Chris Stein’s Secret Photographs of the 1970s and 1980s New York Music Scene
Blondie Guitarist’s Rare Glimpse into a Legendary Era
Chris Stein, the lead guitarist for the iconic band Blondie, has released a treasure trove of his photographs from the New York City music scene of the 1970s and early 1980s. These images, captured by Stein himself, offer a unique and intimate look at the burgeoning punk and new wave scene that defined that era.
The Birth of Blondie
Stein’s journey as a photographer began in the late 1960s when he attended art school in New York City. Drawn to the vibrant downtown music scene, he met his musical soulmate, Debbie Harry, in the short-lived glam punk band The Stilettos. After that group’s demise, Stein and Harry went on to form Blondie in 1974, with Harry serving as the group’s charismatic frontwoman.
Capturing the Moment
As Blondie rose to fame, Stein used his photography to document the musical pioneers of his time. With special access to his fellow musicians, he shot portraits of iconic figures such as Joey Ramone, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, and of course, Debbie Harry. Many of these subjects were not just colleagues but also Stein’s close friends.
“There was a glamour in the decay that we were all in,” Stein told the Los Angeles Times. “You look back at the rot and decay with a sort of envy.”
A Kitchen Darkroom and a Decade of Memories
Stein developed his photographs in a makeshift darkroom in the kitchen he shared with Harry in New York City. These images, now published in his book “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie and the Advent of Punk,” provide a vivid and personal account of the era.
A Visual Legacy of a Musical Revolution
Stein’s photographs not only capture the musicians and bands of the time but also the atmosphere and energy of the New York City music scene. They offer a glimpse into the creative process, the camaraderie, and the raw energy that fueled the punk and new wave movements.
The Influence of Photography on Music
Stein believes that his interest in photography influenced his songwriting style and vice versa. “There is a similar relationship between the audience and the photographer/musician,” he says. “Early on, people did see images of Debbie before they heard the music.”
A Multifaceted Artist
Despite his success as a rock star, Stein never abandoned his passion for photography. He is inspired by photographers like Diane Arbus and Weegee, who were able to impose their personal perspectives on their subjects and viewers.
A Desert Island Playlist
If Stein were stranded on a desert island with only a working record player, he would choose three albums that embody the layered and ambient soundscapes that he loves: Moondog, Metal Machine Music, and Richard Wagner’s greatest hits.
A Window into a Bygone Era
Chris Stein’s photographs are not just historical documents but also works of art that capture the spirit and essence of a transformative era in music. They offer a unique and personal glimpse into the New York City music scene of the 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing the creativity, energy, and enduring legacy of punk and new wave.
