>> Richard Hell and the Voidoids

Richard Hell pioneered early New York punk, with a sound featuring raw, raunchy guitars and bass playing fairly simply arranged songs scorning the polish of mainstream rock, indulging in its rough sound. While not emphasizing speed or aggression, the Voidoids' sound nonetheless helped to define the unhinged characteristics essential to punk rock. Hell, whom Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren attempted to talk into immigrating to the U.K. to front a band of McLaren's creation, also pioneered the look of British punks, with short-cropped hair and ripped clothing.