University of Texas Press Releases Pat Blashill's Comprehensive Oral History of Texas Punk

Austin, TX – The University of Texas Press has recently published Someday All the Adults Will Die!: The Birth of Texas Punk, a new oral history by photographer and journalist Pat Blashill. The book delves into the vibrant and often overlooked Texas punk scene from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. An excerpt from the newly released volume was highlighted by author Jake on social media, stating, "Here's the link to Texas Monthly's excerpt from the new book, Someday All the Adults Will Die!: The Birth of Texas Punk, just published by University of Texas Press."

Pat Blashill, an Austin native, was a teenager immersed in the burgeoning punk movement, documenting it extensively through his photography. He later became a seasoned music journalist, contributing to publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times. His firsthand experience and extensive archive lend unique authenticity to this comprehensive account of a pivotal musical era. Blashill's previous work, Texas Is The Reason, also explored the Austin scene.

The book functions as a riotous, freewheeling oral history, compiling memories from over 100 musicians, fans, and club owners who shaped the scene. It covers influential bands such as the Butthole Surfers, the Big Boys, The Dicks, and Daniel Johnston, exploring their impact across Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Someday All the Adults Will Die! also highlights the scene's strong anti-racist, feminist, and queer undertones, which set it apart.

Texas punk, as chronicled by Blashill, was a unique cultural phenomenon that defied expectations for a conservative state. The book captures the raw energy, uncompromising artistry, and wild performances that characterized this period. It offers a deep dive into a subculture that flourished in Texas, challenging norms and influencing the broader American musical psyche.

Published in early September 2025, Someday All the Adults Will Die! provides an essential document of a significant, yet often underappreciated, chapter in music history. It offers readers a vivid portrait of a time when Texas was home to one of America's wildest and weirdest punk scenes. The University of Texas Press aims to educate and advance scholarship through such publications.