Musician Jack White has just launched Jack White Art & Design, a comprehensive new multimedia website cataloging his creative work that spans more than two decades. Showcasing key projects within practices such as Industrial Design, Interior Design, Furniture & Upholstery, and Graphic Design, among other disciplines, Worleygig is excited to feature White’s Triple 78 Chair in this week’s Design column.
The year was 2003, and I was enjoying myself immensely at an after-show party at Lit Lounge in NYC’s East Village, partying hard with the members of Ministry and their entourage, having just seen the band kill it at the late, great Roseland Ballroom. That’s where this photo of me and Al was taken, probably by Paul Barker. I had become friendly with Paul and Al at the time, and you can see the love on Al’s face in this shot and he wraps his arm around my shoulder and smirks for the camera. I was fortunate to interview Paul and Al several times back in the day and they were always fantastic guys to speak with. Good times indeed. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more celebrity Rock Star stories from the vault!
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Nomiees (Image Source)
According to the odds-makers at Sports Betting Dime, the Foo Fighters (-400), Jay-Z (-350) and Tina Turner (-200) have better than even odds to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year when the Class of 2021 is announced in May. Both the Foo Fighters and Jay-Z appear on the ballot for the first time. Turner was previously inducted for her work with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue but has yet to be inducted as a solo artist. Devo (+110), Todd Rundgren (+150) and The Go-Go’s (+175) are the most likely to join them.
Here’s a look at the odds for the 16 nominees to be inducted as part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2021 from the oddsmakers at @SBD. By the way, if fractional odds confound you, whichever artist has the lowest number – less than a value of 1 being ideal – is the favorite to win.
1. Foo Fighters: -400 (1/4)
2. Jay-Z: -350 (2/7)
3. Tina Turner: -200 (1/2)
4. Devo: +110 (11/10)
5. Todd Rundgren: +150 (3/2)
6. The Go-Go’s: +175 (7/4)
7. New York Dolls: +233 (7/3)
8. Fela Kuti: +250 (5/2)
9. Rage Against the Machine: +250 (5/2)
10. Carole King: +275 (11/4)
11. Mary J. Blige: +300 (3/1)
12. Iron Maiden: +400 (4/1)
13. Dionne Warwick: +450 (9/2)
14. Kate Bush: +500 (5/1)
15. LL Cool J: +700 (7/1)
16. Chaka Khan: +800 (8/1)
(-400 = bet 400 to win 100. +250 = bet 100 to win 250)
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie (1980) By Allan Tannenbaum (All Photos of the Photos By Gail)
Do you like Punk Rock? I sure do. The true spirit of Punk really thrived in cities like London (where it was born), Los Angeles and New York back in the mid-70 to early 80s, before it became a commercial product and fashion statement that was appropriated by Midwest mall kids, and completely lost its teeth. Kill me. Fortunately, all of that great music still exits, and we can also travel back in time to the early days of the mosh pit with amazing photographs of the iconic musicians and style-makers who embodied the Punk credo. The place to see and live through those photos is the Morrison Hotel Gallery.
As the definitive home of Fine Art Rock Photography, Morrison Hotels Gallery has just launched its latest collection, CBGB: The Age of Punk, and it is pretty sweet. I attended the opening reception here in Manhattan on May 17th, and the place was packed wall-to-wall with many of the legendary photographers who shot these photos, such as Bob Gruen, as well as a New York icons Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie. All of the photos in this post were shot while I maneuvered around a drunken, sweaty horde, so I chose to crop most them and you will just have to guess what they look like all framed and nice. Punk Rock!
New York Dolls (1974) By Bob Gruen
Here’s the Gallery’s Official Blurb about the Collection:
Rooted in 1960s garage rock, punk rock bands rejected perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock and CB’s became one of the quintessential locations to perform. Bands had the freedom to experiment and bring their own artistry and social commentary, no matter how depraved and raucous, to audiences hungry for new art, music and freedom of speech.
Chris Stein Being Interviewed at the Opening Reception
Contrary to what the series title would have you believe, not all of the photos were taken at CBGB, or even in New York.
Glenn Danzig of The Misfits, a Band that Got Its Start Playing CBGB
Joan Jett on Stage with The Runaways By Lynn Goldsmith
Patti (1978) By Allan Tannenbaum
As you might expect, there a ton of great shots of Patti Smith, both on stage with PSG, and off stage. She was so photogenic.
Patti and Robert in NYC (1969) By Norman Seef
Here she is with her boyfriend at the time, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. So hot.
Patti in NYC (1976) by Frank Stefanko
Patti Smith Portrait. Breathtaking.
Sex Pistols in Europe (1977) by Bob Gruen
The first wave British punks get their due as well. I got this shot on the wall behind the open gallery door!
Sid Vicious (1978) By Ebet Roberts
The Clash in NYC (1981) By Bob Gruen
Joe Strummer of The Clash (RIP) looking like a Movie Star.
The Ramones in NYC (1975) By Bob Gruen
And, of course, the Ramones are well- represented, as they should be.
There’s no telling how long this exhibit will be on public view in the gallery, but you can always view the full collection at This Link should you wish to make a purchase. All orders are filled on-demand up the run limit of that series.
Morrison Hotel Gallery is Located at 116 Prince Street, 2nd Floor in SoHo, NYC.
Here’s another awesome Holiday Gift Idea for the art lover on your list who also happens to be a fan of David Bowie or Prince. Pay homage to Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie’s iconic persona from the early 1970s, or the late great Prince, with this modern take on Japanese Kokeshi dolls, which are customarily given as symbols of friendship. Each doll measures, 5.7 inches tall, is hand painted in vibrant colors, and is made of schima superba wood. Imagine the adventure these two could have together.
These cool little Dolls, which sell for $42 each, are available directly from the MoMA Design Store at the Museum of Modern Art, or online at This link!
