l.a. punk snapshots

As the fledgling punk scene unfolded, sixteen-year-old Brenda Perlin was there to capture history with her camera. Before they became huge international stars, Billy Idol, The Clash, Iggy Pop, The Damned, Bad Religion, T.S.O.L., and many other acts played the L.A. circuit; and Perlin was there behind the scenes.

“It changed our lives and scarred us forever, this Punk thing. Love all you crazy misfits!” – Rob malone
“I only thought punk would last 3 weeks or I’d have chosen a better stage name. Captain Sensible? I should be at least an Admiral by now.”
~ Captain Sensible of The Damned

“We should all be thankful that Brenda kept her camera handy… These
snapshots are a treasure. A truly candid glimpse into Los Angeles’ under-documented punk rock cultural history.”


~ Tom DeSavia, co-author (with John Doe) of Under The Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk

Drummer Palmolive (Paloma ROMERO MCLARDY) of punk band, The Slits, performs on stage at the Oaks pub in Chorlton, Manchester on April 28, 1977.

Photo by Kevin Cummins 

“I had never felt so safe and in danger at the same time. I feel so lucky to have been part of that scene and experience so many incredible, talented and groundbreaking bands.”

~ Susie Modiano

own the full catalog →