3. Dead Kennedys
Led by perhaps punk’s greatest frontman, Jello Biafra and Co. were a major player on the hardcore punk scene in California, but were also one of the first from that genre to enjoy success overseas. Known for its often politically tinged lyrics that were usually controversial, the Kennedys were never dull – on stage or off. Even to this day, Biafra has remained a champion for anti-censorship and just might be the epitome of what punk rock is supposed to represent.
Image Source: Brill/ullstein bild/Getty Images