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Born in the 1970s, Punk was a cultural uprising against social and political systems. But why don’t we celebrate the role of Black artists involved in shaping its sound, ethos and lasting influence? This episode explores punk’s role in creating inclusive communities, offering safe spaces and empowering individuals to express themselves authentically. Through the voices of these influential figures, Mia Thornton uncovers the stories, struggles, and successes of those who helped shape the UK’s punk legacy.

Benji Webbe, lead vocalist of Skindred, reflects on how being brought up by his Rastafarian brother shaped the sound he creates today. Andrew Czezowski, co-owner of The Roxy, speaks about punk’s early days and Don Letts’ pioneering work blending reggae with punk. Celeste Bell, daughter of Poly Styrene, a Black British punk icon and frontwoman of X-Ray Spex, discusses her mother’s journey through the music industry and its impact on her mental health. And Jacob V Joyce, a present day anti-colonial queer artist, acknowledges how their life might have been different if they’d known about Poly Styrene sooner. 

Tracklist:
Ramones - Poison Heart
Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated
Barrie Gledden, Kes Loy - Dark Escape
Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The UK
Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Strange Things Happening Every Day
The Kingsmen - Louie Louie
Death - Keep On Knocking
Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop
The Clash - White Riot
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Paramore - Misery Business
Big Joanie - Fall Asleep
Paramore - That’s What You Get
Skindred - Set Fazers
The Selector - On My Radio
The Specials - Monkey Man
The Specials - Ghost Town
Tenor Saw - Ring The Alarm
Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way
Skindred - Nobody 
Generation X - New Order
The Clash - Rock the Casbah
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Punky Reggae Party
The Clash - London Calling
X-Ray Spex - On Bondage, Up Yours!
Poly Styrene - The Day That Time Forgot
X-Ray Spex - Crystal Clear
X-Ray Spex - Identity 
Yard Act - Petroleum
Screaming Toenail - Define and Conquer
Big Mama Thornton - Sweet Little Angel
Big Joanie - Cranes In The Sky
Robin S - Show Me Love

Instrumental is a Reform Radio production for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sounds Audio Lab 
Written, Produced and Presented by Mia Thornton 
Supervising Producers - Aisha Williams and Olivia Swift 
Executive Producer - Rebecca Gaskell 
Technical Production - Sami El-Enany 
Original music - Axel Kacoutié 
Artwork - Nakisha Kiely 
Commissioning Editor - Khaliq Meer