Packed with information and insights about the defining musical artists and moments of the punk rock and new wave eras of rock and roll. This encyclopedia makes the case for punk rock's enduring social and cultural importance, beginning in 1975, when punk was born in New York City, through to 1985, by which time punk and new wave had changed the rock music industry forever. Their introduction of new forms of rebellious, boundary-redefining musical expression reverberated with new generations of listeners, singers, and musicians.

The encyclopedia features information-packed entries on relevant recording acts whose debut albums were released from 1975 through 1985. Coverage encompasses superstars (U2, Duran Duran), historically foundational acts (Sex Pistols, Ramones) and cult bands that amassed a significant legacy of recordings (Violent Femmes, X). Covering discography highlights and touring controversies alike, this resource covers all the reference bases for understanding the most influential and electrifying bands of this era. Coverage is further supplemented with entries on a wide assortment of musical trends and side topics associated with punk rock or new wave, including psychedelia, hip hop and heavy metal.