description Bomp! Overview
Bomp! was a zine dedicated to American rock music, primarily focusing on the vibrant sounds of the 1970s. Founded by Greg Shaw in 1970, it became renowned for its passionate advocacy of power pop and early punk movements alongside comprehensive coverage of rock’s broader history. The publication catered to enthusiasts interested in exploring this pivotal era of musical innovation and cultural development.
insights Why this score
Bomp! ranks #11 of 222 in the Zine ranking, behind Ugly Things, ahead of Maximum Rocknroll.
Major rock fanzine and label nexus; influential in power pop and punk history, with strong Greg Shaw legacy.
help Bomp! FAQ
Was Bomp! originally called Who Put the Bomp?
Yes, Greg Shaw launched the publication as Who Put the Bomp in 1970 before its title was shortened to Bomp! The original name referenced the Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin song "Who Put the Bomp."
What kinds of bands did Bomp! champion before punk became mainstream?
Bomp! promoted garage rock, power pop, and emerging punk while much of the established music press focused elsewhere. Its coverage helped connect 1960s groups such as the Standells with 1970s acts including the Flamin' Groovies and the Ramones.
Did the Bomp! zine lead to a record label?
Greg Shaw founded Bomp! Records during the 1970s as an extension of the magazine's musical interests. The label released records by artists including the Weirdos, the Romantics, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Why is Bomp! important to the history of rock criticism?
Bomp! treated garage rock and power pop as serious parts of rock history before those labels were widely institutionalized. Greg Shaw also helped popularize the term "punk rock" through his writing and advocacy in the early 1970s.
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