Punk, a four-part docuseries from executive producer John Varvatos.  Varvatos brings his passion and deep connection to the roots of the PUNK movement to the series, partnering with filmmaker Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment to produce the quintessential story of punk.  The series premieres on EPIX on March 11, 2019 at 10 PM. 

Featuring original interviews with America’s punk pioneers and the U.K.’s most notorious bands, alongside a seamless blend of rare and unseen photos, gritty archival film and video, a crackling soundtrack of punk hits and misses, Punk explores the music, the fashion, the art and the DIY attitude of a subculture of self-described misfits and outcasts. 

Iggy Pop joins the series as an executive producer, and adds his voice alongside exclusive interviews with luminaries such as artists Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols/Public Image Ltd./PiL), Marky Ramone (Ramones), Debbie Harry and Chris Stein (Blondie), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys/Alternative Tentacles), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), as well as industry legends Danny Fields (Elektra Records), Legs McNeil (Please Kill Me/Punk Magazine), and filmmaker Penelope Spheeris (The Decline of Western Civilization, Wayne’s World). Watch for original transgender rock n roller, Jayne County, who appears throughout Episode One.

Said Varvatos, “Exploring and reliving the history of punk has been an absolute labor of love for me. Punk’s ability to transcend generations in its culture, music, and style is a story that needs to be told.  So… Hey Ho Let’s Go!!”

EPIX is thrilled to partner with John Varvatos, Iggy Pop, Derik Murray and the entire team on Punk,” said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. “Their rare insights, passion and unmatched talent have made this project an unforgettable journey, and we can’t wait to see this story unfold in the way that only this team can tell it.” 

Punk is produced by Derik Murray and directed by Jesse James Miller.

Part 1: Premieres March 11 

The proto-punks of the Detroit scene, including the Stooges and MC5, put the 60s to bed in 1968 and reinvigorate the New York art music scene of the early 70s, inspiring the New York Dolls and the Ramones, giving outsiders a milieu to express themselves and start a revolution.

Part 2: Premieres March 18 

The Ramones visit London in 1976 to discover a vibrant UK punk scene who reciprocate with a second British invasion of America, culminating in the Sex Pistols’ disastrous US tour and flameout in 1978.

Part 3: Premieres March 25

The Germs, Bad Brains, Black Flag, DOA and others dump gas on smoldering rage and alienation in America’s suburbs, igniting a blazing form of punk so extreme they call it hardcore which, in turn, inspires a DIY culture and network that spans cities and bands across the continent and comes to define the genre.

Part 4: Premieres April 1

Despite itself, punk breaks big, highlighting the talents of Nirvana, Bad Religion and Green Day while women roar onto the scene in defining bands such as Bikini Kill and L7, establishing punk as an enduring force, its spirit living on in the broader culture as we know it today.

ABOUT JOHN VARVATOS

John Varvatos has been recognized by the CFDA as Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. In October 2013, John released his first book entitled John Varvatos: Rock in Fashion, which documents the elements of rock style that are intrinsic in the music community. Further rooting the brand in music, John Varvatos formally launched John Varvatos Records in February 2014. In 2016, John was awarded the ICON Award for Social Impact for his conscience charitable work with The Stuart House Foundation and God’s Love We Deliver.

Vrvatos grew up in Detroit – the music melting pot of America – where Motown, rock & roll, blues, jazz, and punk melded together during an unforgettable period in music history. At an early age, John was exposed to defining musicians, including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Detroit’s own MC5, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, and The Stooges.

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.