Yeah, it started here in Detroit—it might end here as well.— Anon.

Since we've devoted considerable space to the new wave doings of other cities, we've gotten mail (at least five letters) demanding that we honor our roots and produce a Detroit Guide. It's not that easy. Six months ago there was no new wave scene in Detroit, which was rather embarrassing as we did produce most of the punk pantheon of gods—from the obvious; Iggy and the MC-5, to gonebut-not-forgotten-in-our-hearts; Question Mark & The Mysterians, the Rationals, the Amboy Dukes.

But it was inevitable that when it happened here, it would happen big. Mitch Ryder started gigging—quite apart from the new wave, of course— the various MC-5, and Stooges splinter groups seemed invested with a new competitive energy, and brand new bands came out of nowhere to play bingo halls and disco bars. Tenyear-old bar bands have suddenly evolved into punks, with sometimes comical results. (Can you write a punk song about mortgage payments or revolving charge cards?)