Punk Turns 30

I AM Black Friday 2017! I will be in Pittsburgh at the Get Hip Record Store, telling the stories behind the photos, signing photos and enjoying the live music. The 20% discount applies to the photos and photo souvenirs, so think of all your rock n roll friends and collectors.  If you're not in Pittsburgh, Get Hip Mail Order and I can make your gift giving easy.  Just reach out to us:  Get Hip Mail Order . You can also contact Punk Turns 30 for a list of images or inquiries about specific images. Among the musical artists performing this weekend is my lifelong friend, Frank Secich.  I first met Frank in 1979 when he toured with Stiv Bators in what I call the Latter Day Dead Boys.  Both Jeff Magnum and Cheetah Chrome weren't in the band, and their parts were played by Frank (on bass) and George Cabaniss, of Akron's Hammer Damage on guitar.  Back then, we were calling him Georgie Harrison, though.  Just to be sure, though, Jimmy Zero was and a...

Forty years ago today, Elvis Costello & the Attractions were in the middle of their first tour of the USA.  It began in San Francisco on November 15, 1977 and on the 18 and 19th landed at the Whisky A GoGo. On the 20th, the lads were guests on KROQ's Rodney on the ROQ with Mayor of the Sunset Strip, DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. I've been taking a long, long time to read Elvis's memoir, and I highly recommend it.  He writes thoroughly about his songwriting and band-crafting, as well as his experiences in the studio and on the road.  I don't want the story to end, so I read a couple pages a day. My roommate, the famous Joanna Spock Dean was in a band called Backstage Pass back then.  They opened for Elvis at The Whisky.  She has kept in touch with the whole Attractions crew over the years, and we still have the great good fortune to see Elvis play whenever he tours the US and has a Nashville date.  A couple years ago, Elvis & the Imposters opened for...