In an intimate interview session, Michael Grecco had the privilege of reconnecting with Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, the pulsating hearts behind Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. This wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a deep dive into the personal and professional worlds of two musicians who vibrated at the heart of the punk to new wave transformation. Michael and the duo reminisced about their shared past, having first crossed paths some 40 years ago in the bustling punk scene, where friendships were forged amid the haze and craze of legendary venues like CBGB.

From Punk to “New Wave”

Chris and Tina shared the intriguing story of how “new wave” was coined—a term engineered by music executive Seymour Stein to circumvent the negative connotations of punk, thus opening the airwaves for bands like Talking Heads. The term, borrowed

from French New Wave cinema, not only helped redefine their music but also perfectly encapsulated their innovative sound, merging punk’s raw intensity with a more eclectic and experimental approach.

Early Days and Musical Evolution

Their journey from the infamous stages of CBGB in New York to clubs like The Rat in Boston was filled with vivid memories. Chris and Tina recounted their early gigs and the evolution of their sound, particularly as Jerry Harrison joined the band, enriching their music and broadening their appeal. They reflected on the vibrant music scenes in Boston and New York, recalling the unique vibe of each city and the profound impact local DJs and venues had on their career.

Beyond the Music

The conversation also touched on their current endeavors, including environmental advocacy and mentoring emerging musicians. Chris and Tina discussed the significant shifts in the music industry and the challenges and opportunities these changes present to artists today.

A Legacy of Authenticity and Innovation

Through Grecco’s lens, we see more than icons; we see the genuine individuals behind the music. His photographs capture Chris and Tina not only as pioneering musicians but also as storytellers and activists, continuously evolving and inspiring. This in-depth interview is a treasure trove of history, personal anecdotes, and the enduring spirit of two of music’s most influential figures. For those who appreciate the raw, authentic roots of punk and new wave, and for anyone interested in the intersection of music and cultural change, this interview is a must-watch.

Catch the full interview on our YouTube channel to explore the rich narratives and vibrant personalities of Chris and Tina, and stay tuned to Days of Punk for more stories, revelations, and intimate portraits of the people who have shaped not just a genre but a way of life.

From stages to galleries, the punk rock photography of Michael Grecco transcends time. Through the eye of a 35 mm camera imprinted on black and white film and on rare occasions color Michael Grecco memorialized a historic cultural revolution.

Billy Idol said, “I don’t think punk ever really dies, because punk rock attitude can never die. If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” Michael Grecco lived this punk creed and explored the darkness and light of black and white photography in capturing the spirit, emotions, thoughts, sounds and explosions of the grit and grime of the days of punk.

On and Off the Stages of Punk

The right place at the right time describes the relationship between punk and Michael Grecco. Working as a freelancer selling news photos to the Associated Press, his style and youthful

exuberance caught the eyes of editors looking to cover the latest rock scene. Opportunity called on the young photographer who was anxious to embrace and experiment with black and white film beyond the stoic news photo. Punk was an excellent subject on and off the stage.

It was called new wave, it was called hard rock, and even called metal gone astray, it was not just a new incarnation of rock, it was a lifestyle. It was framed in the abandoned industrial urban neighborhoods. It was lived by a generation diving into the existentialism of self-exploration. To all involved, it was insulting to call it anything but PUNK.

An Attitude Transformed to a Lifestyle

David Byrne of the Talking Heads put it this way,” Punk was defined by an attitude rather than a musical style”. By this definition, it is easy to see how so many nuances of punk developed so

rapidly. From the UK to Michigan punk was exploding in all forms of art, Michael Grecco latched on to front row standing room only and captured punk on and off the stage.

The freedom that punk espoused was exactly what Michael Grecco was exploring at the time with his photography. While guitars were being smashed on stage and organs sledgehammered, morals challenged and society dusted off, Michael Grecco was breaking the bounds of traditional photography.

He felt the freedom of the punk subjects breaking the accepted protocols of framing a photo. He challenged the concept of focus, using backgrounds and foregrounds interchangeably and equally to challenge the purity of light and dark. Michael Grecco broke the chains of documentary photography with black and white 35 mm film. He framed his photos with the hallowed haunts of where punk lived, off stage, and center stage.

Time After Time

Over time Michael Grecco narrated an explosive time in art. His photos brought punk to life in the newspapers and rock magazines of the day during the 1970s and 1980s during the birth of Punk. Every photo tells the stark black and white gritty, no-holds-bar story of punk.

The iconic photography of Michael Grecco that captured the explosive light of the early days of Punk are now available in fine art prints at galleries around the world. Michael Grecco continues to curate, catalog and offer fine art prints to the generations that have and continue to embrace punk as a music, fashion, art or lifestyle. Those that sat in the hallowed bars of punk’s beginnings can experience the feeling again through of the Days of Punk Collection by Michael Grecco.

Punk rock, known for its raw power and rebellious ethos, has traveled a fascinating path from the grimy stages of CBGB to the digital realms of Spotify. This journey is not just a tale of music evolution; it’s a story about how shifts in distribution have impacted the genre’s message, reach, and authenticity.

In the 1970s, punk’s epicenter was the legendary CBGB in New York City, a breeding ground for the likes of The Ramones, Patti Smith, and Blondie. This was a time when music distribution was as grassroots as it gets – live performances in cramped, sweaty rooms, and vinyl records passed around by hand. The physicality of this mode of distribution was integral to punk’s raw, unfiltered nature. The message was clear and potent, packed with the energy and intimacy of a live performance. Punk was a counter-cultural force, a physical and sonic rebellion against the polished mainstream music of the time.

Fast forward to today’s digital age, where streaming platforms like Spotify dominate music distribution. This shift has fundamentally altered how punk’s message is conveyed and received. On one hand, digital platforms have democratized music distribution, allowing punk bands, even the most niche or underground, to reach a global audience. The barriers to entry have lowered, enabling a new generation of punk artists to emerge without the need for traditional record label backing.

However, this shift has also brought challenges. The visceral experience of a live punk show, the communal aspect of a mosh pit, or the tactile sensation of holding a vinyl record is difficult to replicate in a digital format. There’s a sense of detachment in the digital consumption of punk, a genre that thrives on connection and raw energy. Moreover, with the advent of algorithm-driven recommendations, there’s a risk of punk’s rebellious message being diluted, packaged into just another genre among countless others in a streaming service’s catalogue.

Yet, the essence of punk – its spirit of rebellion and non-conformity – continues to resonate, whether it’s through the speakers of a dingy club or a pair of headphones connected to a smartphone. Punk has always been about pushing boundaries and defying norms, and this adaptability has enabled it to survive and thrive, even in the digital era.

As we reflect on punk’s evolution from CBGB to Spotify, we gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring impact. And for those who yearn to visually experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk’s golden era, Michael Grecco’s collection of punk images offers an authentic glimpse. Grecco’s fine art prints capture the unbridled passion and anarchic soul of punk, immortalizing moments that define the genre. These prints are more than just images; they are portals to a time when music was a riotous act of defiance. Explore this unparalleled collection and embrace the opportunity to own a piece of punk history, a testament to a movement that continues to challenge and inspire.

Dive into the annals of punk rock, and you’ll find it’s not just about the music or the fashion. The very walls that contained its raucous energy played an equal role in its evolution. CBGB in New York, 100 Club in London, and the Masque in Los Angeles were not just venues; they were crucibles of cultural change, breeding grounds for iconic bands and symbols of revolt against the mainstream.

CBGB, New York:
If there’s one place synonymous with punk rock, it’s CBGB. Nestled in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan, its full name—CBGB & OMFUG—stood for “Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers.” A far cry from its punk roots, right? But by the mid-70s, it had become the epicenter of the punk rock movement.

CBGB was raw and unpretentious. It championed bands that played original music, shunning the cover band culture prevalent in other venues. It was here that bands like Television, the Ramones, Patti Smith Group, and Blondie cut their teeth. The club’s cramped quarters, questionable hygiene, and iconic stage witnessed the birth of American punk. Today, the original CBGB location is now home to a high-end fashion store, but its storefront still bears the legendary club’s name, paying homage to its storied past.

100 Club, London:
Across the Atlantic, London’s 100 Club was brewing its punk revolution. Located on Oxford Street, it began as a jazz club but rapidly evolved with the times. By the ’70s, it was welcoming a new breed of artists, angry and rebellious.

The 100 Club Punk Special in 1976 was a defining moment, featuring a lineup with the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned. This event is often cited as the moment British punk truly announced its presence. The club was instrumental in launching the careers of these bands and others like Siouxsie and the Banshees and Joy Division. The 100 Club remains operational today, its walls steeped in decades of musical history. Although its lineup is now eclectic, the spirit of punk is still palpable.

The Masque, Los Angeles:
While New York and London were undoubtedly punk hubs, the West Coast was not to be left behind. The Masque in Los Angeles, albeit lesser-known, was the cradle of Californian punk. Founded by Brendan Mullen in 1977, this basement club was both a performance space and a rehearsal spot.

The Masque was a refuge for bands that didn’t fit the rock mainstream. Bands like X, the Germs, and the Weirdos frequented the venue. Despite its short-lived existence (it closed in 1978 due to conflicts with the city and its inability to obtain necessary permits), The Masque’s impact was significant. It was at the heart of L.A.’s burgeoning punk scene, fostering a sense of community and defiance. Today, the location has morphed and shifted through various businesses, but its influence lingers in the annals of punk lore.

The significance of these venues cannot be understated. They were more than mere brick and mortar; they were sanctuaries for the marginalized, platforms for the outspoken, and incubators for a genre that challenged societal norms. Each venue had its ethos, but all shared a dedication to the punk movement’s raw energy.

And what’s become of these hallowed grounds? While the original ethos of CBGB may contrast sharply with its current upscale occupant, and The Masque’s physical space has been lost to time, the spirit of punk rock refuses to be confined to a specific location. These venues, in their heyday, were living, breathing entities, imbued with the passion of countless performers and fans. Their cultural legacy persists, not just in the echoes of music history, but also in the generations of artists and fans they inspired.

It’s essential, as we forge ahead into new musical frontiers, to look back and honor these touchstones. They remind us of the transformative power of music, of places, and of community. Punk rock, with its unyielding spirit, found its home in these venues, and in doing so, reshaped the cultural landscape forever.

For those wanting a deeper dive into the era’s electrifying atmosphere, explore Michael Grecco’s punk rock photography book, Punk, Post Punk, New Wave: Onstage, Backstage, and In Your Face. Or immerse yourself in his extensive collection of punk rock prints. They offer a window into a world where music was more than sound; it was a revolution.