Punk rock exploded out of New York City in the late 1970s and spread fast — to London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond. It was loud, raw, and built on an anti-establishment attitude that showed up just as much in fashion as in music. Spiked hair, ripped clothing, and a flat rejection of social norms defined the look.
Photographer Jim Jocoy traveled between San Francisco and Los Angeles to document this scene up close. He sought out the most striking punk personalities — musicians, artists, and scene figures — and photographed them in the broken-down, gritty environments they called home.
His collection includes well-known faces like Darby Crash, Iggy Pop, Lydia Lunch, and Sid Vicious. Members of bands such as X, The Cramps, The Avengers, Flipper, and The Screamers also appear throughout his work.
Jocoy’s photos capture more than just style. The settings matter too — crumbling walls, bare rooms, and urban decay formed the natural backdrop for a subculture that refused to be polished or presentable.
Each portrait is a direct look at who these people were — defiant, unfiltered, and fully committed to a scene that operated entirely on its own terms.
