Exploring the Rise and Fall of 90s Skate Punk: Insights from ’90’S SKATEPUNK IS DEAD?’ by the Punk Rock MBA

I recently watched the video “90’S SKATEPUNK IS DEAD?” by Finn Mckenty of the Punk Rock MBA, and I found it quite intriguing. Finn delves into the origins of skatepunk, giving credit to Bad Religion for kickstarting the scene. He also highlights the influence of Grunge music, particularly the rise of Nirvana, in helping skate punk gain popularity. Finn acknowledges Green Day‘s “Dookie” and The Offspring‘s “Smash” as pivotal albums that propelled punk rock into the mainstream.

Finn identifies NOFX, Pennywise, Lagwagon, and Face to Face as the ”Big 4” skate punk bands of the 90s. He attributes the success of skate punk to factors such as good timing, a quality product, and effective business strategies. However, Finn also acknowledges the decline of skatepunk, attributing it to the saturation of the scene by generic bands and the perceived decline in quality of NOFX and Strung Out‘s music. He further suggests that the treatment of pop punk fans by OG punks like Fat Mike contributed to the decline of the skatepunk scene.

While I largely agree with Finn’s analysis, there are a few areas where I have a different perspective. For instance, I believe No Use For A Name should have been included in the “Big 4” skate punk bands instead of Lagwagon. Additionally, Finn’s omission of Rancid, one of the most influential punk bands of the era, in his discussion of records that broke punk rock was a slight oversight in my opinion.

However, the aspect I disagree with the most is Finn’s comments about OG punks bullying newer pop punk fans. From my own experience as a teenager during the rise of bands like Blink 182 and New Found Glory, I found that those who discovered pop punk through MTV’s TRL were not necessarily seeking out bands like NOFX. Some individuals who enjoyed NOFX might also listen to Blink 182, so Fat Mike’s remarks about “getting out of our scene” did not necessarily apply to all pop punk fans.

Overall, I would give Finn’s video a solid 4 out of 5 rating. He presents accurate historical information, makes it easy to follow along, and does a commendable job of distinguishing between facts and opinions. Additionally, his editing skills enhance the overall viewing experience.

What are your thoughts on “90’s SKATEPUNK IS DEAD?” by the Punk Rock MBA?

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