In a remarkable discovery, a treasure trove of previously unseen photographs from the heyday of punk rock and new wave music has been unearthed. The images, captured by DB Burkeman between 1976 and 1982, offer an intimate glimpse into the raw energy and spirit that defined an era.
A Punk Rock Time Capsule
DB Burkeman, a teenage school dropout struggling with substance abuse issues at the time, inadvertently created a time capsule of the punk rock explosion. As he prioritized his disposable income for self-medication, countless rolls of film remained undeveloped, tucked away in a bedside drawer. It wasn’t until decades later, following his mother’s passing, that Burkeman stumbled upon this incredible archive while clearing out his old bedroom.
When I developed this roll of film over 30 years after I shot it, and saw what I had, I simply couldn’t believe it!
– DB Burkeman on discovering his photos of the Ramones at The Rainbow, London in 1977
London’s Punk Scene
The photographs transport us back to the gritty streets of London, where punk fashion and attitude reigned supreme. Candid shots capture the essence of the era, from fans at a Damned gig in 1978 to the iconic Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen leaving court in 1977. Burkeman’s lens also caught the early days of future stars, such as Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics, who were then members of a band called The Tourists.
Reflecting on a Sex Pistols performance at Brunel University in 1977, Burkeman remarked, “It sounded truly dreadful but it felt like I was witnessing the second coming.” This sentiment encapsulates the raw, rebellious spirit that permeated the punk scene, where technical proficiency often took a backseat to unbridled energy and attitude.
Across the Pond: New York and LA
Burkeman’s photographs also document his adventures across the Atlantic, capturing the vibrant punk and new wave scenes in New York and Los Angeles. From Blondie’s Debbie Harry at a London album release event to the Ramones’ iconic performance at The Rainbow in 1977, these images serve as a testament to the global impact of the punk movement.
The collection also features rare glimpses of lesser-known bands, such as The Blessed, a New York Dolls-meets-Siouxsie and the Banshees outfit, and early performances by Squeeze in the United States. These photographs not only showcase the headliners but also the diverse tapestry of artists who contributed to the punk and new wave landscape.
Punk Fashion and Style
Beyond the music, Burkeman’s photographs capture the distinctive fashion and style that defined the punk aesthetic. From leather jackets adorned with studs and patches to gravity-defying hairstyles, these images serve as a visual record of the rebellious, DIY spirit that permeated every aspect of punk culture.
One particularly striking image features two young men, Danny and Nick, who gatecrashed Burkeman’s girlfriend’s 16th birthday party in 1976. As Burkeman recalls, “These two kids just showed up and gatecrashed. They were the first two kids we’d met with ‘the haircut’.” This photograph, which graces the cover of Burkeman’s book, encapsulates the early days of punk fashion in London.
A Photographic Legacy
DB Burkeman’s rediscovered photographs offer an unparalleled window into the punk rock and new wave era, capturing the raw energy, fashion, and attitude that defined a generation. These images serve not only as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who lived through the era but also as an invaluable historical record for future generations.
As Burkeman’s photographs finally see the light of day, they remind us of the transformative power of music and the enduring legacy of punk rock. Through his lens, we are transported back to a time when rebellion, creativity, and unbridled passion collided, giving birth to a cultural movement that continues to resonate decades later.
With the publication of “Crash Bang: Pictures from a Punk” by Blurring Books, DB Burkeman’s photographs are now available for the world to appreciate. These images not only document a pivotal moment in music history but also serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of art to capture and preserve the essence of an era.
