45 Badass Tattoos For Punk Rockers

Born during the mid-1970s, punk rock is a rejection of the establishment in all forms—whether that be found in politics or mainstream rock and roll. It featured a stripped down song and lyrics that stood in opposition to the conventional social and political norms of society. Punk developed in two cities on entirely separate continents: New York City and London.

Punk was introduced to NYC through the Ramones in 1974, with the group gaining recognition by performing at nightclubs such as CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City. The band helped to establish punk communities throughout the United States, inspiring groups such as Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and Social Distortion. The Ramones helped punk to diversify into a myriad of subgenres, including horror punk (Misfits) and pop punk (Screeching Weasel, Green Day and blink-182).

Of course, NYC was just one part of punk rock and perhaps the city that made the biggest impact on this genre was London, England. London became the epicenter of punk rock and the first big punk band out of this city was the Sex Pistols. The Sex Pistols brought punk it’s distinctive fashion (thanks in large part to designer Vivienne Westwood) and the group turned heads with their distinctive anarchist platform. The Sex Pistols inspired many other British punk bands to form during the mid-1970s, including The Clash, Buzzcocks and The Damned.

Today, a love for punk still stands—whether it be the classics or new groups such as PUP, Anti-Flag or The Chats. In honor of all the punk rockers out there, we’ve gathered together 45 of our favorite tattoos inspired by the movement and the music. Take a look at the badass ink in the gallery below, then let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments section on social media.