10 Most Important Acts That Shaped Punk Rock Music

10. New York Dolls

Formed in 1971 the New York Dolls were instantly polarising. Originally branded as a pale imitation of The Rolling Stones, they have become considered one of the most influential music acts of the era. Pre-dating the hair metal scene by almost a decade, their visual aesthetic was appropriated by the likes of Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi. But, their sound was more akin to early punk bands of the mid '70s.

Lead singer David Johansen, might have pranced about like Jagger, but his vocals emulated a sound you might get if you crossed Lou Reed with Tom Waits. Screeching his way through songs, at times, and using his surprisingly deep vocal range at others, he made a marked impression.

Audiences didn't really know how to interpret the group, however. Visually they drew from Bowie and Mark Bolan, with a more effeminate dress sense, but their sound was a form of stripped out rock, that was closer to The Stooges than anything that was happening in the glam scene.

With aggressive guitar progressions, pounding drums and vocals that delivered lyrics with a punch, these guys were punk in all but name.