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The musical cult of Dr. Martens: 55 years of counter-culture in photos

Updated 1403 GMT (2103 HKT) August 17, 2015

Japanese heavy metal idol band <a href="http://en.babymetal.jp/home/" target="_blank">Babymetal</a> show that even the clunkiest boot can look adorable.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
Japanese heavy metal idol band Babymetal show that even the clunkiest boot can look adorable.
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The now late Joe Strummer, lead singer and guitarist of The Clash. <br /><br />Famous for their black ten-hole DM's, The Clash's style was as varied as their music.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
The now late Joe Strummer, lead singer and guitarist of The Clash.

Famous for their black ten-hole DM's, The Clash's style was as varied as their music.
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Synthpop poster girl <a href="http://elliegoulding.com/" target="_blank">Ellie Goulding</a> performs at Wembley stadium in London.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
Synthpop poster girl Ellie Goulding performs at Wembley stadium in London.
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British band <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/04/style/blur-comic-book/">Blur</a>. <br /><br />Their third album released in 1994, <em>Parklife</em>, would later define the Britpop movement.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
British band Blur.

Their third album released in 1994, Parklife, would later define the Britpop movement.
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Tim Armstrong of the California punk band <a href="http://rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a> formed in Berkeley, California in 1991.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
Tim Armstrong of the California punk band Rancid formed in Berkeley, California in 1991.
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English alt-rock band <a href="http://www.suede.co.uk/" target="_blank">Suede</a> formed in 1989.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
English alt-rock band Suede formed in 1989.
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American pop punks <a href="http://alltimelow.com/" target="_blank">All Time Low</a> formed in 2003 in Towson, Maryland.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
American pop punks All Time Low formed in 2003 in Towson, Maryland.
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Seminal ska band <a href="http://www.thespecials.com/" target="_blank">The Specials</a> at the World Trade Center in New York.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
Seminal ska band The Specials at the World Trade Center in New York.
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The Stranglers bassist JJ Burnel was a keen wearer of the black 1460s DM boot.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
The Stranglers bassist JJ Burnel was a keen wearer of the black 1460s DM boot.
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English rock band <a href="http://www.youmeatsix.co.uk/" target="_blank">You Me at Six</a> formed in Weybridge, Surrey in 2004.
10 photos: Just what the doctor ordered: Musicians rocking Dr. Martens
English rock band You Me at Six formed in Weybridge, Surrey in 2004.
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dr martens babymetaldr martens joe strummerdr martens ellie gouldingdr martens blurdr martens ranciddr martens suededr martens all time lowdr martens the specials dr martens jj burneldr martens you me at six

Originally designed for workers, the Dr. Martens signature boot -- instantly recognizable by its functional shape, clunky sole and distinctive yellow stitching -- has been a perennial favorite for counter culture musicians and style tribes, associated with everything from punk and ska to grunge and metal.

These affiliations are traced in Dr. Martens: A History of Rebellious Self-Expression. The new book timed with the company's 55th anniversary, charts the shoe's move from work boot to subcultural statement through 220 photos and interviews with high-profile fans from JJ Burnel to Joe Strummer.

While the boot's fan base has only grown and diversified over the years (everyone from OG punks to pop princesses like Ellie Goulding wear them these days), the association with rebels and independent thinkers remains.