25 post-punk bands that influenced modern music

Joy Division is one of the first and most influential post-punk bands in the scene. This iconic group has helped shape additional genres like gothic rock, alternative rock, and indie. In fact, the band has likely influenced other iconic groups on this list, such as The Cure and Interpol.

Talking Heads is another popular post-punk band. The group rose to fame in the 70s/80s and became an early influence in the genre. Their experimental art-rock sound has undoubtedly inspired countless modern bands.

Now, I might be biased as The Cure’s self-proclaimed number 1 fan, but I believe they’re one of the most influential bands of their time. Their early music was especially well-known in the post-punk scene, making them a foundational group in the genre. Their evolution into gothic rock and new wave only made them more inspiring and significant in their space.

Bauhaus is another quintessential post-punk band from the late 70s. Their sound has influenced countless others in the scene. Similar to The Cure, they’re known for their iconic shift into goth rock and their dark, atmospheric music—both of which are key elements in the post-punk genre.

The Cocteau Twins emerged as a post-punk band in the 80s. However, their sound has evolved and influenced countless modern bands in the shoegaze scene. We can thank this iconic group for pioneering the beloved dream pop genre.

The Psychedelic Furs emerged from the British post-punk scene in the late 70s. Their atmospheric, new wave sound has undoubtedly helped influence modern indie, alternative, and pop-punk bands.

New Order is a unique post-punk band, fusing various genres from rock to electronic dance music (EDM). Their influence is vast, inspiring modern synth-pop, techno, and rave music. In fact, they’re often known as one of the driving forces behind rave culture and the development of EDM.  

Another crowd favorite, The Smiths are one of the most iconic post-punk bands. Their synth-heavy style was massively popular during its time and became widely influential. In fact, they’ve influenced a variety of sub-genres in modern music, such as indie/alternative rock and jangle-pop. 

This cult band is yet another foundational group in the post-punk scene. Scottish alternative band The Jesus and Mary Chain actually pioneered noise pop, an indie rock subgenre known for its pop melodies and abrasive sounds. This unconventional merging of styles has inspired some of the most well-known and popular modern music. 

Emerging in the late 70s, Simple Minds was a quintessential post-punk band. They started with an experimental sound and eventually progressed into 80s production and an anthemic stadium sound. The band had a heavy influence on modern indie and alternative rock music. 

The English post-punk band Gang of Four is yet another infamous group. This politically-charged group completely changed the course of music when they emerged in the late 70s. Their funk-infused sound has inspired countless bands and subgenres. 

Wire has had quite a music career, emerging from the punk scene in the mid-to-late 70s and eventually evolving into an influential art-punk band. In fact, many fans credit Wire with the development of post-punk as an overarching genre.

Siouxsie and the Banshees were also seen as the pioneers of post-punk. Many believe the band has influenced countless giants in the genre, including The Cure and Joy Division, with its gothic sound. Some even say their influence ran as deep as it did in inspiring electronic and experimental genres.

Public Image Ltd. and its genre fusion have influenced countless subgenres, from industrial rock to trip-hop. The band fuses a variety of sounds, like art-rock, disco, reggae, and even Krautrock, the German experimental rock genre. Many believe Public Image Ltd was a massive driver behind the "anti-rock" movement. 

The Replacements are another iconic post-punk band. Originally, the group emerged with a raw punk sound that fans adored. However, as they progressed, they incorporated other influences and elements, drawing inspiration from classic rock and even power-pop groups. Many believe the band inspired subgenres like grunge, alt-country, and indie rock.

Sonic Youth was a pivotal, avant-garde post-punk band. Merging genres such as noise rock and indie/alternative rock, the early-80s band was highly influential during its time. In fact, many believe they contributed to the shift from 80s underground rock to 90s alternative rock.

The Fall was an English post-punk band formed in Manchester in the mid-1970s. This influential group was known for its early blending of Krautrock and “rockability racket,” as well as its ever-changing lineup. Lead vocalist and lyricist Mark E. Smith was the only constant member, and he seemed to believe he was the band's voice and essence. Given his incredible lyrics, he was right to be confident. As he once (allegedly) stated: "If it's your granny and me on bongos, then it's The Fall.”

Magazine was a short-lived yet influential post-punk band that emerged in the late 1970s and fizzled out in the early 1980s. The group was iconic for blending avant-garde punk energy with synth-heavy soundscapes and profound lyrics. Many believe Magazine influenced infamous bands like The Smiths and Simple Minds, which are also on this list.

This might be a bit controversial, but U2’s early career was at its peak in post-punk. The band initially started as a post-punk group, which was reflected in their first few albums (“Boy,” “October,” “War”). However, their eventual shift toward a more produced, atmospheric sound went on to influence countless modern bands.

This Heat was a highly experimental post-punk band. Though short-lived (1976-1982), the group had a significant influence on the indie/art-rock scene and was a foundational band of the era.

One of the most popular bands on this list, R.E.M., is an iconic post-punk group that has influenced many artists. According to their Spotify music page, “R.E.M. marked the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock … [and] brought guitar pop back into the underground lexicon.” They’ve inspired countless bands in a variety of genres, including jangle pop, alternative pop, and indie rock.

Echo & the Bunnymen first emerged as an English rock band in Liverpool during the late 1970s. The post-punk group was known for its atmospheric, moody sound, which has undoubtedly influenced modern music. 

Depeche Mode is arguably one of the most influential bands to rise during the ‘80s. The synth-pop group emerged from the post-punk scene, eventually shifting toward a darker sound with industrial influences, which have inspired countless modern groups. Many people reject the post-punk label for them, but both synth-pop and industrial sub-genres tend to fall under the post-punk umbrella. 

One of the later post-punk bands to take the genre by storm is Interpol. The renowned rock band emerged during the late 1990s, highly influencing the 2000s post-punk era, which we all know was iconic.

Mission of Burma was a pioneering post-punk band that started in 1979. Emerging from Boston, Massachusetts, the group was active between 1979 and 1983. However, they emerged in the early 2000s, influencing modern alt-rock and indie rock with their high-energy, melodic songwriting.