Pub rock is a music genre that emerged in the mid-1970s in the United Kingdom, characterized by its raw sound and emphasis on live performances. It typically features straightforward rock and roll, often with influences from blues, country, and punk. Bands in this genre played in small venues, particularly pubs, which helped foster a close connection with their audiences. Key bands associated with pub rock include Dr. Feelgood, The Stranglers, and Eddie and the Hot Rods. This movement laid the groundwork for the later rise of punk rock and new wave in the late 1970s, as it encouraged a DIY ethos and a focus on energetic live shows.