Phil N Phlash
A Photo Retrospective of the Fenway/
Kenmore
music scene in the early ’80s
Curated by Duane Lucia
Time Out Market, The Fenway
Oct 21 - Nov. 26, 2020
Given the, hopefully, temporary NWO, Philin Phlash’s crime
scene camera, big bulb flash, and in the pit chutzpa-filled retrospective
of this town’s best 80’s rock photography, bumps up
those dormant dopamine receptors. Phlash was down front whether
there were two people in the audience or a pit melee, flashing
away, close up and personal. The well-chosen photos capture the
players - local and semi-famous, their fans, the clothes, and
the kinetic atmosphere of the long lamented Rat and a few other
dark, vibrant dives.
If you were there you’ll recognize some of the folks in these shots. Who
knows, you might be one of them. There's nothing like a photograph that tells
a good story, leads you into another world, and makes you wish you were there.
Whether you were part of the scene or just punk curious, Phlash’s shots
will help you smell the sweat, feel your feet stick to the floor, and remember
a crazy kiss or the sole of some kid’s size 13 Doc Martins.
The photos are spread throughout the main rectangle of the TimeOut Market space.
They run down two sides, gallery style, with 24 additional front and back shots
hanging two to a row over the food court tables.
In addition to the rock history - and interesting, if marginally connected
Boston quotes - and the excitement of the photographs, there is plenty to eat;
high-end donuts, deli sandwiches, lobster rolls (and a small but excellent smokey
seafood chowder), Mexican, Middle Eastern, Italian, etc. There is plenty of
seating inside and out to match your level of Covid precaution.
On this cloudy, cool Sunday afternoon, the place is active but not packed.
Everybody is masked up unless they're eating. The space has that slightly too
new modern feel. Thankfully the architects left a lot of old structural elements
in place, that's definitely a plus.
Phlash was in the right place at the right time and he brought his A-game eye
and talent to the party. He set the style bar for much of the small club rock
photography that continues to this day. The man has panache to spare. Don’t
miss the show!!
