PUNK UNDER THE SUN Spotlights SCREAMING SNEAKERS in a Raw Celebration of 1980s South Florida Punk and New Wave

Punk Under the Sun Spotlights Screaming Sneakers in a Raw Celebration of 1980s South Florida Punk and New Wave

Step into the gritty, electric world of 1980s South Florida punk and New Wave with Punk Under the Sun: ’80s Punk and New Wave in South Florida (2nd Edition), a dynamic tribute by scene insiders Joey Seeman and Chris Potash. Published by Neon Books, this 240-page, full-color book captures a wild era when South Florida’s underground music scene exploded, transforming rundown venues into hotbeds of raw creativity. With nearly 400 rare photos, flyers, and artifacts, the book immerses readers in the DIY spirit that fueled a movement—highlighted by bands like Screaming Sneakers—paving the way for Miami’s emergence as a global cultural hub.

This week, we dive into Screaming Sneakers, a female-fronted punk band, takes center stage in this vivid chronicle, embodying the era’s untamed energy. Fronted by the magnetic Lisa Nash, the dynamic frontwoman of Screaming Sneakers, who lit up South Florida’s 1980s punk and new wave scene. With her infectious energy and razor-sharp vocals, Lisa channeled the spirit of Blondie’s Debbie Harry and the raw edge of Patti Smith, delivering pop-punk anthems that pulsed with rebellion and heart. 

The band built a loyal following with their 1982 EP, Marching Orders. Songs like “Violent Days” delivered a sharp, energetic punch, earning them praise in punk zines and a lasting reputation among collectors. With Gary Sunshine on guitar, Bud Gangemi on bass, and Mark Evans on drums, Screaming Sneakers came close to signing with Polygram Records—a deal that could have launched them to stardom—but it ultimately fell through. Nash’s influence endured, with her later contributions to the Psycho Daisies’ 2008 album Return From Blood Island showcasing her lasting impact on the genre.

Beyond Screaming Sneakers, Punk Under the Sun offers a comprehensive look at the era’s key players, from the Cichlids to Charlie Pickett & the Eggs. It includes a detailed discography of South Florida bands and an 11-page index, making it a must-have for punk enthusiasts and music historians. The book’s vivid visuals and storytelling bring to life the musicians, venues, and indie labels that defined this underground movement.

Priced at $37, this 8 x 10-inch softcover is available now at punkunderthesun.com, with wholesale pricing for bulk orders.

Product Details:

Available at Neon Books
ISBN: 979-8-218-51568-3
240 pages, softcover, full color, 8 x 10 inches
Experience the unfiltered energy of a South Florida subculture that left an indelible mark on music history!

Keep an eye out for Reprobate Media’s weekly Punk Under the Sun spotlight! Next up: Charlie Pickett and The Eggs, led by the gritty Charlie Pickett, whose raw, rootsy punk anthems and searing live shows made them South Florida’s 1980s underground legends.