Bob Gruen at MOMA
In conjunction with tomorrow evening’s opening at the Orphic Gallery, Bob Gruen will sign copies of three of his masterful photography books – Rock Seen, John Lennon - The New York Years, and New York Dolls. The three books will be available for purchase in the gallery gift shop during the opening and through the duration of the Rock Seen exhibit. The opening reception will be Friday, August 29th from 5 to 8 pm at the Roxbury Corner Store at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets in Roxbury.
For 40 years, Bob Gruen's name has been synonymous with rock and roll. From taking early photos on tour with Ike and Tina Turner, to capturing the early CBGB/Max's Kansas City scene to covering current stadium rockers such as Green Day, Gruen has always been at the right place at the right time—and he's always gotten the shot. In his lavish monograph Rock Seen, Gruen has curated his favorite photographs from his career, with intimate captions and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Featuring such illustrious acts as the Clash, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Ramones, and more, and including an introduction by the legendary Debbie Harry of Blondie, this collection is a must-have for all fans of rock and roll.
"John Lennon - The New York Years" tells the story of John Lennon from 1972 to his death in 1980. Bob Gruen first photographed Lennon in 1971 and became his personal photographer and close friend shortly thereafter. Over the course of the next nine years, right up until Lennon was killed, Gruen would photograph him extensively. This book assembles the most revealing of those images, taken during Lennon's years in New York, together with Gruen's reflections on the circumstances surrounding the photos, including John's relationship with Yoko, how he dealt with fame, and his experiences with fatherhood. The result is a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at John Lennon as a performer, a legend, and a person. Of this intimate portrait Yoko Ono remarked "Bob's magical photos and brilliantly telling captions together present a kaleidoscope of John Lennon's New York Period. It is beautiful, clear, and truthful. I know. I was there."
In New York Dolls, Bob Gruen has compiled the first photography collection devoted to the New York Dolls and their iconic and unprecedented style. Featuring over two hundred unforgettable images New York Dolls: Photographs by Bob Gruen celebrates one of the most important bands in music history. Formed in New York City in 1971, the New York Dolls prefigured Punk, New Wave, and Glam Metal Rock with their over-the-top style and their ingenious sound, setting the tone for many rock bands that would later come on the scene. Comprised of singer David Johansen, guitarists Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain, drummer Jerry Nolan, and bassist Arthur “Killer” Kane, the Dolls are the acknowledged influence of bands as diverse as Blondie, the Ramones, Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, Morrissey, the Smiths, and the Sex Pistols.
For further information on Rock Seen or the Orphic Gallery, please contact Phillip Lenihan at 607-326-6045 or phil@orphicgallery.com.
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