punk Chronicles"

Dec. 22, 2022

Austin Punk Chronicles: "Hard, Fast & Unapologetic" – Raul's Shifts Into Fourth Gear
Ch. 5, Pt. 2: "Hard, Fast & Unapologetic" – Raul's Shifts Into Fourth Gear
In the wake of the one-night debut of the Skunks and the Violators, Austin punk begins in earnest in Chapter 5, Part 2 of the "Austin Punk Chronicles"

Aug. 11, 2022

Austin Punk Chronicles: The Shock of the New – The Violators and the Skunks Invade Raul's
Ch. 5, Pt. 1: The Shock of the New – The Violators and the Skunks
14 days after the Sex Pistols break up and mainstream media declares punk dead, Austin's scene begins at a Tejano bar on the Drag in Chapter 5, Part 1 of the "Austin Punk Chronicles"

Aug. 4, 2022

We Have an Issue: Hitting the Right Three Chords to Chronicle Punk Rock
We Have an Issue: Hitting the Right Three Chords to Chronicle Punk Rock
In this week's issue, Tim Stegall recounts a pivotal Sex Pistols concert that inspired Austin's punk scene

Jan. 6, 2022

This Changes Everything: Austin Witnesses to Sex Pistols' Chaotic Randy's Rodeo Show Go Home and Start Bands
Ch. 4, Pt. 2: Sex Pistols Show Sparks a Local Scene
UK instigators blow the roof off San Antonio dance hall in Chapter 4, Part 2, of the "Austin Punk Chronicles"

Jan. 6, 2022

On Punk Rock, and the Passing of Bruce Todd and Sarah Weddington
On Punk Rock, and the Passing of Bruce Todd and Sarah Weddington
LISTEN: The Austin Chronicle Show on KOOP Community Radio

Jan. 1, 2022

Austin Punk Chronicles: "I Don't Think the Sex Pistols Inspired Anything Other Than a Buncha More Punk Bands!"
Ch. 4, Pt. 1: Sex Pistols' San Antonio Shoot-Out Ricochets Locally
The San Antonio shootout ricochets locally in Chapter 4

Dec. 30, 2021

“No Willie, Waylon, or the Armadillo in 1977!!!” The Punk Beast Begins to Stir in Austin
Ch. 3: The Punk Beast Begins to Stir
A nascent scene takes shape in chapter three of the Austin Punk Chronicles

Dec. 22, 2021

The Glam Punks of 70s Austin Get Up to Their Gypsy Tricks
Ch. 2, Pt. 2: Glam Punks of 70s Austin
The Austin Punk Chronicles, chapter two, part two: Glitter rock (1972-76) fades

Jan. 23, 2020

Why Does the Governor Want to Keep Refugees Out of Texas?
Writer Tim Stegall on the Chronicle Show
The Austin Chronicle Show examines resettlement, and punk

Jan. 17, 2020

The Forgotten Era of Glitter Rock in Mid-70s Austin
Ch. 2, Pt. 1: The Forgotten Era of Glitter Rock
The Austin Punk Chronicles, chapter two, part one: glam rock (1972-76)

Jan. 16, 2020

How a Collaboration Between Roky Erickson and Doug Sahm Became Part of the Blueprint for Punk Rock
Ch. 1, Pt. 2: Roky & Doug's Influential Collab
Chapter one of the Austin Punk Chronicles concludes with two local legends setting the stage for a global music revolution

Aug. 8, 2019

The Origins of Austin Punk in the Aftermath of the 13th Floor Elevators
Ch. 1, Pt. 1: Austin Punk Post-13th Floor Elevators
Roky Erickson hurtles toward Doug Sahm in Chapter 1, Part 1 of the Austin Punk Chronicles

Aug. 1, 2019

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