Bob Minkin’s Best Photos of New York Music in the Seventies and Eighties
Noted music photographer Bob Minkin started going to shows in New York City when he was just 15. Soon after, he was sneaking his camera into venues to document what he saw. The experience led to an assignment to photograph concerts for Relix Magazine while studying graphic design at the School of Visual Arts. His […]
Bob Minkin captured a remarkable collection of New York music scenes from the 1970s and 1980s. One of his earliest memories is attending Eric Clapton's performance at Roosevelt Stadium in 1974, followed by Frank Zappa at the Palladium. The Allman Brothers Band made their multi-night run at the Beacon Theatre in 1979, featuring Warren Haynes as their new guitarist.
The Grateful Dead's Brent Mydland and his side band, Go Ahead, offered a glimpse into the band members' personalities outside their iconic arena shows. Bruce Springsteen's raw energy left a lasting impression on Minkin, making it one of his favorite shows. Buddy Guy's electrifying performance at the Lone Star Cafe required quick thinking and a flash to capture his action pose.
The New Riders of the Purple Sage's pedal steel guitar, Buddy Cage, was captured in a split-second moment. At a Central Park concert, Minkin observed a group of children climbing a tree to watch the show, freezing the scene in his photograph. The Central Park shows offered an alternative to sold-out venues, with fans finding unique ways to enjoy the music.
Zappa's final performance at the Ritz featured a unique display of his musical directing, with him leading a big band alongside other notable musicians. The performance was a highlight for Minkin, a lifelong fan of Zappa, who had grown up in Canarsie, Brooklyn. On a budget, Minkin captured the Guitar Greats show in 1982 using a Konica Rangefinder camera, with a handful of film rolls.
The lineup included Dave Edmunds, Johnny Winter, Brian Setzer, Dickey Betts, Steve Cropper, and Neil Schon. The packed Times Square venue, originally the Bonds clothing store, was an exciting venue for Minkin, filled with energy and anticipation.
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