Punks in Peoria: Making a Scene in the American Heartland

In the 1980s and 1990s, Peoria, Illinois, served as the breeding ground for a do-it-yourself punk rock scene that reflected the movement's ideals of independence and anti-establishment. Despite the city's conservatism and economic decline, the punk culture thrived, with fanzines, indie record stores, and all-ages shows. Interviews with local legends such as Caustic Defiance, Dollface, and Planes Mistaken for Stars provide a sympathetic portrait of a youth culture searching for entertainment and community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Peoria, a town often associated with American mediocrity, proved to be a fertile ground for the boredom- and anger-fueled fury of punk rock. In this captivating exploration, Jonathan Wright and Dawson Barrett delve into the do-it-yourself scene that thrived in Peoria during the 1980s and 1990s. From the emergence of fanzines to the establishment of indie record shops, Peoria's punk culture reflected the broader movement, albeit with its unique twists. The city's conservatism and economic decline, however, provided a rich target environment for rebellion. Through eyewitness accounts and in-depth interviews with the individuals who were part of this vibrant scene, Punks in Peoria offers a sympathetic portrayal of a youth culture in search of entertainment but equally driven by a yearning for community. The shared sense of otherness that emerged during punk rock shows, even for a fleeting moment, brought together outsiders and discontents under the banner of music, creating a sense of unity and empowerment. This book takes readers on a journey off the beaten track, revealing the punk rock life as experienced in Anytown, U.S.A. It is a raucous and authentic account that provides a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and resilience of a subculture that refused to be silenced.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252043802