Resident Punk: Legs McNeil’s Memoir of the ’70s Punk Scene
Resident Punk is Legs McNeil’s memoir and cultural history of New York’s 1970s punk scene and the years beyond. The publisher describes a mix of personal stories and music history, including McNeil’s role in cofounding PUNK magazine and accounts involving artists such as the Ramones, Blondie and Patti Smith.
At a glance
- Combines memoir with an account of punk’s cultural history.
- Covers McNeil’s experience as a cofounder of PUNK magazine and his time in the New York scene.
- The publisher description names figures including Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, William S. Burroughs and Poly Styrene.
Reference price: $39.95
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The memoir-and-history approach offers both the author’s personal perspective and context about the wider punk scene.
- A named cast of musicians, writers and artists may appeal to readers interested in the people around early punk.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | BenBella Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Sept. 15 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1637749465 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1637749463 |
| Weight listed | 506 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 3.05 x 22.86 cm |
What to know before buying
- The publisher’s description uses explicit language and discusses heavy drinking, drug use and sexual behaviour, so the tone and subject matter may not suit every reader.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the 1970s New York punk scene and its cultural history.
- Fans of Legs McNeil or PUNK magazine seeking a first-person memoir.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a neutral, comprehensive reference history rather than a memoir-led account.
- Readers who prefer books without explicit descriptions of substance use or sexual behaviour.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
72% 72% - 4 stars
20% 20% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
8% 8% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate customer ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the four- or five-star categories, alongside a smaller two-star share. Without written feedback, the ratings do not explain what readers liked or disliked. They offer limited guidance on whether this memoir’s explicit, personal approach to punk history will suit a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
What is Resident Punk about?
It combines Legs McNeil’s memoir with a cultural history of the 1970s punk scene, including his experience cofounding PUNK magazine.
Which artists and figures are mentioned?
The publisher description names figures including Joey Ramone, Patti Smith, William S. Burroughs, Alan Vega, Elvis Costello and Poly Styrene.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 304 pages.
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