The Birth of the Threadbanger Blog

This blog is for those of you who love that specific type of fashion that expresses your life style. That is punk rock, like mine. This blog is a space that you guys can check out to not only find great places to shop for your favorite type of clothing but also where you can hang out in some of the biggest cities in the world. What I don't cover you guys can add in for me. I'll give you reviews on tattoo parlors and shops, the best bars, venues, shows, and clubs to hang out at, as well as info on local designers, and good thrift stores to check out, as well as the best boutiques.

The History Of Punk Rock Fashion

History of Punk Rock Fashion

Punk rock music was an anti-establishment rock music genre and movement in the 1970's. Punk rock was preceded by Rock-n-Roll of the 50's and protopunk of the 60's and early 70's. The movement took place in the years from 74 to 77. The main countries that saw this movement were the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, where groups such as The Clash, The Ramones, and Sex Pistols were the Vanguard of the movement. The punk movement influenced the subculture that created clothing, hangouts, and a do it yourself attitude and lifestyle. The fashion first emerged in the mid 1970s in London as an anarchic and aggressive movement. About 200 young people defined themselves as an anti-fashion urban youth street culture. The original punk rock movement around the world was intended to be confrontational and rebellious. The style of punk dress came from the music and lifestyle presented from the music. Although the fashion was different than it is now, many items worn by punks in the beginning of the movement were less commonly worn later on, and new elements added. A big part of punk fashion was influenced by the designs of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLauren. People still refer to Westwood for inspiration today, as well as the vanguards of the music.

Deliberately offensive shirts were popular in the early punk scene, such as the infamous DESTROY T-shirt sold at SEX (Malcolm McLaurens store in London), which featured an inverted crucifix and a Nazi Swastika. Many shirts and other items were intentionally torn and destroyed. Other items in early British punk fashion included the Anarchy symbol, brightly-colored or white and black dress shirts randomly covered in slogans, Anarchist slogans and symbols, fake blood, patches, and deliberately controversial images, such as portraits of Karl Marx, Josef Stalin and Mussolini were popular. Leather jackets and customised blazers were introduced early, and are still popular in the fashion.

Leather, denim, spikes, chains, and combat boots, badges, bleach-stained jeans, bondage pants, brothel creepers, buttons, Chuck Taylor All-Stars shoes, or sweatshop-free alternatives such as Blackspot and No Sweat, Dickies pants and shorts, Dr. Martens boots, dyed hair in unnatural colors, piercings, fingerless gloves, fishnet stockings, hoodies, leopard print, military uniform, combat boots, BDUs or dog tags, mini-skirts, mohawk hairstyles and liberty spikes, leather jackets, safety pins, skate shoes such as Vans or Converse, sleeveless T-shirts, slim-fit jeans, spiked bands and studded belts, spray painted clothing, tartan patterns, tattoos, torn clothing, wrist bands, and pictures of Ronald Regan with a bullet hole in his head are part of the punk fashion. Hope you get some ideas from this if needed.

Punk rock fashion has influenced or been influenced by skinheads, rude boys, greasers, gothic, rockabilly, gothabilly, BDSM, black metal, glam, skate punk, ska, pop punk, cyber punk, emo, grunge, heavy metal, industrial, and steampunk fashions.

Some Great Designers To Check Out

Designers:

Vivienne Westwood: http://www.viviennewestwood.com/

Still as popular as she was when she made a huge controversial approach to fashion back in the 70's. High Price Points.

Jared Gold: http://www.blackchandelier.com/

Men and Women's clothing. Very unique colorful clothing some punk inspired designs. Moderate price points.

Daang Goodman: http://www.trippnyc.com/

Men and Women, Gothic and punk clothing. Low to Moderate price points. Can find his designs in specialty boutiques all over the States, Hot topic, and online.

Martin Margiela: http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/

Incredibly unique, one of a kind pieces, Ready-To-Wear, Couture, high price points.

Yoji Yamamoto: http://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/

Gothic Inspired Ready-To-Wear and Couture. High price points.

Betsy Johnson: http://www.betseyjohnson.com/

Unique girly punky clothes. High price points.

Ann Demeulemeester: http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/designers/Ann+Demeulemeester/

Artsy, experimental but wearable clothing. High price points.

Dries van Noten: http://www.driesvannoten.be/movie.html

Men and Women. Ready-To-Wear. Unique clothing, high price points.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: YOU!!!

Keep checking for more additions.

Future of Punk

Punk has been around now for over 30 years. It has evolved into an everyday trend, although the mainstream still ignores it. There will always be new designers, new musicians, new hot spots and styles. Punk never stops growing, it will never go away and whether you like it or not it will always be an in your face lifestyle that all people will see and live with. More and more people addapt to the lifestyles, the attitudes, and the scene. It can only become more popular and most likely more hated by mainstream. But its not like we care anyway.

Great Clothing Companies

Some GREAT Clothing companies to check out!

Black Victory: http://www.blackvictory.com/

"Custom Clothing foe the Recently Deceased" Clothing company started in 2005 by musician Piggy D, bassist for Rob Zombie. Expensive but worth it!

Junker: http://www.junkerdesigns.com/

"Junker is a car wreck, whats left is here for the taking" Have stores in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Japan. Clothing also sold online.

Tripp NYC: http://www.trippnyc.com/

Designer Daang Goodman makes the best affordable Gothic clothing.

Total Skull: http://www.totalskull.com/

Designer Sheri Moon Zombie makes affordable clothing that revolves around the image of the SKULL.

Los Angeles!!!

Los Angeles has more clubs, bars and venues than any one person even knows about. Finding the best ones are tricky. There are a lot of great stores to check out, you just got to know where to go.

Instrument Stores:

Guitar Center: 7425 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90046. (323) 874-1060.

Clothing Stores:

Hot Rock: 6717 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. (323) 462-3348. Jewelry, Leather, T-shirts and more. Rock and Roll Gothic clothing, shoes and accessories.

Rock Wear: Hollywood Blvd. Gothic and Punk Rock clothing and accessories

Capital Rock: Tony is the owner and almost always there. 6739 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028. (323) 957-1480. Your house of Rock and Roll Memorabilia.

Jet Rag: 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA For quality and quantity, you simply can't beat this low-priced resale goldmine.

Polka dots & Moonbeam: 8367 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA Fun, romantic attire for the vintage shopper and her "It's gotta be new" sister.

Wasteland: 7428 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA Cool duds and designer finds make for a hip vintage-shopping experience.

Decades: 8214 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA This Melrose boutique is an oasis of glamour for shoppers who covet vintage pieces by the world's most sought-after designers.

Forgotten saints: 7569 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046

Ruby Jean: 15000 Ventura Blvd #101, Sherman Oaks 91403

J. Ransom: 151 S. La Brea Ave. LA, CA 90036H.

Lorenzo: 8660 Sunset Blvd, LA CA 90069

Record Stores:

Amoeba: The World's Largest Independent Music Store. 6400 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90018 Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am - 11pm Sun 11am-9pm. Telephone: (323) 245-6400.

Vinyl Fetish which has moved a few times but is still in business and is now on Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood.

Virgin MegaStore-Hollywood & Highland Center 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 105. Hollywood, CA 90028. (323) 769-8520

Los Angeles/Sunset Blvd. 8000 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046. (323) 650-8666

Bars/Venues:

Dragonfly-6510 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90046. Alternative Rock

Troubadour-9081 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069. Bar and club plays alternative rock music.

The Joint-8771 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035. Bar/Club, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.

The Viper Room-8852 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069. Bar/Club, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.

House of Blues Hollywood-8430 W. Sunset Blvd.Hollywood, CA 90069

The Knitting Factory-7021 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028.

The Whisky A Go Go-8901 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069. Bar/Club Heavy Metal & Hard Rock.

The Roxy-9009 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069. Bar/Club, Live Music, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal

Tattoo Parlors:

Kayden Creations: Custom Tattoos and Artwork. 6638 1/2 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. (323) 464-8588. http://www.kaydencreations.com/

Kayden is very talented, and of all the shops on Hollywood Blvd, I think this one is the best!

High Voltage Tattoo: Monday-Friday 9 PM to MIDNIGHT Saturday & Sunday 12 PM to MIDNIGHT. 1259 n. La Brea Ave.W. Hollywood, CA 90038

Owned and Operated by the Famous Kat Von D.

Paris

Paris

Clothing Stores:

Kokon To Zai boutique: 48 rue tiquetonne metro station etienne marcel. Run by a Goth-inspired fashion guru, offers Nouveau Punk designer clothing. "The boutique in the trendy etienne marcel area is the first stop for all fashion hungry revival punks. kokon to zai doesn’t follow mainstream trends, but deals exclusively with single pieces from young designers. goth shop owner robin offers consultations for customers who are unsure about their unusual clothing combinations. (Unknown)

Record Stores:

Monster Mélodies: 9, rue Déchargeurs. Telephone: (01) 40 28 09 3975001 Paris1è arrondissement Mo Chatelet. Specializing in 1960s and 70s New Wave, hard rock, and jazz for collectors.

Oldies But Goodies: 7, rue Filles du Calvaire. Telephone: (01) 48 87 14 3775003 Paris3è arrondissement. Mo Filles du Calvaire. Reported to be a very good address for country, Rockabilly, and rock 'n' roll.

Boulinier: 20 bd St-Michel 75006 Paris. Telephone: (01) 43 26 90 576è arrondissement Mo St-Michel or Cluny-La Sorbonne. Multi-storied shop which carries everything from comics to posters to video games, as well as recordings in all formats. There are a wide variety of used LP's (jazz, pop, classical, and rock) typically priced at 25F each. At 50F - 60F, used CD's are about half the price of new.

Bars/Pubs:

Kata Bar: 37 rue fontaine http://www.katabar.com/. "Paris only metal-punk bar is situated opposite the moulin rouge. The kata bar is the place to be for those who love black leather, loud music and extremely potent drinks. The pub has a punk style interior. The morbid décor includes chopped off hands, skulls and pickled snakes in jars. Underneath kata’s cellar is an old cemetery. Goth-techno and pogo nights are held regularly amongst the old graves. The kata bar opens every evening." (unknown)

Harry's New-York Bar: Europe's Traditional Cocktail Bar Est. 1911. World's original Harry's Bar, birthplace of the Bloody Mary and other legendary cocktails. "Come thought the famous swinging wooden doors and discover a piece of America where the spirit of Earnest Hemingway ,
Scott Fitzgerald or George Gershwin still lingers." Lunch cocktail piano bar everyday 10:30 AM to 4 AM. 5, rue Daunou-PARIS 75002. Between Opera and Place Vendome. 01 42 61 71 14

Le Truskel (10-12 Rue Feydeau, 2nd. Tel. 01 4026 5997) Upstairs is a typical Irish pub, while downstairs one of the most popular—and tiniest—DJ clubs of the moment is hidden away. It features indie pop, punk rock, electro-pop bands and many visiting DJs.

Venues/Hangouts:

Nouveau Casino (109 Rue Oberkampf. Tel. 01 4357 5740) Tucked behind the Café Charbon, this futuristic club hosts live rock concerts, turning into more of a DJ club with electronic music from about midnight.

Milan

Milan, the fashion capital of Italy.

Clothing Stores:

The Magic Eight Ball Store: Located about halfway down Corso Porta Tichinese. Or what i think this store is called. It has a magic eight ball above its door and no sign.

Record Stores:

Metropolis Dischi: V. Padova 104, tel. 0222894942

Metropolis Due: V. Procaccini 7. tel 023490110

Aquarius Dischi, V. Lazzaretto, tel 0229537274

Markuee, V. A. Sforza 17, tel. 0289412004

Jolly Joker V. Gaffurio 5, tel. 0266985912

Bars/Venues:

Rocket: Death disco every Tuesday from 10 PM to 3 AM. Via Pezzotti 52 Milan. www.myspace.com/deathdiscoitaly. info@violetevents.com

Museums worth visiting:

Museo degli Strumenti Musicali: Open Tue-Sun 9-17.30. Closed on Mondays.

This museum features a great collection of musical instruments built between the 15th and the 20th centuries. Particularly the stringed instruments from Lombardy as well as a collection or 16th and 17th century lutes, arch lutes, zithers, guitars and strings are incredibly interesting. Students discounts. Definitely for the music lover at heart.

Interesting Places:

Cimitero Monumentale: piazzale Cimitero Monumentale. Open 8.30-17.15. Colossal Cemetery built between 1863 and 1866. You can see monuments, statues, gravestones and chapels by famous local artists such as Luca Beltrami, Mose Bianchi and Medardo Rosso. Many interesting people are buried here. This is one of the most unique cemetery's I have ever seen. I know, I'm weird.

Rome

Rome

Clothing Stores:

Abiti Usati, 35 Via del Governo Vecchio, 011-39-06-68307105. Vintage clothing, good prices.

Record Stores:

Disfunzioni Musicali: Via degli Etruschi 4-14
metal / hard rock punk / hc / garage / indie rock / pop / mainstream synth / industrial / darkwave.

Soul Food: Via San Giovanni in Laterano 192-4. San Giovanni
easy / exotica jazz / world / ethno / folk psychedelic / progressive punk / hc / garage / indie

Bars:

Full Moon Wolf Rider’s Den. Hosts heavy metal and hard rock nights with occasional Celtic-themed nights. Open daily from 22.00. Admission free. Via Luigi Santini 12, tel. 3398996534, 3473011753. http://www.fullmoon.turn.to/

Venues:

Università Parioli: Parioli Second Life, Lazio Italy http://slurl.com/secondlife/Parioli/99/24/41/ . I honestly don't know a damn thing about this place, just saw it as a venue in a webpage.

Interesting Places:

Capuchini Bone Chapel: About 15 minute walk from Termini Station West to North West. It is a small crypt located inside a somewhat hidden chapel, where all the walls are decorated with 400 human bones. Fee is a donation. Worth it, its really interesting but really small. If your taking the metro get on the red line, get off at Piazza Barberini. Then ask someone where it is, cuz from there I couldn't tell ya. (Pictures)

Amsterdam;)

Amsterdam is definitely a city to see know matter who you are, not only is it fun-obviously, but its beautiful and one of the most chill friendly cities I have ever been to. I personally cant wait to go back.

Clothing Stores:

Astrid: Located at the famous Waterlooplein ‘flea market.’ This outdoor market is a favorite shopping spot for Amsterdammers and tourists alike. Specializes in Gothic clothes, party dresses and T-shirts. Clothes can be made to order. You’ll find Astrid at the ‘Zwanenburgwal’ canal that borders Waterlooplein - near the bridge across from the Dantzig café, which is located at the corner of the Stopera that overlooks both the River Amstel and the Zwanenburgwal canal.

Record Stores:

Distortion Records: Westerstraat 72, Jordaan
hiphop / rap house / club / disco metal / hard rock punk / hc / garage / indie soul / funk / r&b synth / industrial / darkwave techno / electronica

Indeep'n'dance Records: Rozengracht 60 1016 ND
techno / electronica

Bars:

Café Belgique: Gravenstraat 2,1012 NM Amsterdam. Tel. 020-625 1974http://www.xs4all.nl/~phj. Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 12:00-01:00 Fri - Sat: 12:00-03:00 Sun: 14:00-01:00. Number of draught beers: 8. Number of bottled beers: +-40. Despite its location in tourist central, Belgique draws in a good share of locals; suits from the Beurs, shoppers from Nieuwedijk, artists from their attics. The laid-back vibe is helped by some of the best background music you'll hear in Amsterdam.

Het Schuim: Spuistraat 189,1012 VN Amsterdam.Tel: 020 - 638 9357. Opening hours: Sun - Thur 11:00-01:00Fri - Sat 11:00-02:00. Number of draught beers: 6. Number of bottled beers: +-10. A combination of the disastrous bar counter design (pillars almost totally hide the barstaff from view) and the quaintly surly, uncooperative sloths standing behind it, has created a level of service way below even Amsterdam's usually crap level. If you're in no hurry, seeing just how long it can take to purchase a single beer, can be good fun. An attempt to buy a round at 11 o'clock on a Friday night doesn't raise quite as many laughs.

In De Wildeman: Kolksteeg 3,1012 PT Amsterdam.Tel: 020 - 638 2348. http://www.indewildeman.nl/. Opening hours: Mon - Thur 12:00-01:00Fri - Sat 12:00-02:00Sun Closed . Number of draught beers: 18. Number of bottled beers: +-150. Half way between Centraal Station and the Dam, De Wideman is tucked away in a small alley which has the pedestrianised Nieuwedijk at one end and Nieuwezijdsvoorburgwal at the other.

Café Gollem. Raamsteeg 4,1012 VZ Amsterdam. Tel. 020-626 6645http://www.cafegollem.nl.
Opening hours: Sun - Thur 16:00-01:00Fri - Sat 16:00-02:00. Number of draught beers: 9. Number of bottled beers: +-150.

Venues:

OCCII: Amstelveenseweg 134 (671 77 78). A large former squat - now legalized - with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and regular live alternative music, cabarets and other performances. Located at the far end of the Vondelpark. Open 9.30pm-2am (3am weekends), admission free-€5.

Winston International: Warmoesstraat 123-129 (623 13 80). This bar of the recently renovated Winston Hotel attracts a mixed crowd of travelers and locals, and has live music and other performances during weekends featuring local talent. Open daily 9pm-3am (4am weekends); admission free-€5.

The Best Museums:

Torture Museum: "Scaring the hell out of you, that's exactly what the inquisitors had in mind!" Singel 449, Amsterdam (near flower market) http://www.torturemuseum.com/. Open daily from 10-23 hour. 020-320 66 42. Torture instruments from all parts of Europe, numerous illustrious engravings, historical explanations in six languages.

This museum was only 5 euro to get in and it was incredibly interesting, unfortunately a little short, but I guess in a way that is a good thing. They actually had the pieces used and I don't know if they added the blood stains or if that's how they were when the pieces arrived at the museum. This museum is not for the squeamish.

The Sex Museum: Only 3 Euro. Funny as hell and informative! Will get some really interesting pictures inside. I don't know the exact address but it is a 2 minute walk from the train station down the main road on your right.

Detroit

Detroit is a city that is actually hard to find great rock clothing and bars and venues.

Record Stores:

People's Records & Cllctbls: 313-831-0864. 615 W Forest Ave, Detroit, MI

Planet Rock Music: 313-554-4525. 1904 Springwells Street, Detroit, MI 48209

Record Graveyard: 313-870-9647. 10201 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Stormy Records: 313-581-9322. 13210 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

Harmony House Records & Tapes: 313-417-9530. 17116 Kercheval St, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

Harmony House Records & Tapes: 313-389-2710. 1726 Dix Hwy, Lincoln Park, MI

Platunum Records: 313-342-4299. 13015 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235

Record Collector: 248-548-9888. 327 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220
Buy - Sell - Trade

Rock of Ages Records: 734-522-4590. 31015 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI

Bars:

City Club: Leland Hotel 400 Bagley St Detroit, MI 48226. "An after hours bar, an industrial night club, a place to see the famous rockstars. This amazing 20 year old night club is an experience you will never forget. High-energy industrial cutting edge music, dark, mysterious, scantily clad women, good-looking, sexy men, cigarette smoke and cheap drinks and a atmosphere too real to be imitated. Everyone who is anyone can not deny this night club is a must see while in Detroit. If you are looking for a night to remember you are looking for the Leland City Club! Leland City Club is located in the historic Leland Hotel building. The entrance is in the rear, enter through the parking lot to the left of the building." (Unknown) From I-75, Exit 50. Take Cass Ave South for 0.3 miles. Turn right on to Bagley Street. The Hotel is the building immediately to your right.

Paycheck's Lounge: 2932 Caniff StHamtramck, MI 48212. (313) 874-0909

While not as universally respected or legendary a rock landmark as Lili’s 21 down the street, Paycheck’s is a city staple on the do-it-yourself rock circuit. Many a new wave, punk, metal, alternative (and other myriad forms of rock) band has gotten its first taste of the beer-soaked realities of the rock world on Paycheck’s stage. The realities, in the case of Paycheck’s on an off night, often entail playing for little more than the handful of barflies and third shifters who seem to be waiting for squatter’s rights on the bar stools. But on a Friday or Saturday, rock- hungry elbow-tippers from around the city converge on the bar to check out the latest (if not always the greatest) sounds from the local music scene. But Paycheck’s book-em-if-you-got-em policy has insured that several generations of scenesters have their own “Paycheck’s story” to tell. -- Chris Handyside

The Ritz: 24300 Hoover RdWarren, MI 48089. (586) 756-6140.

When it re-opened in August 2006, the rock/metal gods must've been smiling down on leather-clad headbangers everywhere. The Ritz, a venerable live rock music Shangri-La in Roseville that for years was the home of the live rock/metal scene, has resurfaced in a now-defunct country-western bar in Warren. Closed in 1998, the Ritz resurfaced on Hoover Road, with ample space in its multi-room layout, a huge square bar, pool tables, autographed guitars on the wall and choice drink specials. In keeping with the legend, live music is the big draw here, featuring local and some national bands blasting out it on stage. The action shifts gears on Sunday nights with Wrestling Night, as well as ''Rock Star Karaoke'' on Tuesdays. Drink specials include $1 mini-pitchers and $4 Jager bombs on Tuesdays. A full menu of nicely done bar grub is available. Booths and plenty of table provide plenty of seating. The throwback is back, and ready to rock your world. (Unknown opinion)

Hours
Mon.-Sat. 8PM-2AM
Sun. 6PM-2AM
Bar/Club/Live music/Pop/Rock
Price Cover varies

Tattoo Parlors:

SUICIDE KINGS TATTOO PARLOR: Owner-Chris Crash. Specializing in Custom + Fine Line Black and Gray, Color and Cover Ups. Body Jewelry, Custom Orders. 839 Sumpter Road Belleville, MI 48111. 734-697-1313.

I love this tattoo parlor, the people are awesome, it is the nicest parlor I have ever been in, new and clean. They have 2 flat screen TV's that are always playing a good movie, to keep you busy while your sitting in the chair.

Eternal Tattoos Inc. EST: 1980. Award winning artists specializing in: Black and Grey, Color, Freehand, bold & Fine Line. Cover ups and Repairs, Custom Work, Permanent Make-up and Body Piercing. http://www.eternaltattoos.com/ OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. LIVONIA 27590 Plymouth Rd. (734) 425-0428. Piercing: (734) 425-6650. TROY 6453 Rochester Rd. (248) 879-8838. EEASTPOINTE 24834 Gratiot Ave. (586) 779-4770. TAYLOR 21132 Ecorse (313) 388-8791. HOWELL 2426 E. Grand River (517) 548-2344.

I have gotten 3 tats from the Howell location, and have been quite satisfied. My artists are Matt and Stelios. Stelios is very talented and Matt makes you feel very comfortable while making you laugh the whole time which is really important. Stacy has pierced a few of my body parts and every time she is a sweetheart and she definitely knows what she is doing!!