Ray Stevenson "Not Just Punk" - New Book from the legendary music photographer

We went along to the Farsight Gallery for the launch party of the new book "Not Just Punk" from legendary music photographer Ray Stevenson. The gallery was packed with familiar faces including some that feature in the book itself including Gaye Black of The Adverts, Neal X of Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Spizzenergi. Also in attendance were Leigh Heggarty of Ruts DC, Tom Crossley of The Phobics, Barrington Francis of The Saints, Anne Pigalle, Chris Musto of Glen Matlock's band, Debsey Wykes of Dolly Mixture, Paul Kelly the Heavenly Films director, Clash DJ Scratchy Sounds, author Daniel Rachel, Roxy club owners Andy Czezowski and Sue Carrington and music photographers Paul Slattery (my Retro Man Blog colleague), Jill Furmanovsky, David Corio and Erica Echenberg. There was a presentation of some of the photos featured in the book and a Q&A session with Ray hosted by Farsight Gallery owner Sean McLusky (Subway Sect and JoBoxers). It was another great event at the Farsight Gallery which is located on Flitcroft Street just off Denmark Street close to the site of our beloved and much-missed 12 Bar Club. I'd recommend signing up to their mailing list as they do put on some superb shows which have previously included Mick Jones Rock 'n' Roll Public Library and the Batcave LP launch party.

Ray Stevenson with his new book "Not Just Punk"

Eric Waring, DJ Scratchy Sounds, Gaye 'Advert' Black and Paul Slattery

Gaye Black of The Adverts

Here's a brief biography of Ray courtesy of the Farsight Gallery...

Ray Stevenson started out as a teenage darkroom apprentice back in mid 1960's London. After meeting with rising folk star Buffy Saint Marie, discovered folk-nights at the Marquee Club, then he was introduced to seminal folk venue Les Cousins by Sandy Denny. Ray became a regular at both of these venues shooting many unknown musicians like Bert Jansch, Roy Harper, Al Stewart, John Martyn, Cat Stevens and Marc Bolan. Stumbling upon a Jimi Hendrix sound-check gave Ray a taste for plugged-in-guitars and opened up another trajectory that resulted in him photographing a much broader range of musicians. His photo ‘The Who at the Marquee 1967’ was used by the Royal Mail in their 2025 commemorative collection. But the Stevenson portfolio went beyond photographing the musicians of the day as his work also featured models, hippies, ballet dancers, the occasional film star and friends. One of those friends was David Bowie, whom Ray shot many pre-glam photos of. None of this activity was enough to pay the rent, so he took a 9-to-5 job in the BBC Open University dark-room. 

Sean McLusky (R) interviews Ray

Anne Pigalle with Spizz who features on the book's cover and inside... both photos above by Paul Slattery

Then in early 1976, Ray's brother Nils asked him to take some pictures of a new group called the Sex Pistols. And so began Ray's second wave of live visual work - capturing the nascent Punk movement and the New Wave and Post-Punk scenes that followed it. His photos of the Pistols, Clash, Siouxsie Sioux, Soo Catwoman, Jordan, 2-Tone, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, et al are now rightly seen as iconic and have been used in numerous books, magazines and documentaries.  His own photo books - Sex Pistols File, Vacant, the Siouxsie & The Banshees Book and Photopast - sold many thousands of copies worldwide and are regarded as collectors' items. In 2007  Ray was described 'as the most important rock photographer of his generation'. He has now released ’Not Just Punk’, a look back at some of those glorious times and people.

Paul Kelly, Paul Slattery, Daniel Rachel and Debsey Wykes

Paul Slattery, Ray Stevenson and David Corio

You can check out more about Ray Stevenson and his work at his official website here and you can order the book at Amazon here. For more information on the Farsight Gallery please subscribe to their newsletter via their Farsight Collective site here or on Instagram here.

Sex Pistols in Carnaby Street by Ray Stevenson - Courtesy of Farsight Gallery

Glen Matlock "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol" Documentary Screening and Q&A at The Barbican Centre, Thursday October 23rd

Last night, we went along to the first screening of the new Glen Matlock documentary "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol" at the Barbican Centre, part of the excellent Doc 'n' Roll Film Festival. The movie was followed by a Q&A session with Glen and directors, Nick Mead and Andre Relis being interviewed and taking questions from the audience. The documentary is based on Glen's memoir "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol", telling his often overlooked side of the story, his part in the formation of the Pistols and his contribution to the song-writing of many of those classic tracks. Glen explains how he got to work with Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood in their Kings Road store Let It Rock which would evolve into a hangout for disaffected local youth including Steve Jones and Paul Cook. He explains how the Pistols got together and the personal dynamics that made the band so unique. More poignantly he discusses the negative impact of the infamous appearance on the Bill Grundy TV show and the frustration he felt in not being able to get out there and play, which was always his priority. 

Chris Musto, Neal X from Glen's band, Glen and Kathy Valentine from The Go-Go's

 

The machinations going on behind his back to get John Lydon's mate Sid Vicious in to replace him and Malcolm's preposterous press release to say he had been sacked for "liking the Beatles" is something that clearly still rankles. I guess his book and this movie must go someway to putting those demons to rest and he also busts some long standing myths about his relationships with Sid, his bandmates and manager. Although of course the movie concentrates on the Pistols, it does touch on his musical career after he left the band such as his time with The Rich Kids, touring with Iggy Pop and Blondie and his solo music too. "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol" paints a picture of a man who basically just wants to get out there and play, to experience the shared joy of performing and writing music with like-minded people. Throughout the movie there are enlightening interviews with some impressive guests including Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Billy Idol, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke, Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome, Kenney Jones from The Who and Neal X. In fact Neal was there at the screening along with drummer Chris Musto, both from Glen's current band. Also in attendance were Kathy Valentine from The Go-Go's, Billy Doherty from The Undertones and Tony Major from The WitchDoktors.

For more info on the Doc 'n' Roll Film Festival please check out their web-site here. For news and information on Glen Matlock's current recordings and gigs etc. please check out his official web-site. You can see a feature on his superb gig at The 100 Club in London earlier this year with Kathy Valentine supporting in our Blog archive here.

Glen Matlock at the 100 Club with special guest Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's, February 27th

The 100 Club played host to two of my favourite legendary bass players - Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols and Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's. Headliner Glen Matlock takes to the familiar stage where he has trodden the boards on numerous occasions - from the Sex Pistols appearance at the Punk Festival in September 1976 to the location of the press conference to announce the Sex Pistols reunion in 1996 and regular solo appearances over the years. Forsaking his bass for guitar and lead vocals, Glen is backed by his excellent band comprising the super cool guitarist Neal X (formerly of Sigue Sigue Sputnik), drummer Chris Musto and bassist Jim Lowe and they ran through a great selection of Glen's solo songs and cover versions alongside The Rich Kids "Ghosts of Princes In Towers" and of course the classic he penned for the Sex Pistols, "Pretty Vacant". It was no-nonsense, good time singalong Rock 'n' Roll that left all of us with huge smiles on our faces. Opening the night was Kathy Valentine, bassist with The Go-Go's, who entertained us with a set comprising some of her favourite songs such as Nick Lowe's "Heart of The City" and Suzi Quatro's "48 Crash" alongside solo material, such as my personal highlight "In My Closet" and of course a few Go-Go's songs such as "Vacation", "Apology" and "We Don't Get Along". She was joined by Glen's band to play a raucous take on The Go-Go's "The Whole World Lost It's Head" and the new collaboration with Neal X, a superbly catchy 7" vinyl single "I Love You More" released under the name KVNX, which was available for sale on the night. Kathy was behind the merch desk to sign copies of the single and her searingly honest autobiography "All I Ever Wanted: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir" and I also took along my gig ticket from The Go-Go's last U.K. show back in 1995 when they played a fantastic show at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Kathy glady signed the ticket and reminisced about the show. Here are some photos and videos from the night.

 

 

"I Love You More" is available to download at the KVNX Bandcamp site here. You can see some more videos of Kathy's set at our Retro Man Blog YouTube channel here.

Glen Matlock's excellent "Triggers" book is a must read, it's a musical journey through his life told through a selection of various songs that had a big influence on him as a songwriter. His latest solo album "Consequences Coming" is also well worth getting hold of. 

 Glen at the recording of the Word In Your Ear Podcast, promoting his book "Triggers".

Retrosonic Podcast with Mickey Bradley of The Undertones

In the latest episode of Retrosonic Podcast we welcome Mickey Bradley, bassist of The Undertones prior to their "Celebrating 45 Years of Teenage Kicks Tour" (or a 'series of weekends away' according to Mickey). We discuss his excellent book "Teenage Kicks: My Life as an Undertone" (Omnibus Press) and he picks some of his favourite songs and music that had an impact on the early days of The Undertones. Sadly, we recorded the episode the day that Seymour Stein passed away, so Mickey pays tribute to his former Sire Records label boss and picks his favourite Sire Records release. Throughout the show, we discover his influences as a bassist, some of his favourite music related books and authors, how he missed Paul Simonon smashing his bass while touring with The Clash, the influence of Lenny Kaye's "Nuggets" compilation and he picks some pivotal early Undertones tracks. We also cover last year's excellent compilation of the best of the current Paul McLoone fronted line-up "Dig What You Need". As you would expect, Mickey is entertaining company so please check out the show by subscribing to Retrosonic Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iTunes or at our Retro Man Blog You Tube channel. Otherwise, check out the direct link to our SoundCloud site below. The episode is soundtracked by loads of Mickey's superb musical choices...

Retrosonic Podcast · Michael Bradley of The Undertones

Tracklisting 

The Undertones "Listening In"

Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop"

Rolling Stones "Jumping Jack Flash (live)"

Dr. Feelgood "Back In The Night"

Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen"

Elvis Costello & The Attractions "Pump It Up"

The Undertones "Trill Me"

The Undertones "Male Model"

The Jam "David Watts"

The Clash "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais"

Ramones "Oh Oh I Love Her So"

David Bowie "Friday On My Mind"

The Undertones "True Confessions"

The Undertones "You've Got My Number"

The Undertones "Enough"

The Undertones "Tomorrow's Tears"

13th Floor Elevators "You're Gonna Miss Me"

The Undertones "Teenage Kicks"

With many thanks to Michael Bradley, more details on his regular radio show can be found here. "Teenage Kicks: My Life as an Undertone" is available from Omnibus Press and all good bookshops. For news on The Undertones upcoming live dates, please check out their official website here. The Undertones "Rocking Humdingers" Facebook Fan's Group can be found here. Finally, check out the Retrosonic Podcast archives for our episodes with Damian O'Neill, at SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts and iTunes. Retrosonic Podcast has a valid PRS Licence. 

R.I.P. Seymour Stein. 

The Undertones, Belfast 1978 - Photo by Paul Slattery

Dennis Morris "Super Perry" - Iconic Images of Lee "Scratch" Perry, Exhibition and Book

Dennis Morris at the Super Perry Exhibition - Photo copyright Retro Man Blog

Yesterday we went along to the Dennis Morris exhibition Super Perry, a selection of superb photos of Lee "Scratch" Perry arranged to coincide with the release of the book Super Perry and timed to commemorate Perry's sad passing in late August last year. Morris has included pictures of the legendary and eccentric Reggae and Dub producer from the late 70's right up to their last photoshoot together out and about in London in 2016. You can also see photos of John Lydon's pre-Public Image Ltd trip to Jamaica and there's even a full size recreation of Perry's Black Art Studio. We were in luck as Dennis was there in the gallery and was happy to chat and explain more of the background to the photos on display. Dennis Morris started off his career in music photography while he was still at school, hanging around a soundcheck waiting for Bob Marley. Marley was impressed and invited Morris on tour with the Wailers and the subsequent photos became famous worldwide and even graced the cover of Melody Maker, all this before Morris was 17 years old. The photos of Marley caught the eye of Reggae fan John Lydon who invited Dennis to take photos of the Sex Pistols when they signed to Virgin Records. These photos are collected together in the excellent book "Destroy" which was published buy Creation Books. When the Pistols split up, Morris continued to work with Lydon and Public Image Ltd, designing their logo and the "Metal Box" packaging. Dennis then worked in A&R for Island Records and joined the Punk band Basement 5. He formed Drum & Bass unit Urban Shakedown, who Paul Weller chose as the first release for his Respond Records label and this was followed by the Hip Hop outfit Boss, who were signed by Virgin. For details on how to buy Dennis Morris prints and books and news on upcoming exhibitions, please check out the official Dennis Morris web-site here. The Super Perry exhibition which is hosted by Gimme 5, is on at 30 Old Burlington Street, London W1 until Thursday September 7th, for more details please check here.

Dennis Morris photo copyright Retro Man Blog

Bob Gruen & Leee Black Childers "Legendary Moments" Photo Exhibition at D'Stassi Art Gallery

Last night we went along to the D’Stassi Art Gallery in Hoxton, East London to check out the excellent new “Legendary Moments” exhibition which collates a mightily impressive collection of iconic musical images by Bob Gruen and Leee Black Childers. The exhibition is curated by Stephen Colegrave, the author of the superb “Punk!” book and Smutty Smith, the bass player with Levi & The Rockats who Childers discovered and managed. Smutty and Bob Gruen were both in attendance and were happy to chat about the various photos on display and give short presentations about the exhibition. Bob was also signing copies of the exhibition catalogue and other books of his including the autobiography “Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer”. The attendees included members of Oh! Gunquit, The WitchDoktors, The Phobics, The Cannibals, Das Clamps along with Punk memorabilia collectors John Brett and Gary Loveridge and Neal X from Sigue Sigue Sputnik amongst others. The Exhibition runs until August 19^th 5:30pm-8pm at D’Stassi Art Gallery, 12/18 Hoxton Street (Access Via Drysdale Street) N1 6NG. Here’s more information from the D’Stassi web-site and then following that is a selection of my photos of the exhibition. Thank you to Michael Howes and Edward Sanders from D’Stassi for permission to photograph the evening.

Bob Gruen has flown over from New York to be part of his first major exhibition in the UK since 2014. Probably the best-known rock photographer of the 1970s who is still photographing bands today, his work spans Tina Turner to the Sex Pistols to John Lennon to Green Flag. As chief photographer for Rock Scene Magazine in the 1970s he captured behind the scenes moments of all the greatest rockstars of the time. This is a rare opportunity to meet Bob and get him to sign one of his books that will be on sale as well as his photos and ask him about the stories behind the pictures. Bob will be accompanied by Smutty Smith who knew Leee Black Childers, whose pictures are also part of the exhibition. Smutty was bass player for Levi and the Rockats which was managed by Leee. Smutty now manages the Leee Black Childers Estate for Leee’s brother Henry. He went to Texas and found the previously unseen negatives a selection of which are an important part of this exhibition. Every picture in the exhibition has its own unique story. Smutty and Bob can tell you the inside story and the secrets about the people who are depicted in these iconic shots. About a time when Rock Stars were free from social media and could be larger than life.

All Photos by Retro Man Blog - original material by Bob Gruen & Leee Black Childers.