London and New York especially had underground scenes that were tired of disco and the excess of both music and "the man." Punk rock, as well as garage and later more hardcore groups like The Misfits, all started in the DIY basements and lofts of New York and London.
With the Met's new exhibit and fashion trends getting inspiration from 90s grunge and 80s punk rock, there is ample opportunity to walk the walk, even if you aren't ready to remodel you bathroom like this.
Brooklyn can credit its fantastic DIY spaces (like Death by Audio and 285 Kent) to the founders of the anti-label scene. And although punk rock and everything that has evolved afterwards is hard to find, there are still great rock groups, and non-rock groups, with a message to listen to.
But for now, let's listen to and go nuts for the originals.
