Drag Queens, Rent Boys, Pick Pockets, Junkies, Rockstars and Punks: New book and exhibition celebrate Debbie Harry photographer Leee Black Childers' rock and roll career

By Deni Kirkova


An exhibition has opened celebrating legendary rock 'n roll photographer Leee Black Childers best work spanning the late 60s through to the mid 70s.

The naughtily titled Drag Queens, Rent Boys, Pick Pockets, Junkies, Rockstars and Punks features over 30 images capturing intimate moments from the music scene well as photographs from parties and gatherings and stunning portraiture.

Capturing the crazy, magical and often significant times of the early punk era that Leee Black Childers loved so much, the photographs and an accompanying book tell the story of generation.

An alluring Debbie Harry peeks at the camera from behind her hair with one hand on her hip

An alluring Debbie Harry peeks at the camera from behind her hair with one hand on her hip

The images include some of Childers' most iconic iphotographs and highlights of his career, including never-before-seen photographs of Debbie Harry, Jackie Curtis and Iggy Pop.

Drag Queens, Rent Boys, Pick Pockets, Junkies, Rockstars and Punks by Leee Black Childers is printed in a limited edition of only 1,000 copies.

There's also 200 deluxe editions of the 124-page hardback book available exclusively through The Vinyl Factory and The Society Club, which are hand signed and include an exclusive signed art print by Leee Black Childers.

 

The images are taken in the most iconic places, from Andy Warhol’s Factory and Max’s Kansas City to The Chelsea Hotel and The Anarchy Tour.

Featuring witty and personal tales about legendary icons penned by the friend who knew them well, these revealing portraits showing the likes of Bowie, Warhol, Rotten and others as you've never seen them before.

'Andy Warhol told me to find your spot, grab a chair and let them come to you… These are stories and memories I have treasured from my very eventful past history.' noted Childers. 

Donald Lyons, Pristine Condition and Lou Reed enjoying a drink and a smoke together

Donald Lyons, Pristine Condition and Lou Reed enjoying a drink and a smoke together

Childers captures Iggy Pop, topless as usual, on stage in his heyday

Childers captures Iggy Pop, topless as usual, on stage in his heyday

David Bowie stands at a window looking over his shoulder, while wearing a striped hat and chequered scarf

David Bowie stands at a window looking over his shoulder, while wearing a striped hat and chequered scarf

Wayne County wearing theatrical make up and costume. looking startled against a psychadelic background

Wayne County wearing theatrical make up and costume. looking startled against a psychadelic background

Covering stars such as Andy Warhol, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols and Robert Mapplethorpe, the book also features several of the key underground celebrities; the self-proclaimed ‘superstars’ of the time, including Jackie Curtis, Wayne County, Holly Woodlawn, Cherry Vanilla and Candy Darling.  

Childers' witnessed, befriended and captured on film the musicians and artists that defined a generation and inspired the ones that followed.

After being introduced to Andy Warhol and The Factory by ‘superstar’ Jackie Curtis, Warhol hired Leee to take his play ‘Pork’ to London.  

In London, Leee met David Bowie, who hired him – along with Cherry Vanilla – to help manage the Ziggy Stardust tour and be the road manager to Iggy Pop. 

Andy Warhol and Jackie Curtis are captured in a fleeting moment of conversation

Andy Warhol and Jackie Curtis are captured in a fleeting moment of conversation

The Heartbeakers pose against a wire fance in colourful, punky attire

The Heartbeakers pose against a wire fance in colourful, punky attire

After his stint with Bowie and Iggy, Leee worked with Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers when they were the opening act for the ill-fated Anarchy Tour with the Sex Pistols.   

Retreating back to New York City, Leee continued to manage bands and chronicling the sights and faces of the music scene of the 1970s.   

His photographs can be found in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recordings of his memoirs are in the British Museum. 

He lives and still takes the occasional photograph in Brooklyn.

Johnny Rotten relaxes sitting on a desk, his feet up on a chair while a couple of his friends sleep in the corner

Johnny Rotten relaxes sitting on a desk, his feet up on a chair while a couple of his friends sleep in the corner

A collage named Fabulous Faces is a wonderful montage of all things art and rock 'n roll from the 60s and 70s

A collage named Fabulous Faces is a wonderful montage of all things art and rock 'n roll from the 60s and 70s

Androgynous icon Patti Smith rests against a wall in this striking black and white photo

Androgynous icon Patti Smith rests against a wall in this striking black and white photo


  • The exhibition runs 6-22 December at The Vinyl Factory in Chelsea, entry is free.
  • The book in conjunction is available at £100 from VF editions.

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