8 greatest punk shows in Atlanta

Creative Loafing’s list of Atlanta’s eight most memorable punk shows, including Iggy Pop and the Ramones.

By Scott Henry Thursday October 2, 2008 01:00 PM EDT

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Sex Pistols at the Great Southeast Music Hall - Jan. 5, 1978

Delayed by visa troubles, the Pistols missed their New York tour dates, so they wound up playing their first U.S. show in Atlanta. They opened with “God Save the Queen,” after which Johnny Rotten told the crowd: “You can all stop staring at us now. We’re ugly and we know it.” Nine days later, the band was history.

Iggy Pop at 688 - 1980

The post-Stooges Iggy played at 688 every night for a week a few months after the club opened, forming a meaningful relationship with the metal pole in the middle of the stage. His set list, written on the wall, remained there for years afterward.

Ramones at the Agora Ballroom - early 1980s

Joey and the boys played Atlanta many times from the late ’70s through the mid-’90s (before they died), but are most fondly remembered from their shows at the Agora.