Chris Stein’s Photos At Somerset House

Photographer Chris Stein Exhibiting Rare & Iconic Photos at the Prestigious Somerset House’s East Wing Gallery in London

Now Through January 25th

Photo Book CHRIS STEIN/NEGATIVE: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk
Out Now on Rizzoli

Blondie co-founder, songwriter, guitarist and photographer Chris Stein continues to be celebrated for his acclaimed photography. For his latest exhibition, Stein’s rare and iconic photos have crossed the pond and are being showcased at the East Wing Gallery in the prestigious Somerset House, a spectacular arts and cultural center in the heart of London. The exhibit opened tonight with a star-studded launch event and will be on display through January 25th, 10am-6pm daily with free admission (East Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA).

Guests including Chris Stein, Debbie Harry, Ray Davies, Marianne Faithfull, Bob Geldof, Mary McCartney, Pam Hogg, Jasmine Guinness, Sharleen Spiteri and Helen Fielding were in attendance. A specially curated punk music set played throughout the East Wing Galleries, featuring friends and contemporaries who appear in the exhibition including The Ramones, Joan Jett, Iggy Pop, Suzi Quatro, David Bowie, Talking Heads and The B-52s.

The exhibit is happening in conjunction with the recent release of Stein’s celebrated book of photography and anecdotes, Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk (Rizzoli), which hit #1 on Amazon’s Photo Book List. It follows a Stein exhibit last month at NYC’s 3rd Annual CBGB Music & Film Festival and a wildly successful Blondie exhibition of photos and band memorabilia that was extended due to popular demand at Hotel Chelsea Storefront Gallery.

The beautiful selection of photos on display at the Somerset House can all be found in his stunning and unique coffee-table book of photography, “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk.” The images offer a revealing look back at one of the most influential bands of our time and also provides a look at the larger historical and global context of the music scene that they pioneered. Many well-known shots and never-before-seen photographs of early live performances, private moments on tour and at home and the band’s world travels are showcased, including his friendships and interactions with some of music and art’s most seminal figures and places including The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, Joan Jett, Mudd Clubb, CBGBs, the East Village, Andy Warhol’s Factory, Beverly Hills Hotel, and many more. The book, filled with memories and anecdotes direct from Stein, is a visual feast for Blondie fans captured intimately and inimitably through the insider lens of Chris Stein, and a pop music history lesson. The book also powerfully captures the special relationship between Chris and Debbie Harry, one of the most enduring creative partnerships in pop music.