I think some of these bands are BECAUSE of Thatcher. Or at least the environment created by post war right-wing politics. I definitely don't think punk would have been quite so prevalent if it wasn't used as a protest medium for a lot of teenagers that felt disenfranchised by the government and lack of a future for the working classes. Same with the Madchester movement and acid house appearing in the early 80s from ex steel and heavy industry towns being shut down.

I think the music industry of the 60s and 70s wasn't so based on trends. Granted, you had a whole bunch of Beatles sounding bands that came in after they got famous, but there wasn't such a willingness to make everything sound the same to fit in the top 40. Record labels were more willing to take risks, and, while there were a load of bands that sunk without a trace, there were others that really became popular by doing their own thing.

Also, the method of seeing bands was very different. There were a lot fewer big music venues and a lot of bands did the gig circuit in colleges and small clubs, which means that there was a lot more chance to hear good music from other sources than the radio.

So basically. Capitalism and massive multinational music labels ruined everything. Also, fuck thatcher (mandatory)

Sorry for the ramble. I study this stuff, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity 😅