The history of Chattanooga is known in part through the records and artifacts left behind - diaries, ledgers, letters, photographs - items like this are collected and preserved at the Chattanooga Public Library so that they’re accessible to everyone, long-term. To tell the fullest and truest story of Chattanooga history, it’s essential that the archives reflect the lives and experiences of all Chattanoogans, but historically speaking, underground culture is often under-represented.
We're fortunate that the Chattanooga punk scene has its own unofficial archivist in Tom Foote, who saved decades of show flyers - items often considered ephemeral and not kept - that together provide a window into a particular scene at a particular time, and tell the story of a community built around not only music but also art, political resistance, creativity, struggle, and friendship. These are stories that may be lesser-known in the wider history of Chattanooga, but they're stories that matter. The goal of the Chattanooga Punk Archive is to preserve and amplify this history.
Content notice
Some items on this site contain strong language, depictions of violence or drug use, and other graphic imagery used in the context of artistic expression...it's a punk archive! Please view at your own discretion.
Share what you know
Flyers and posters for shows typically indicate the day and month the show took place, but not the year. We've done our best to record full date information where possible, but if you know something we don't, please share that information with us so we can improve the online collection.
Donate to the Punk Archive
The Library seeks to grow the Chattanooga Punk Archive by continuing to collect and share flyers, photographs, recordings, zines, setlists, and more. If you have such materials and are interested in donating, please contact us!