Lester Bangs was an influential American music journalist and critic, known for his passionate and often provocative writing style. He contributed to various publications, including Rolling Stone and Creem, where he wrote about rock music and its cultural impact during the 1970s. Bangs was a key figure in the development of music criticism, blending personal anecdotes with sharp analysis. Born on December 14, 1948, in El Paso, Texas, Bangs became a prominent voice in the music scene, championing artists like The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed. He was known for his love of punk rock and his disdain for commercialism in music. Bangs passed away on April 30, 1982, but his legacy continues to influence music journalism today.