The Heyday of Punk & New Wave Through Chris Stein’s Lens

Chris Stein started taking photographs in 1968. In 1973 he met and began working with Debbie Harry and together they founded the band Blondie and co-wrote classics like “Heart Of Glass” and “Rapture.”

The young, green multihyphenate creator was always taking pictures of the milieu that surrounded Blondie. It was the heyday of punk and new wave in New York City and Chris was on the inside mingling with and capturing many pioneers of the new wave and punk music scenes. 

During the early days of Blondie, Chris was lucky to be rubbing elbows with not only established musicians, but also the stars and icons of the future, like Harry, and Joey Ramone, and David Byrne, all of whom appear in his photographs. 

In partnership with Morrison Hotel Gallery, The Roxy has chosen eight iconic images from Chris’s storied and compelling catalog to showcase throughout the hotel. One of the pieces on display is one of 20 photographs co-signed by Debby Harry and Chris Stein himself.

“I am pleased to have some of my photographs on display at the Roxy, a great space in my old neighborhood,” says Chris. “I have attended many events there, an interesting intersection of film, music and art. I also want to extend thanks to The Morrison Hotel Gallery for their support and curation.” 

The exhibition runs from December 23rd through March 27th, 2023, and is open to the public.

PHOTOGRAPHY Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop, 1977. Courtesy of Chris Stein and Morrison Hotel Gallery.