New exhibition focuses on history of punk rock
New photo exhibition focuses on the history of punk rock
‘New York has the haircuts, London has the trousers, but Belfast has the reason.’
Terri Hooley’s famous quip remains as relevant today as when Belfast’s godfather of punk first uttered them way back in the mists of time - the seventies to be precise.
Times may have changed in the intervening half a century, but the city’s enduring love affair with the movement shows no sign of abating any time soon.
Which brings us rather neatly to a brand new photo exhibition by music journalist and author Stuart Bailie which opens in Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre this Thursday (November 5).
Appropriately entitled ‘Alter Your Native Land,’ the exhibition’s focus centres on ‘Punk in the North: 1976-2026’ and features a veritable ‘who’s who’ of the punk scene over the past 50 years.
“Punk rock has been a dynamic feature in the North of Ireland since 1976 and has inspired so much great noise, fever and self-awareness,” said a spokesperson for the organisers.
“This new photo exhibition by Stuart Bailie presents the alternative faces who have made it such a vital, cultural force.
“The camera has searched out early pioneers like RUDI, The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers and The Outcasts and it remembers how the attitude had been passed down to flame-keepers like Therapy? and Ash.
“It also celebrates the new contenders like Chalk, Problem Patterns, Tramp, Mucker and Éabha.
“The images have been shot on film and hand-printed in Stuart’s darkroom.
“It’s a rebellious family album - the best we ever had,” added the spokesperson.
The exhibition is set to receive a suitably raucous launch in Belfast’s Oh Year Centre this Thursday night, coinciding with the Sound of Belfast running across the city.
As well as DJ sets from the man himself, Stuart Bailie, and the irrepressible Terri Hooley, there will be live music on the night from some of those featured including Brian Young, Tramp, Éabha and maybe the odd surprise guest.
Tickets can be purchased from https://soundofbelfast.com/events/051126-6