Please Kill Me: the Uncensored Oral History of Punk

This book punched me right between the eyes. It’s 447 pages of pure punk poetry. 

When you dive into Please Kill Me: the Uncensored Oral History of Punk, you’re not just reading a book—you’re stepping into a pulsating, anarchic world that redefined music, culture and rebellion. It isn’t merely a chronicle of the punk movement — it’s an immersive, visceral and unapologetic experience. This book is a masterclass in capturing the revolutionary and unfiltered reality of punk rock. I loved every page. 

Co-author Roderick Edward “Legs” McNeil is a founding member of Punk magazine and his ability to capture the chaotic nature of the punk movement is what makes this such a standout work. 

“Why don’t we call it punk?” McNeil asked when deciding what to name his magazine. “The word ‘punk’ seemed to sum up the thread that connected everything we liked — drunk, obnoxious, smart but not pretentious, absurd, funny, ironic, and things that appealed to the darker side.” 

What makes this book so compelling is its oral history format. By letting the participants speak for themselves, the authors allow the power of punk to shine through. By no means does anyone in this book come off as an angel. It seems that in the 70s, being on the fringes of society gave you license to be an asshole. But each voice brings a unique perspective, from the chaos of the Ramones’ early gigs to the poeticism of Patti Smith’s performances. It captures the triumphs and the tragedies of the whole movement.

The Ramones, often hailed as the forefathers of punk, come across as both endearing and lawless. Their relentless drive to simplify rock music, stripping it down to its bare essentials, is both celebrated and critiqued by them. The interviews reveal the band’s internal struggles, their ambitions and their profound impact on the music landscape. You can almost hear the buzzing guitars and feel the sweat-soaked energy of their early performances as you read their stories.

MC5’s contributions are equally compelling. Known for their explosive live performances and radicalism, MC5’s members recount their experiences with a raw honesty that’s both captivating and sobering. Their commitment to blending music with political activism is a testament to punk’s broader cultural significance. The movement was really as much about ideology as it was about sound.

The Velvet Underground, led by the enigmatic Lou Reed, offer even more depth to the punk story. Their experimental approach to music and their influence on the punk aesthetic is a reminder that the movement’s roots are deeply entwined with a broader artistic rebellion that influenced the punk explosion of the  ‘70s. 

Patti Smith is punk personified. Her infusion of poetry and punk music offer a glimpse into how punk was not just a sonic revolution but a deeply personal and artistic journey. Smith’s voice in the book is a powerful testament to the intellectual and emotional aspects of the movement.

One of my favorite chapters centers around Television. ​​Formed in 1973 in New York City, Television was a pioneering band in the scene, starting their career at punk’s most prominent venue, CBGB’s. The band fused elements of garage rock, proto-punk and avant-garde influences, proved by their 1977 debut album, Marquee Moon. 

“The scene definitely started snowballing, CBGB’s was clearly where things were happening, from the first time we played there,” said Television bassist Richard Hell. “We were really unique. We were these notch-thin, homeless hoodlums, playing really powerful, passionate, aggressive music that was also lyrical.” 

Punk rock isn’t just a genre. It’s a cultural phenomenon that emerged from the fringes, challenging norms and shattering tradition. Please Kill Me stands as a testament to this explosive spirit, offering a glimpse into the unpolished lives of punk’s most influential figures. This book is a mosaic of firsthand accounts, stories and confessions that weave together forming a vivid portrait of punk’s turbulent, transformative and drug-infused era.  

If you want to feel like you’re standing in the back of CBGB’s with a pint of beer in your hand, guitar riffs, screaming vocals in your ears and the electrifying feeling that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself, I’m begging you to read this book.