Punk Performers & Theories Of Ideology ('Punk Mass' 1970 - )

If you find yourself in France or Germany one of these days, you may decide to take a trip through the Low Countries (aka Benelux nations : Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Alternatively, you might prefer a trek through the Alps, the highest and most extensive mountain range system that sits entirely within Europe.

The Low Countries are bordered by Germany to the east, and France to the south. The Alps stretch across eight countries : (west - east) France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.

Slovenia was once a part of Yugoslavia and it was the punk capital of the nation. This tells you everything about how music has the ability to cross borders. One of the most famous Slovene bands, Laibach, has its roots in the Slovenian punk scene.

In a number of the Low Countries and Alpine nations, French and German are common languages spoken on the ground. In some cases, they are also official languages of the countries concerned.

The earliest Belgian punk group I know well is Hubble Bubble who formed in the mid-1970s. They recorded the albums 'Hubble Bubble' (1977) and 'Faking' (1979) which are considered punk classics on the continent. Bassist and songwriter Daniel Massart died shortly after the release of their debut album which left the band shaken. Drummer Roger Jouret (Roger Junior) rechristened himself Plastic Bertrand and recorded the punk staple, 'Ca Plane Pour Moi'.

Also on the punk scene were the Kids, Raxola, the Razors, X-Pulsion and the Scabs, all of whom were formed in the late 1970s. Poesie Noire brought a heavier gothic sensibility to Belgian punk in the 1980s.

Dutch punks felt a kinship with ska punks in England and were similarly influenced by reggae. Minny Pops and the Ex were bands formed in the late 1970s; the Ex would collaborate with celebrated English anarcho-situationists Chumbawumba.

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The Swiss gave the world one of the great punk groups, Kleenex / LiLiPUT.

I don't think I know of any Austrian punk groups from the 1970s but Kitty Casket's group Kitty In A Casket are one of the brightest punk bands to materialise this decade.