New York Rocker. No. 16. January 1979
New York: New York Rocker, 1979. Tabloid newspaper, newsprint printed in black-and-white and color.
January 1979 issue of music critic and record producer Alan Betrock’s influential punk rock periodical. A New York native, Betrock had already founded fanzine JamZ and vinyl collecting forum Rock Marketplace before he began documenting the underground scene in the late 1970s. Established in 1976 and largely inspired by the seminal clubs CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City, the DIY monthly chronicled the rise of new wave punk with articles on the subculture’s major players such as Patti Smith, Television, Talking Heads, and Blondie (whom Betrock is credited for launching by producing their first demos). The mag was praised for its conceptualist layout, which featured board game centerfolds and imaginary record sleeves alongside photos (Steven Meisel, Roberta Bayley) and original artwork (Anna Sui, Duncan Hannah, John Holmstrom). Betrock left the magazine in 1978 to produce full-time under his label Shake Records, going on to introduce the Smithereens, Marshall Crenshaw, and the dB's. After Betrock’s departure Andy Schwartz assumed the role of editor, publishing forty-four issues through the end of 1982. This issue features DEVO on the cover, and contains pieces on Dwight Twilley, James Chance, Captain Beefheart, the Police, Betsey Johnson (profiled and photographed by Meisel and Anna Sui), photos by Bayley, Leee Black Childers, Anya Phillips, Marcia Resnick, Sheila Rock, Donna Santisi, and much more. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white photos, drawings, and reproductions. Light toning and edgewear. Very good. Item #9404
$75.00