The Dead Boys performing at the Agora. Credit: Anastasia Pantsios

The Dead Boys performing at the Agora. Credit: Anastasia Pantsios
Though it didn’t get the same attention as New York and London, which both had famously vibrant punk rock scenes, Northeast Ohio had a thriving punk scene in the 1970s. Inspired by the Kent State shootings, a slew of bands formed in Cleveland, Akron and Kent.

Local musicologist Thomas Mulready, who has given multi-media presentations on David Bowie and the Velvet Underground, explores that history in his new multi-media presentation, The Birth of Punk in Cleveland, Akron, Kent.

In addition to pre-recorded interviews with some of the people who were part of the scene, the program includes a performance by the local glam rock act Vanity Crash, who’ll play original material and cover tunes by acts such as the Dead Boys, Devo and Rocket From the Tombs.

Mulready and Vanity Crash will present a safe, socially distanced rendition of the program at 6:30 tonight at the Bop Stop.

Livestreamed versions of the program will take place tomorrow and Friday.

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This article appears in Sep 23 – Oct 6, 2020.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.