Portraits of…
North American Punk Culture
From The 80′s & 90’s
When I look at old photos of the punk scene, a really good feeling comes over me. Maybe because I know I’m looking at my roots – the people that helped make me who I am. One of my regrets is that I did not pick up a camera, but being 12, taking pictures was a lot harder back in 1981 (this was way before even the first disposable camera). With the internet, we now have the power to see the global impact of the punk scene during the 80’s and early 90’s. Now places like the American Punk/Hardcore Archive (78-91) exist, where people can share photos and more from their past. I can spend hours on this site going through images that take me back in time; especially the flyers for shows that I went to as a youth. The energy that I see in these flicks is the vibe that drives me to do what we do here at CVLT Nation every day. The amount of creativity and passion in these images is unavoidable! I want to salute all of the photographers that captured our history…When you are done here, head over to American Punk/Hardcore Archive (78-91)!
Photo by Vince Coughlan
Photo by Photo by Lew Zone White Trash Patrick Houdek and James B. Ricks III
“London Dungeon” House O Voodew Carbondale, Illinois Halloween, 1987
Photo by Backstage post show interview with Iggy Pop. Toad’s Place New Haven, CT.
Magnolias 1980
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Photo by Cindy Hicks
Tim Yohannan On Cammie’s bike in front of 924 Gilman
Ursula and Bobo wish you a Happy Friday Dolores Street, 1989-ish
Photo by Edwaste Lux Interior, The Cramps, 1979, CBGB’s Sunglasses After Dark!
Photo by Edwaste Lux Interior, The Cramps, 1979, CBGB’s
The Bags on Hollywood Blvd.Janet Koontz, Alice “Douche” Bag, Joe Nanini, Geza X and Pat “Trash” Bag.
Photo by Patrick West Guy of Fugazi, live, 1990 or so, St Alban’s Church, DC
It was DC hot, humid and packed. Amazing show.
Photo by Patrick West Murphy’s Law, live, New Haven, at at the Moon
Todd Youth and Jimmy Gestapo belting one out. Man, always so much damn fun!
Photo by Bill Daniel Big Boys, Chris Gates and Mr. Biscuit at Club Foot, Austin.
Photo by Bill Daniel Jello Biafra, Dead Kennedys, Free Money
Photo by Bill Daniel Black Flag, Henry Rollins, Austin 11/28/81 ALA Club.
First time Black Flag played in Austin with Henry Rollins.
The band had played several months earlier at the legendary Raul’s Club with Dez singing.
Photo by Bill Daniel Ian MacKaye, Minor Threat
Photo by Murray B.Neurosis at Owen’s Pizza I think this is from the second Neurosis show. It all took place at Owen’s Pizza.
SAMHAIN 86′
SCREAM in Baltimore around 84′
Photo by Patrick Houdek Lost Cross House 1987 Lost Cross House Carbondale, IL
Photo by Rusty Moore Surfing to Black Market Baby, 9:30 Club, Washington DC 1982
punk rock saved my life (Bob / Denver)
Photo by Rusty Moore
Reagan Youth @ The Mall, Washington DC 7-03-85 Rock Against Reagan music festival
Photo by Thurston Howes Charlie Harper UK Subs
Photo by Thurston Howes Broken Bones Richmond VA 83?
Photo by Thurston Howes Richmond VA ’83
Photo by Thurston Howes Richmond VA ’84?
Photo by Thurston Howes Laurel – DOA show Richmond VA
Photo by Thurston Howes GBH’83_Richmond VA
Photo by Thurston Howes Henry Rollins Richmond VA
Photo by Thurston Howes COC. Richmond VA
Photo by Missy Murray Snot at Bald Knob Cross
Photo by Brian Taylor Bad Brains, Toronto, 198?
Photo by Marc Arsenault Punk girl I went to high school with and have sadly completely forgotten her name Audience shot from 1985 (Loose Nut Tour) Black Flag show in Albany, New York. Promoted by Futile Effort (Dave Stein) Opening were Albany Style, Gone and Fit for Abuse.
Photo by Russ Beinder DK’s 83″
Photo by Russ Beinder DK’s 83″
Photo by Russ Beinder DK’s 83″
No Labels-Oberlin Rd. Barr-Mullen Reed’s dad’s office/practice space.
Photo by M. Thorn
Mabuhey pit Dancefloor at the Mabuhey Gardens circa 1982. I’m pretty sure MDC were playing.
No Idea 1982-1985 Rick Love – Vocals and guitar.Pete Levine – bass Frank Prosl – drums Jim Harris – guitar
Photo by BILLY WHITFIELD REPTILE HOUSE Wust radio hall
Crucifix live in the UK, 1984
San Francisco’s Crucifix came to the UK just once, in 1984, and played in Bolton of all places, un-fucking-believable. I’ve have made the trip if only I’d have known; alas, the pre-internet days, most of the time you only knew if punk gigs were happening if someone told you. Photo courtesy of Dave Ball.
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The Author
I think Billy Whitfield still takes a bunch of photos at shows around Baltimore, if I’m thinking of the right guy.
All the photos by Cindy Hicks were also taken in Richmond,Virginia. Mostly at a place called Benny’s.
My photo has been popping up everywhere, I was 12 I believe. I wish I had the other photos Bob took of me.
great shots !!
Fantastic photos, brought a real smile to my face.
All the Cindy Hicks photos were taken at a Minor Threat show, summer 1983, in Richmond VA. Except the dogpile photo, which I believe was at a COC show in Richmond the same year.
Where did you find that Bob Kondrak photo #14)? It’s a photo of Nina (no one had last names then). I think she was 12 or 13. It’s from Seattle.