‘Okay Boomer’ Is Not Relevant To Punk Rock

Written By: Sid Jones

 

Okay Boomer memes are still going around on social media. And one of the things that’s been brought to my attention is the old school vs. new school punkers. Now, I’m going to be 30 and I didn’t get to choose when I was born. And I think the generational gap is really a matter of perception, rather than a reality. However, that doesn’t seem to stop the older generations from sparring online. Whether its witty memes or clever comments on posts, there seems to be one factor no one is paying attention to.

But before we get into that, I want to thank Lili Rockwood for sponsoring this article. With uploads of multiple sets each month as well as uncensored versions on daily posts! And for the month of December, she’s doing a best of 2019 folder being uploaded! As well as Christmas cards for all her patrons! Click the images below to follow her on all social media!

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

Patreon:

 

Now that you followed Lili Rockwood and became a patron! Lets get into the heated topic!

 

Another Generation

The Dropkick Murphys is hands down one of my favorite bands of all time. In fact, they’re the ones that introduced me to the punk rock world. The first album I listened to was Live On St. Patrick’s Day 2002. And I must say, I still prefer hearing the live version of their songs. Barroom Hero is still to this day one of my favorite tracks. But how many times can you listen to the same band? After owning all of their albums, I began to dig deeper into different bands. And that’s when I came across Punx Unite: Leaders of Today.

It’s a compilation album with 32 bands and 32 songs that is still available online. And I strongly suggest you give it a listen. There are bands off that album that I still listen to. Cheap Sex, The Briggs, The Unseen, Lower Class Brats, Lab Rats, and so on. But as time goes on, I still need more music to listen to. And that’s when Sirius: Faction became part of my summer. And every Sunday, there was a punk rock hour where all they played was punk rock tracks. From old school to new music . So, it became my “church” ritual. Every Sunday at 10 am all summer long, I’m downstairs listening to the punk rock hour.

And that’s when I hear All Ages Show from Against All Authority. When the album Restoration of Chaos and Order came out, I’m at the record store the day it released. To this day, it’s an album I hold in high regard. However, this is only the beginning. Because one morning while flipping through the channels that same summer, I came across a documentary on Fuse. And this is where the old school interest comes in. Punk: Attitude introduced me to some old school bands that I never even heard of. From the roots of the genre, to the early 90’s and everything in between.

 

Boomers Pave The Way

So that sums up my summer of 2006. But in the fall, I began talking to my teachers about some of the music I’d been listening to. And that’s when the Germs, Cock Sparrer, Blitz, Flipper, and other various bands were added to my arsenal. In fact, I bought the American Hardcore soundtrack before seeing the film. And that’s because of a recommendation from my psychology teacher. Whenever we talked, it was about music and he event let me borrow some of his albums to listen to.

Fast forward to my senior year and my English teacher assigns us our senior thesis. And this really propelled me into the world of punk. When I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to write about, he tells me, “The Ramones started punk rock.” And I argued that it was the Sex Pistols. So, he replies, “I think you have your senior thesis.” However, this challenge is out of respect. Because unlike most kids my age, I get along better with the older crowd than people my age. Okay boomer?

After my the completion of my thesis, I received an A. And I still have that thesis to this very day. Not to mention the fact that Mr. Bentley stay in touch on social media. Furthermore, there was never disrespect towards one another. Nor did I ever use the phrase “okay boomer.” Second, I never made the assumption that “my generation” is better than that of the “old school” as far as music is concerned.

 

Message To The Boomers

Firstly, I just want to say that this is the dumbest argument when it comes to punk. Because there are so many people debating which generation has the best music. Sure, you grew up with the Sex Pistols, witnessed the hardcore years and maybe even the original sets of Iggy Pop. Okay boomer, we get it. However, we have Billy Talent, and the glorious year of 1996. Not to mention, Against All Authority, Dropkick Murphys, The Tossers, The Distillers, The Interrupters, and so many other great bands. Yeah, maybe we get the pop punk stigma. But that doesn’t mean that’s the music we claim. As previously stated, I listen to Blitz, Cock Sparrer, Black Flag, Flipper, Gang Green, Circle Jerks, Bad Religion, and so on.

Not to mention, we also have Star Fucking Hipsters, Choking Victim, Leftover Crack and Rancid. And before there’s any discussion on things like the Cuckoo’s Nest in California, or the stories of yesterday, we have ours too. By the same token, not every single one of the “old school” punkers deserve the okay boomer stint. So, before the old punkers start getting up in arms about today’s generation, allow me to share this line with you from Shut It Down off Restoration of Chaos and Order. Okay Boomer? “They’re young but you were their too. Don’t think they’re posing because they never knew the songs or the scene it was there before you. And it’s way more important than your hair and tattoos.”

 

To The New Generation

As far as I’m concerned, the okay boomer statement doesn’t belong in punk. Sometimes your music flat out sucks. And if you’re listening to Hawthorne Heights, MCR, Good Charlotte, or any other bands like that, you don’t get to claim the term “punk.”

Sure, the punkers of all generations will ridicule me for saying that. But let me ask you this, do you even listen to punk music? Or watch any of the documentaries? I know I’ve placed a few throughout this article but there are so many out there! So, the rest of the verse I previously mentioned is for you. “Take what you need and leave when you’re through. And keep your mouth shut when you do.”

Why do the “okay boomer” shtick when someone tries to tell you your music sucks and theirs is better? Maybe you should try retaliation, have some fucking fortitude. But if you’re listening to something with no balls? Then you deserve the ridicule. And we will side with the boomers and mock you alongside them. But my advice? Defend your music with everything you’ve got. Believe me, you’ll get respect from whomever you’re debating. And if you tuck tail and walk away? You’re a bitch. Watch what happens when someone insults my music:

Former member of RoxxxTV once said, “Punk died of a heroine overdose.” And I told him, “And Nipsey Hussle died from lead in his diet.” Yeah, I said it. Too soon? Fuck you!

 

Final Thoughts:

Firstly, I don’t care what generation you’re “repping.” Secondly, if you’re gonna talk shit, back it up. But also, expect a fight. And if you’re not willing to fight and defend your music with passion and pass it off as “guilty pleasure” then I have no business even talking to you. When someone mocks my music, I fight back and just look at what happens? I was openly mocked by everyone on my team. And I took them on a fucking excursion.

Not only did I take RoxxxTV to see the Murder Junkies and not only did I piss off a famous hip hop artist, I gave this company my absolute best. And ultimately, WE ALL BENEFITED. Do they still mock me? Of course! But now they know just how far I’m willing to go and how hard I’m willing to push for something I care about. And if you care about music, defend it. In my opinion, “okay boomer” does not belong in the punk rock world. Instead, I say we exchange verbal blows and exchange facts, songs and so on. Let’s make it interesting because that’s the true meaning of punk. It’s not the hair, the generation, or even the fucking style. It’s all about the attitude and the mentality.

And if you’re not down with that? Fuck what you think! Until next time!