In this episode of Punks Unknown, we shine a light on Iran’s underground punk scene through the story of Tof, a hardcore band fighting to keep punk alive under heavy restrictions.

This conversation explores:

• Growing up with music in a country where punk is considered “forbidden”

• Discovering bands like Metallica, Misfits, and Minor Threat through bootleg tapes and satellite TV

• The risks and realities of playing punk in Iran, from underground shows to government crackdowns

• The importance of international connections and DIY spirit in keeping the scene alive

  
  

TOF's journey is a raw reminder of punk’s power as resistance and connection across borders.

You can support TOF by visiting their Bandcamp page

Featuring a brand-new intro track by Michael Rigby — links to Mike’s music can be found via this link

Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

Recorded under the blistering sun at 2000 Trees Festival 2025, Liam chats with some of the best punk bands on the bill:

• Kid Kapichi
• Grade 2
• Cloud Nothings
• Press Club
• Last Hounds

They talk musical evolution, political censorship, AI in music, touring with dogs, and whether punk still makes space for outsiders.

A sweaty, funny, and thoughtful look at a festival that brings the punk community together.

If you want to attend 2000 Trees in 2026, you can grab tickets now with a 30% discount via this link — offer ends July 21st

In this episode, Liam sits down with legendary photographer and journalist Maggie St. Thomas.

With a camera in hand, Maggie has spent decades capturing raw, unfiltered moments from music’s most chaotic corners — from the grime of LA’s underground punk scene to the haze-filled green rooms of hip hop royalty.

We talk about her new book Subject: Punk, her childhood surrounded by music and mayhem, photographing the Ramones, Sublime, and yes — smuggling weed in a trench coat to photograph Snoop Dogg for High Times.

Maggie also opens up about her time working in a crematorium, the emotional weight of documenting vulnerable artists, and why punk isn’t just a sound — it’s a way of being.

Check out Maggie's work via this link