10 Most Important Acts That Shaped Punk Rock Music
5. Dr. Feelgood
Dr. Feelgood were the unlikely catalyst that helped kicked start the London punk rock scene in the '70s. Primarily a rhythm and blues act, these guys played a high octane version of rock that built on sounds from the American rock n' roll scene of the late '50s and early '60s. In 1975 they released Down By the Jetty, which was commercially successfully in the UK, but their subsequent records and a following tour of the States marked the end of the original line up.
Their impact came from their erratic and highly charismatic stage presence. Frontman Lee Brilleaux delivered his lines with a furious anger, that was simmering away beneath the surface. And, before he was wielding the sword that cut Ned Starks heads off, Wilko Johnson wielded a Fender Telecaster with an equally deadly skill. Strumming out infectiously choppy chord melodies, inter cut with lead guitar parts to punctuate the rhythms, his approach informed the bands musical aesthetic.
Dr. Feelgood was the group young members of the Sex Pistols would go to see on the London Pub circuit, Glen Matlock, in particular, has referenced their live showmanship as a huge inspiration.