Punk Turns 30

Patti, Dark & Light , originally uploaded by Theresa K . Can I pick a bone? Blondie and The Sex Pistols will be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in March 2006...they'll join the likes of The Ramones, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and The Police - all bands that came into our consciousness via the punk rock flag. Who's missing? The high priestess of punk herself: Patti Smith. Its not that I care - but I think she should have been inducted in 2000. best wishes again to Blondie and the Sex Pistols. I hope John Lydon speaks from HIS heart!

You know, I do check my statistics, because I'm that kind of geek. And I check out other blogs. So - this goes out to Steph at Steph's House of Punk. Email me! and I'll tell you how to get one of these cool t-shirts. Its a great way to celebrate Blondie's induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. By the way, this guy is Joe Silverking, One Man Gang, who was the MC for all the Goner Fest 2 events at that fab fest in Memphis. Yes, Blondie was a big hit there...as was Joe. Watch this space for more info on that T-shirt, oK? It was a promotional item for Goner Fest... but popular demand may change things.

Thirty years since the (already inducted) Ramones 1-2-3-4'd their way around the world, inspiring upstart rockers as well as trend-seeking record executives, punk rockers are now finding themselves being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. I have to say that my best memory of the Rock Hall is from 2004, when the living Dead Boys showed everyone what "young, loud and snotty" really meant during their raucous panel there on the eve of their reunion show. I'll be asking for my fleece and down wardrobe once the Dead Boys are inducted because only then will hell have finally frozen! All this is just a warm-up. However, that doesn't stop me from offering a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to Blondie and the Sex Pistols on their induction, which will be feted in March of 2006 in NYC at the usual rubber chicken ball at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. I can only imagine the "all star jam" at the end of the night - you see, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Black Sabbath are al...

Jett Idol , originally uploaded by Theresa K . I was in the darkroom earlier this week making prints for the Cleveland's Screaming exhibit - there are two openings - December 3 and December 10. If you're in Cleveland... go! Anyway, while I was there, making prints of several images of Stiv, at the end of the session, I had to make some prints for other commitments, including more prints of this Joan Jett / Billy Idol image. It is the first photo I took that got world-wide coverage. Honestly, it was published in about 47 rock magazines around the world in 1978. Prior to having this photo published, I had a few published here and there, including the Germs picture sleeve for their first single, "Forming." But after Joan and Billy graced all those magazines, I was more or less a known commodity and that leads me to where I am at this very moment. There are a few people I always remember in connection with this. First - my partner in crime throughout the...

Dee Dee & Stiv - your fave? , originally uploaded by Theresa K . That's right....What comes the day after Thanksgiving? The busiest shopping day of the year - the day starts the Xmas shopping season. I think a Vintage Punk photo would be a great Xmas gift for many people - don't you? This popular photo of Dee Dee Ramone and Stiv Bators is just one of the many images you can buy at affordable consumer prices in my Vintage Punk Pix Online Store. Why don't you visit it and see what's new. I've added some newly-restored images of Johnny Ramone and Belinda Carlisle as well as another Stiv photo - for those of you who don't live in Cleveland or Milwaukee, which are the cities where my next two exhibits will be. More on that later. Oh - and please remember my new email address.

Me & Clem, 2004 , originally uploaded by Theresa K . Last night, Blondie played to a sold-out crowd at London's Royal Albert Hall. What a great way to start off a birthday celebration. Clem Burke, Blondie's ace drummer, and a most valuable player in rock n roll, has a most significant birthday today... so send him your best wishes.

Stiv LIVE , originally uploaded by Theresa K . While you won't be seeing this photo of Stiv at the upcoming Cleveland's screaming photo exhibit, you will have a chance to see photos of Stiv with the Dead Boys, the Disconnected band, and The Wanderers, as well as with various friends, like Dee Dee Ramone, Leroy Jones, Cynthia Ross and the likes of Joan Jett and Rodney Bingenheimer. I'm also going to contribute photos of Ohioans Chrissie Hynde and Cramps frontman, Lux Interior. Those are the images I'm planning on blowing up tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I will have a chance to scan them before I ship them off to Cleveland. Save the dates: December 3 and December 10 are opening parties at the Bela Dubby Gallery in the Lakewood section of Cleveland. On December 10, there's a rock n roll show at the Beachland Ballroom associated with this show. Be there! Give it up to Jim Lanza for organizing this!

The King Khan and BBQ Show made its way to Los Angeles earlier this week, with two shows. One was at an open mic night at Mr T's Bowl in Highland Park, a mostly Hispanic neighborhood east of downtown LA. They had great late night taco stands on Figueroa Street... The punk thing about that show, the first of the West Coast tour for this duo of one-man-bands, was that it was originally supposed to be at a different venue (The Scene in Glendale) but in some misunderstanding/confusion, was never actually booked. So, the band made do - with some help from their local friends - and found another venue. The second Los Angeles show was at a place called The Smell. Presumably the name arises from the fact that this cavernous, brick-walled art hang opens onto an alley in the deserted-at-night downtown Los Angeles, in the shadow of the financial district and the Los Angeles Times. I noticed some interesting taco joints in the 'hood there too. Anyway, fresh from a road trip to and from...

Dave Parsons of Sham 69, standing on Madison Avenue in NYC, August, 2005. Sham 69 had just played a couple dates during the month-long CBGB benefit. I hadn't seen Dave since 1980, and surprisingly, he looked just about the same. His hair is less blond, but he's got his hair... He is playing as well as he ever did, too. While I did see Sham back in the day, I didn't meet Dave until he joined The Wanderers with Stiv Bators. The Wanderers were basically Sham 69 without Jimmy Pursey. In 1980, Sham had stopped touring and making records and I think Jimmy had gone into seclusion. Seizing the opportunity, Stiv recruited the band and added Dean Klevatt, an American keyboard player who was living in London and playing in Joan Armatrading's band to join. Their only album was called "Only Lovers Left Alive" and was a musical extension of the conspiracy theory stylings of Peter Beder, a writer Stiv was interested in. It was a dark record that proved to be the pe...

Blair , originally uploaded by Cool Auntie . Yes, today is Blair's birthday -- Blair keeps the Northeast corridor informed with his Concert Calendar and in days gone by (in another century in fact, although Blair is not that old), generated the 'zine, The Teen Scene, which is famous for among other things, being the first periodical that aspiring journalist and Dirtbombs drummer, Ben Blackwell got published in! Happy Birthday Blair Buscareno - it ain't a NYC rock show if you're not there!

Penelope Avenger & Rodney , originally uploaded by Theresa K . According to the statistics that I pore over each night, you all seem to like this picture the best... here's its encore! Penelope Houston of the Avengers of San Francisco, at KROQ with Rodney Bingenheimer on his show. 1978.

Idol , originally uploaded by Theresa K . If you're a die-hard Stiv Bators fan, you'll recognize the title of this post as a song title from his "Disconnected" album... and you're wondering why it is the title of a post accompanied by a photo of Billy Idol. Oh, I just had Idol on the brain. And I'm living near the location where this photo was taken, and forgot to look to see if the $2 Haircuts sign was still there on Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. I noticed today that the cool record shop, Vinyl Fetish is no longer on Melrose, but is on Cahuenga Blvd., near where the Hollywood Farmer's Market is on Sundays. Things change and move around... Hollywood, music, the music biz and well, yes, life -- they've all changed a lot in the last 30 years. I'm happy to see some things that haven't - mostly that people I believed in still have their integrity intact. (You know who you are) As I prepare for two more exhibits before 2005 draws...

One Man Gang , originally uploaded by Cool Auntie . I am SO PROUD that Joe Pestilence, AKA Joe Silverking the One Man Gang is sporting my promotional Punk Turns 30 T-shirt! Joe was the MC at Goner Fest 2 and just made each event a barrel of laughs. Of all the punk rock shows and events I've attended over the years, nothing came close to the Spirit of 77 than Goner Fest. From the opening festivities with King Louie One Man Band to the closing day's hang-over party with Memphis Mary (BBQ-tinged Bloody Mary mix...mmmm) featuring a surprise performance of Harlan T Bobo standing on the check out counter, to the power outtages (Hurricane Rita's fault) where the power seemed to go ON whenever Greg Cartwright entered the room to catch a performance by the Limes, who all play in other bands, and are an all-star ensemble of...hung over dudes (well, they were that day)... it was one great unhinged, completely sincere and DIY-make-it-up-as-you-go-along weekend hosted b...

David & Syl , originally uploaded by Theresa K . Well, my big weekend plans include seeing (finally) the documentary about Arthur Kane, entitled New York Doll. Has anyone else seen it? I've been loathe to check out the punk documentaries. Don't know about you, but its really weird to see something so close and personal portrayed on screen - especially when its someone else's memory and experience, not your own. That said, I suppose I will end up seeing all these movies. I may have been the last person to see Sid and Nancy because of Sid's relationship with Stiv and I know I was the very last person to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding because who wants to see your own life lampooned ? Oh well. Stayed tuned for some news on two upcoming exhibits these vintage punk pix will be in. Here's a pictoral hint: Have a good weekend.

Mystery Girls singer Casey Grajek may be a howlin' R&B/garage rocker, but he reminds me of Stiv Bators from time to time in his delivery and in his riveting performance. He can do those moves with the microphone that if done by other singers looks plain stupid. But when Casey does it - he's channeling Stiv Bators, Iggy Pop and even Julian Cope at times. He's so completely into the song, the music, the performance. If you aren't already familiar with their dirty (in the best possible way) rock n roll... you're in luck! They've got records galore for you! Check out the various sources for Mystery Girls music at In the Red, or at Bancroft Records. Finally, visit the band's website and catch up on anything you have missed. Here's a face that has launched a thousand ships (well, dozens of emails to me....)

PlimsoulsLive5 , originally uploaded by Cool Auntie . Doesn't it figure? I arrive in LA and once I get a minute to breathe after shooting and think I wanna call old pals, I learn that Peter Case has gone off to Europe to do a tour with John Doe and Michael Weston King. So, I say, if you're over there in Europe - check this out.

More Lamps , originally uploaded by Theresa K . Because I was working til 3 AM Saturday night, I was unable to catch the Lamps at the Scene in Glendale, where they opened for the Deadly Snakes, a young band from Canada whose latest album, "Porchella" is one of my favorite releases this year. I did however see the Lamps in Memphis a couple months ago and their fury just knocked me out. They are a power trio with an old-skool punk rock attitude of nihilism and anger. Yeah - these three normal looking dudes make mean, angry music. Don't take that the wrong way. These guys ROCK and they give it all. Pick up their self-titled vinyl-only release on In The Red and hear for yourself. Old skool music from guys who weren't born when the Germs first tried to play music.... yeah!

This photo of Penelope Houston of the Avengers with Rodney Bingenheimer is already a favorite on my page at Flickr. Now, you can buy a copy or a good quality digital download of it in my Online Store. Prices are the same as if you bought a print from me at an exhibit...plus, you can choose from two different color photos of Stiv Bators, and I don't carry color prints on the road. That's your internet bonus. In addition to Vintage Punk Pictures, I've added a small album of Garage Band Pictures! If you have the time and a fast connection, why don't you visit the store and choose the "Watch dotPhoto show" option. There's a cool soundtrack! If you like the song and want to know what it is, its "All Ov Them," a track on the Witches latest album, "Thriller," which you can listen to if you click on my DOWNLOADS link over there on the right side of this page. Or you can click HERE and be taken directly to the page where the MP3...

Reigning Sound in the red mirror , originally uploaded by Theresa K . I am so excited. Just about each month this year, I have seen Greg Cartwright and the Reigning Sound play somewhere in the USA. Tonight in L.A., The Reigning Sound are playing at the Troubadour. That's where you'll find me. Its my hot music tip for you. See the Reigning Sound! Buy all their records! You won't be sorry. Hear some music clips here. FINALLY, I've updated my Online Store with new pictures, familiar and popular pictures AND a whole new album in the store of Garage Band Pictures! Go HERE to read more about it.

Blondie is currently rehearsing in NYC for a seven week tour of the UK! I know Dublin isn't in the UK, but they ARE playing there. Here's the itinerary: Sunday, 11/13/05, Norwich, UK, University Of East Anglia Tuesday, 11/15/05, Cardiff, UK, St. David's Hall Wednesday, 11/16/05, Plymouth, UK, Plymouth Pavilions Friday, 11/18/05, Bristol, UK, Colston Hall Saturday, 11/19/05, Bournemouth, UK, International Centre Sunday, 11/20/05, Brighton, UK, Brighton Centre Tuesday, 11/22/05, Southend, UK, Cliffs Pavilion Wednesday, 11/23/05, London, UK, Royal Albert Hall Thursday, 11/24/05 - CLEM's Birthday - wish him a happy one!!! Friday, 11/25/05, Reading, UK, Rivermead Centre Saturday, 11/26/05, Cambridge, UK, Corn Exchange Sunday, 11/27/05, Ipswich, UK, Ipswich Regent Wednesday, 11/30/05, Leicester, UK, De Montfort Hall Thursday, 12/01/05, Liverpool, UK, Philharmonic Hall Friday, 12/02/05, Blackpool, UK, Opera House Sunday, 12/04/05, Aberdeen, UK, Music Hall Monday, 12/05/05, Ed...

Halloween is not complete without one of my favorite ghouls... the Human Fly himself, Lux Interior the freaktastic frontman of the Cramps. Hope that you had a terrific Halloween and that you got more treats than tricks. Yesterday, November 1, was the Day of the Dead, one of my favorite observances of Mexico. In honor of that day, I leave you with remembrances of some punks gone by. Darby Crash, 1958 - 1980 Jeffrey Lee Pierce, 1958 - 1996 Dee Dee Ramone, 1953 - 2002, Stiv Bators, 1949 - 1990 There are many more...too many to mention, but definitely NOT forgotten.

Kim Fowley , originally uploaded by Theresa K . Well, since my personal friends know, I thought I'd let you all in on this. I'm in Los Angeles working on a film with Kim Fowley. You know Kim - he's a record producer with a long list of hits and credits. He's been in movies such as the documentaries, Mayor of the Sunset Strip, about Rodney Bingenheimer, and outtakes from an interview he did for a VH1 special on the "Bad Girls of Rock" were excerpted and included in "Edgeplay," a documentary about the Runaways, the all-girl punk band he formed, managed and produced in the 70s. His reputation is one of urban legend. Let me tell you this about working with Kim Fowley. In 13 hours, we shot about 15 set-ups... it was like working with the real Ed Wood in a way. While I'm in LA, I'm going to finally get to see my pal Carol Schumacher fill in on bass for the Reigning Sound. They're playing at the Troubadour on Friday, November 4....