June, 1978: "The near-north side streets were dark and deserted. We went through the door into O'Banion's, and the first thing that registered was the sound of crashing glass. I couldn't see a thing. There wasn't much light, and the walls were painted black. For a few moments I stood near the bar while my eyes adjusted to the dim interior."

So began my experience of the Chicago punk scene. The dark interior of the club at Clark and Erie proved to be an apt metaphor, as I spent the next few years documenting, with pen and camera, a shadowy and poorly understood subculture. As a writer and photographer for one of the early fanzines, I had ready access to touring British and U.S. bands... including some on the verge of infamy... as well as local acts. In "Ephemeral Creation," a memoir of the 1978-83 period, I've traced my journey from wide-eyed newcomer to jaded post-punk photojournalist.

Max Grey Band behind Club 950, 1982; Nancy in front of O'Banion's, Jan. 1982; view of O'Banion's, looking south on Clark St., Jan. 1982.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new kind of music swept out of London and New York; punk rock would change the music world forever. Beginning with the opening of La Mere Vipere in early 1977, Chicago was a hotbed of innovative local bands, independent labels, and self-published press. It was also a regular stop for touring British bands, especially after 1980.