4 Punk and Proto-Punk Albums That Flopped at First but Became Legendary

Some of the greatest and most legendary albums by punk rock bands that we know and love today flopped quite hard when they were first released. Let’s look at a couple of examples of both punk albums and what many consider to be proto-punk (or early punk) albums that had humble beginnings.

1. ‘Ramones’ by The Ramones

The Ramones are so intrinsically linked to American punk rock as a genre and cultural movement that even the uninitiated know their name. The New York-based hitmakers influenced generations of punk and post-punk musicians who followed in their footsteps. You could probably walk down to Times Square right now and pick out at least one person with a Ramones shirt on.

Surprisingly, the historically significant band had pretty rough beginnings. The 1976 debut Ramones is packed with their now-greatest hits, but the album itself barely sold at all upon its release. In fact, it only sold 6,000 or so copies. 

2. ‘The Clash’ by The Clash

The Clash’s self-titled 1977 debut had a rough start, and it makes sense why. Punk rock struggled in the early years in terms of commercial popularity. Just as well, this famous debut wasn’t exactly a polished piece of work. It only cost about £4,000 to make and was recorded in just a few weeks. 

The famed album known for hits like “White Riot” and “Janie Jones” only made it to no. 12 on the British charts. It also didn’t even get released in the US until a few years later.

3. ‘The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars’ by David Bowie

This proto-punk glam rock classic from 1972 is still one of the late great David Bowie’s best works. From beginning to end, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars is nothing short of brilliant and ahead of its time. Tracks like “Starman” and “Ziggy Stardust” are still loved today.

This experimental album was initially unsuccessful, though. Despite the fact that it was bursting with creativity, the album only made it to no. 5 on the UK charts and barely hit no. 75 on the Billboard US charts. Maybe something this special just takes some time to sit with its audience.

4. ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ by The Velvet Underground and Nico

When it comes to legendary punk and proto-punk albums that flopped, The Velvet Underground & Nico is a pretty famous example. Lou Reed allegedly said that the album only sold about 30,000 copies in the first few years after its 1967 release. Fellow musician Brian Eno once said, “I think everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band!”

The Velvet Underground’s now-famous album only ever peaked at no. 171 on the Billboard charts.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.