Richard Hell, born Richard Lester Meyers on October 2, 1949, is an American musician, songwriter, and writer, revered as one of the innovators of punk music and fashion. Emerging from the gritty New York City punk scene of the 1970s, Hell's indelible impact started with his involvement in pioneering bands like Television, the Heartbreakers, and eventually Richard Hell & the Voidoids. His seminal album "Blank Generation," released in 1977 with the Voidoids, became an anthem for the punk movement, with its raw sound, poetic lyrics, and rebellious spirit capturing the zeitgeist of disenchanted youth.

Over the course of his career, Richard Hell has earned a reputation not only as a trailblazing musician but also as an influential figure in punk aesthetics, often credited with inspiring the iconic spiked hair and torn clothing that would become synonymous with punk fashion. While Hell's discography may not be extensive, his influence on punk rock is immeasurable. Recent releases like "Destiny Street Demos," "Destiny Street Remixed," and "Destiny Street Complete" provide deeper insight into his creative process and offer fans a chance to experience the evolution of his seminal work. The "Blank Generation (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)" celebrates the lasting impact of his groundbreaking debut, and the compilation "Spurts: The Richard Hell Story (2013 Remaster)" showcases his groundbreaking contributions to music through a selection of his most influential tracks. His innovative approach and contributions to punk culture have established him as an enduring icon of the genre.

Genres

Early Us Punk

Post-punk

Protopunk

Punk

Related Artists

Patti Smith

Talking Heads

Television

The Stooges

Blondie

Iggy Pop

David Bowie

The Clash

Lou Reed

The Velvet Underground

The Damned

Suicide

Latest Release

Destiny Street Demos

Richard Hell

Album - 12 Tracks - Released June 18, 2021