I was recently contacted by Kevin Salk who proceeded to tell me about his story of being a  teenage fan/photographer.. He recently decided to look at the work he did 35 plus years ago and liked what he saw. He posted his photos on a website on Photoshelter  and was soon asked if he was selling his work and also was offered a show at Fantom Gallery in downtown Los Angeles.. The show has already begun  but will be running for three weeks.. So you have a little time to check it out..

Punk Globe: Thanks for doing the interview Kevin Tell us what was the punk scene like back in the day in Manhattan Beach?

Kevin: The punk rock scene in the south bay was jeans, t shirts, biker boots with chains.  It was the home of Black Flag, The Descendents, The Circle Jerks, and Con 800.

Punk Globe: What kind of camera did you use to film with?

Kevin: A 35M Minolta

Punk Globe: I imagine that most of your early shots live shots from the audience right? 

Kevin: A bit of both.  Most were on the stage.  I was able to befriend the guys in Black Flag and they gave me the clout and the balls to get myself on stage

Punk Globe: Did you study any other photographers images to see different angles to get good shots?

Kevin: I had no idea.  I was not a professional photographer.  I was just a 17 year fan who enjoyed taking pictures of punk rock bands

Punk Globe: Back then you had Glenn Friedman, Ed Colver and Jenny Lens as photographers were you friendly with any of them? If memory serves me right Jennifer Finch from L7 was very much like you shooting bands at a very early age.

Kevin: I know who Glenn and Ed were from Fanzines.  I did not know of Jenny until I got involved with Fathom Gallery.  Her work is fantastic.  It was bit before my time.

Punk Globe: How old were you for your very first show?  

Kevin: I think I was 15.  I did see Aerosmith at the Forum when I was in 6th grade

Punk Globe: What clubs did you shoot at and did  you have any issues because of how young you were?

Kevin: The Whiskey a Go Go, The Vex, Mi Casita, Dancing Waters, Cathey de Grand, Ukranian Hall, Alpine Village,  Bob’s Place (in Watts?), a club in Baltimore and The Goleta Community Center.  No issues because most were under 21

Punk Globe: What band or bands did did you first film?

Kevin: I think Alpine Village.  They were awful except for one picture which is now going to be the cover of my upcoming book

Punk Globe: Were your parents cool with what you were doing?

Kevin: Not really.  There was a time where I got the “we think it is not in your best interest to go to punk rock shows”…I went to a show the next night.  I put my punk rock attire in a shopping bag.  I also came home at 6 am after a crazy and scary night at the Starwood.  Its a long story but my mom was waiting outside in her bathrobe and had the morning news paper in her hand.  I thought I was dead.  There were no cell phones back in 1982.  I will never forgive myself for that.  If my kids dad that “hell would rain fire on them!"

Punk Globe: You mention that you are currently focusing on five bands that you shot who were they and did you have a friendship with the bands?

Kevin: I had a “friendship" with Black Flag and a couple of the guys in the Descendents.  Milo and Bill went to my high school

Punk Globe: Were any of your photos ever used in say Flipside?

Kevin: No sadly not

Punk Globe: Now it is 35 plus years later you set up a website and are selling photos did you post on Facebook and Instagram Tell us about your website?

Kevin: I thought my pictures were sellable so I set up a website on Photoshelter.  I scanned some of my negative myself. I was selling photos strictly off the website.  I made a couple of grand.  

Punk Globe: How did Frank from Fathom Gallery become aware of your work?

Kevin: He saw my pictures on the internet

Punk Globe: Was it on his suggestion that you focus on just five bands that you have filmed for your show that began in mid January  and how long of a run will the show be?

Kevin: I only took pictures of the 5 bands. The show will run for 3 weeks

Punk Globe: You are planning on releasing a book of your photos. Have you been approached by a publisher or will it be a self release?

Kevin: Fathom also publishes books

Punk Globe:  Do you have any Internet addresses that you would like to share with the readers? 

Kevin: I have an instagram @kevinsalkpunkrockphotography  I also have a FB page Kevin Salk Punk Rock Photography p/b Fathom

Punk Globe: Describe yourself in three words?

Kevin: I was a fan

Punk Globe: Any last words for Punk Globe readers?

Kevin: It is very exciting to have a chapter of my life republished.  It actually has given a rather difficult in my time meaning and purpose.