"Music and Punk Rock" at 128 E 7th St, Manhattan, New York, is a storied location in the annals of punk rock history. Here are some obscure and hidden facts about this place that most people wouldn't know:
1. Secret Basement Rehearsals Many don't know that the building once housed a secret basement where numerous iconic punk bands, including early iterations of The Ramones, Blondie, and Television, would rehearse. This basement was acoustically insulated with egg cartons and old mattresses to avoid noise complaints from the neighbors.
2. The Birthplace of Punk Fanzines In the late 1970s, this spot was a hub for the creation of DIY punk fanzines. One of the earliest and most influential fanzines, PUNK magazine, often had collaborators meeting here to discuss content, layout, and distribution.
3. Andy Warhol’s Influence The legendary artist Andy Warhol was known to visit 128 E 7th St. He was particularly interested in the burgeoning punk scene and its raw, unfiltered energy. Warhol even helped design a few posters for underground punk shows held in the area.
4. Patti Smith’s Poetry Nights Before she became the "punk poet laureate," Patti Smith would hold impromptu poetry readings at this location. These readings were intimate gatherings where she would share early drafts of what would become her iconic songs and poems.
5. The Clash’s NYC Hideout When The Clash first came to New York City, they used 128 E 7th St as a clandestine hideout. They appreciated the anonymity it offered away from the bustling scenes of CBGB and Max’s Kansas City.
6. DIY Recordings Some of the earliest punk recordings were made in makeshift studios set up in the rooms of 128 E 7th St. Bands like The Dead Boys and The Dictators took advantage of the low-cost, DIY recording environment to produce tracks that would eventually become punk anthems.
7. Anarcho-Punk Meetings In the early 1980s, the location served as a meeting place for anarcho-punk collectives. These groups were inspired by bands like Crass and Conflict, and they used the space to organize protests, distribute literature, and plan benefit gigs.
8. The Velvet Underground’s Secret Shows The Velvet Underground, though more associated with the 1960s, had secret reunion jam sessions here in the late '70s. These sessions were attended by a select few and were never officially documented, making them a well-kept secret in punk history.
9. The Clash of Art and Punk The intersection of art and punk was palpable at 128 E 7th St. Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring would frequent the spot, using it as both a muse and a canvas for their work, often collaborating with punk musicians.
10. Hidden Punk Memorabilia To this day, the location holds hidden memorabilia from the punk era. Old flyers, setlists, and even some original vinyl records are rumored to be stored in locked rooms and forgotten corners, waiting to be discovered by the next generation of punk enthusiasts.
11. Punk Fashion Influence The influence of punk fashion was also significant at 128 E 7th St. Designers like Vivienne Westwood, known for her punk aesthetic, would occasionally visit to capture the authentic street style that defined the punk movement.
12. Underground Punk Cinema In the early 1980s, the location doubled as a screening room for underground punk films. Movies like “The Decline of Western Civilization” and “Sid and Nancy” were shown to small, exclusive audiences before they gained wider recognition.
13. A Hub for Punk Literature 128 E 7th St was not just about music; it was also a hub for punk literature. Authors like Richard Hell and Jim Carroll would often gather here to share their latest works, influencing each other and the punk literary scene.
14. The Original Punk Flea Market The location hosted one of the first punk flea markets where fans could buy and sell records, clothing, and punk paraphernalia. These markets were crucial for the distribution of punk culture and DIY ethics.
15. The Evolution of Punk Flyers The evolution of punk flyers can be traced back to the design workshops held at 128 E 7th St. Artists and musicians collaborated to create visually striking flyers that became a hallmark of punk promotion.
16. The Influence on Modern Punk Modern punk bands continue to be influenced by the history and stories that originated from 128 E 7th St. Bands like Green Day and Rancid have cited the location as a source of inspiration for their music and ethos.
17. Lasting Legacy The legacy of 128 E 7th St is preserved through various documentaries and books that chronicle the punk movement. Works like “Please Kill Me” by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain provide detailed accounts of the events and people who made this location iconic.
Each of these facts contributes to the rich tapestry of punk history associated with 128 E 7th St, Manhattan, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of punk rock culture.