Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Wayne Kramer and Johnny Thunder form the band Gang War. Through the 1980s, cocaine becomes the drug of choice. Widespread conservatism in the 1980s also provides a challenge to punk, one that Mick Farren, rock writer, says punk caves into. Additionally, there is a lot of wasted talent. In 1982, Lester Bangs, a music critic and major force in the punk music world, dies of a drug overdose.

As the 1980s wear on, many believe the days of punk have finished. Among them are James Chance and Sylvia Reed. Other punk rock stars and members of the movement begin facing their own demons. Anya Phillips, manager and girlfriend of James Chance and the Contortions, dies of cancer in 1981. Iggy Pop continues to suffer from depression, worsened by drug and alcohol abuse.

The Ramones have been touring for fifteen years, and it is...