The mainstreaming of punk-rock music is an issue that should be recognized by those who love it and by those who do not care that much for it. The "mainstreaming" of punk-rock to many is when true punk-rock bands sell themselves to larger corporations and more popular record companies just to make a few extra dollars. To most it is not worth it to sell all of your true fans and all of your hard work to have your name recognized on television. Those artists who choose to do so are considered sell outs and considerably should no longer be respected as a band or as a role model. Many fans have come to an understanding with the band through their lyrics and their lifestyle. On the other hand, bands may be doing these acts to better their lives as performers who depend on concerts and C.D. sales to pay their bills and to make a living.
When most people think of punk-rock music, they automatically think of kids with mohawks who do not fit in with the rest of the crowd. Punk-rock is not only a type of music, but it is also a lifestyle and a brotherhood to the majority of punk rockers. Punk-rock originated in the late seventies with a few breakthrough bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Ramones. Although it did not catch on right away with the people of the time, that is what has helped punk-rock to stay the way it is and has for so long. It is not often played on the radio and most people do not enjoy the quick guitar rifts, heavy drums, and scratchy, fast vocals, but to many this is what punk-rock is and what it should remain to be.
Punk-rock, like all music, is an art and just like any other art, should be preserved to keep it fresh in the hearts of those who love it so dearly. Just like an artist wants to preserve art to be viewed by those who appreciate and respect it for its true meaning, just like historians who want to preserve historical monuments, sites and texts for those who appreciate and adore it, punk-rockers believe that punk-rock should be saved and kept sacred to all those who appreciate and love the music for its true meaning and art.
