That's Punk! London's Music Scene In The 1970s to 1980s
Photo Exhibition by Herbie Yamaguchi
August 31 - September 28, 2024
For September, the FCCJ will be celebrating the 50th anniversary since well-known photographer Herbie Yamaguchi went to London to start shooting the emerging world of Britain’s music and punk rock and new wave scene of the 1970s and 1980s. Yamaguchi’s stunning black and white images transport us back over four decades when music was purer yet maturing and human relationships were simpler yet deeper. As London endures a violent, cultural upheaval today, the timing of this exhibition seems perfect to reflect back to another time of massive change and upheaval — but through art and music. Starting out as an unknown with limited spoken English, a chance, life-changing meeting on a London subway with The Clash’s lead vocalist Joe Strummer gave Yamaguchi the iconic photo and quote he needed to springboard a career that saw him go on to shoot countless musicians and celebrities over five decades including Boy George, Bono, Jonny Rotten and David Sylvian. When Strummer said “You can click away of whatever you want. That’s punk!” those became the words that Yamaguchi lived by.
