Photographs of the British New Wave as it happened in Toronto 1979-1981
Toronto Calling: Photographs of the British New Wave as it happened in Toronto 1979-1981 Never before displayed, these photos are a front row perspective on a movement that changed the course of music. A glimpse of an underground era in music history, which was locked out of mainstream media, shot by former Torontonians Simon and Nick White. These photos capture a moment in time before the internet and before corporate sponsorship, a unique and exciting time which still seems to resonate with a raw energy and passion. Event details here
The exhibition will remain on display until April 1, 2010.
Artist Statement
I wanted to put together a show that reflects the punters view of the scene. Not behind the scenes, or the band’s exclusive perspective, but what I remember from the streets, from the front of the club. I remember wandering down to the Niteclub to see the latest sensation from London, and standing in line, OK, it was only 3 people but there was still a feeling of anticipation. I took a battered 35mm camera with me, and with 5 bucks, and my brothers ID, I could feel like I was one of a privileged few.
The 30th anniversary of The Clash’s infamous O’keefe show has just passed and, maybe it’s time to put these photos out there. So, in the spirit of the whole DIY ethic that I was inspired by, I have designed a show that will be, well, a little slice of The Edge on Church Street 1979, a bit of the Masonic Temple 1980 and a little ElMo 1981 on Spadina.
It’s not going to be just another art show the pieces will be big. I’m hoping it will have just a little punk swagger.
The title is a play on The Clash album, and the 2 ‘79 shows are featured, including the O’keefe, which ended in a small riot. The show time line will be book-ended by the first (Rex-Danforth) and the last (The Ex) shows, a span of only 4 years. An amazingly short period of time that heralded a whole new attitude in music and culture coming over from London, New York, and surprisingly Jamaica. The wealth of bands and styles are reflected in the show. Everything from influential punk (The Ramones) and reggae stars (Bob Marley), through to avant-garde (Public Image LTD) to New Wave (XTC, Echo And The Bunnymen and U2).
We have all seen shows that just blew us away. I want to capture some of that feeling. We didn’t start the punk revolution, but we were surely shaped by it.
Simon White
Siouxisiew of Siouxi and The Banshees @ The New Music Hall on the Danforth – 1980
