Selling Out or Survival: How Major Labels Handled Punk Bands

This episode explores the complex dance between punk’s DIY roots and the allure of major label deals, examining high‑profile cases such as the Sex Pistols’ Virgin contract, The Clash’s CBS signing, Green Day’s Reprise partnership, and others. It looks at how each band navigated creative control, image changes, touring logistics, and fan reactions while staying true to—or diverging from—the punk ethos.

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