Rare true tales and photos about the wild times of early punk from Jenny Lens, MFA, the most published early West Coast punk photographer, first gen, 1976-80
I wrote this in 2004. My attitude is far better, thanks to SO many great Facebook comments, messages, emails and IRL (in real life) encounters. Enjoy! I was born and raised in LA. I was a shy, introverted adolescent in the wild sixties of Vietnam protests, free love and sex due to the pill and […]
Germs photos, 1977-1980. I shot their first official photo session. Classic photos and rare images. Recorded on Facebook Live. Buy photos at my Photostore. Please tell folks. Thanks!Please Donate to Legal Fund to retrieve stolen negs and slides.My archive cannot survive without your support. Thanks!
Short sweet vid of Germs, 1977-80 with Jenny Lens Punk Photos. Buy photos at my Photostore. And Photo link in top menu. Please tell folks. Thanks!My archive cannot survive without your support. Thanks!
April 1977 was THE month LA punks came out in force, indicating something was happening which would change world music and culture. Along with New York and England, LA was happening! We gathered for the Cheap Trick opening for Runaways, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (April 1), opening of Bomp Records Store (April 9), Television […]
Go-Gos, 1977-1980. I loved photographing Belinda Carlisle, Jane Draino Wiedlin, and the totes adorbs Margot. A few shots of Charlotte Caffey with then-boyfriend, Leonard Phillips, singer of the Dickies, first LA punk band to get signed. Plus Jane with her then-boyfriend, Terry Graham, drummer for the Bags and Gun Club. And more, so let’s get started with some IDs and stories behind my photos. Plus so many of our friends. Good times.
Creem Magazine was THE ROCK magazine. The best of the best was, without a doubt, Creem. Forget Rolling Stone. Corporate and usually dismissive of Punk. Yes, Creem magazine was the BEST ROCK MAG. Ever. Read on to see they didn’t treat me that well, lost slides, but hey, THEY WERE IT. And Creem, of all the mags, […]
Belinda wrote: “The following people have each, in some way, made a difference in my life, and I am so grateful… JENNY LENS.” Third line, after two LA pals who are very close to her, JENNY LENS.
I CRY with Gratitude every time I read or think about this. My name above so many famous people from all walks of life. Just re-read Belinda’s great autobio Lips Unsealed: A Memoir. I am thrilled she used ONLY my punk photos, 1977-1980.
Click Title to Read More and See Photos!
My rebuttal to article claiming Punk saved the Whisky but then talked more about non-punk bands. Minimal about LA Punk bands. I could write a book. Read what I wrote (below or use link) after reading his long article. Why the fashion photo above? Author included photos of English punks with swastikas on their faces. Not in LA! Plus […]