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Cramp Slash & Burn: When Punk and Glam Were Twins
John Scarpati was the house photographer for the Sunset Strip of the 1980s, when Punk & Glam were twins.
"You've probably heard that line about the sixties - if you remember much of it, you must not have been there. The same could be said about Hollyweird in the 80s, although by then we'd developed a whole different slant on coloring outside the lines. Sharper. Darker. More dangerous, (if that's even possible). Of course there was no guarantee anyone would make it out the other end of that jagged kaleidoscope alive. But if you did survive, whatever memories you could smuggle out in your guitar case were definitely going to be worth their weight in skulls and mascara. On behalf of everyone who reached down deep to share the stories collected here, I dedicate this book to all those who stepped off the rollercoaster while it was still blazing like a meteor across the skies high above Sunset Boulevard. We had a good run. This is Scarpati"
"You've probably heard that line about the sixties - if you remember much of it, you must not have been there. The same could be said about Hollyweird in the 80s, although by then we'd developed a whole different slant on coloring outside the lines. Sharper. Darker. More dangerous, (if that's even possible). Of course there was no guarantee anyone would make it out the other end of that jagged kaleidoscope alive. But if you did survive, whatever memories you could smuggle out in your guitar case were definitely going to be worth their weight in skulls and mascara. On behalf of everyone who reached down deep to share the stories collected here, I dedicate this book to all those who stepped off the rollercoaster while it was still blazing like a meteor across the skies high above Sunset Boulevard. We had a good run. This is Scarpati"
- GenresMusic
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2012
4 people want to read
About the author
John Scarpati
4 books2 followersHe wanted to be a painter.
He wanted to be a rock star.
He ended up being neither – and both
Scarpati, whose images span four waves of modern music and have become some of the most enduring iconics of metal, rock and punk, was raised in New Jersey, came of age in San Diego, gained notoriety in Los Angeles, now calls the world his home and Nashville his return address. His work has been cited by The Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone and PDN.
On behalf of everyone who reached down deep to share the stories collected here, I dedicate this book to all those who stepped off the rollercoaster while it was still blazing like a meteor across the skies high above Sunset Boulevard. We had a good run.
He wanted to be a rock star.
He ended up being neither – and both
Scarpati, whose images span four waves of modern music and have become some of the most enduring iconics of metal, rock and punk, was raised in New Jersey, came of age in San Diego, gained notoriety in Los Angeles, now calls the world his home and Nashville his return address. His work has been cited by The Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone and PDN.
On behalf of everyone who reached down deep to share the stories collected here, I dedicate this book to all those who stepped off the rollercoaster while it was still blazing like a meteor across the skies high above Sunset Boulevard. We had a good run.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 12, 2012
John Scarpati's photo/essay glimpse into the '80s punk and glam scene is a true work of art. Not only does it feature his iconic artist photography, stellar images of genuine paraphernalia right from the shoots, tours and bands' vaults, but also shares the fun, anecdotal stories from the rockers themselves! The lengths he went to procure the original swag for this book (like the '80s era can of Aquanet hairspray) are monumental and even hilarious. This book is like your own VIP backstage pass into one of music's most unforgettable eras. It's a MUST READ for any music lover.
December 12, 2012
Cramp Slash & Burn: When Punk and Glam Were TwinsJohn Scarpati
This unique book is a look back at an amazing time and place in L.A.s punk and glam music history put together by THE photographer of the genre, John Scarpati. It melds the images his keen eye brought to his work with personal stories from many of the players themselves.
If you survived those hazy, fuzzy way-back days, this book will remind you of dates, friends and places you may not have visited with in a while.
Maybe you were a fan. This is the inside look you always wanted but never had before.
Perhaps, by accident of birth, you came to this era after the fact. Then "Cramp, Slash & Burn..." will make you feel like you were there.
I could list the all the writers and images you'll find there. But it couldn't begin to paint the whole scene as well as John's book does. I don't mind naming a few names...like L.A. Guns, Social Distortion, The Cramps, Stryper...damn, it's so easy to just keep going on, they are all just that awesome.
How about this? Think eye candy (the pix!) mixed with brain candy (the essays!)...to me, the end result is absolutely yummy!
Originally sold only as a high-end limited edition art piece, it's still available as fine art available ondemand from blurb. Occasionally you can find signed copies at John Scarpati's Etsy site. Currently available are the 12x12 hardcover and the 7x7 softback versions as well as t-shirts, select Scarpati design elements from the book and prints of several of the photos.
Whether you've been naughty or nice, you have to put this on your "must have" holiday wishlist!
Stay tuned for updated information as to where else and when it can be purchased.
This unique book is a look back at an amazing time and place in L.A.s punk and glam music history put together by THE photographer of the genre, John Scarpati. It melds the images his keen eye brought to his work with personal stories from many of the players themselves.
If you survived those hazy, fuzzy way-back days, this book will remind you of dates, friends and places you may not have visited with in a while.
Maybe you were a fan. This is the inside look you always wanted but never had before.
Perhaps, by accident of birth, you came to this era after the fact. Then "Cramp, Slash & Burn..." will make you feel like you were there.
I could list the all the writers and images you'll find there. But it couldn't begin to paint the whole scene as well as John's book does. I don't mind naming a few names...like L.A. Guns, Social Distortion, The Cramps, Stryper...damn, it's so easy to just keep going on, they are all just that awesome.
How about this? Think eye candy (the pix!) mixed with brain candy (the essays!)...to me, the end result is absolutely yummy!
Originally sold only as a high-end limited edition art piece, it's still available as fine art available ondemand from blurb. Occasionally you can find signed copies at John Scarpati's Etsy site. Currently available are the 12x12 hardcover and the 7x7 softback versions as well as t-shirts, select Scarpati design elements from the book and prints of several of the photos.
Whether you've been naughty or nice, you have to put this on your "must have" holiday wishlist!
Stay tuned for updated information as to where else and when it can be purchased.
December 22, 2012
This book was artfully and thoughtfully put together with beautiful images/ photography from the punk and glam scene during the 1980s. I read the eBook version, but have heard that the 12x12 hardcover (the same size as an album cover) is extraordinary. All the images of objects in the book are actual size, which adds to the fun of reading it. These pictures are interspersed with letters from the band members and others who were a part of the scene during the time. Fabulous stories and wonderful, artfully done pictures.
Highly recommended for those of us who grew up during this time and remember the music. If you were a fan of the music during this era, you will enjoy this book even more.
Highly recommended for those of us who grew up during this time and remember the music. If you were a fan of the music during this era, you will enjoy this book even more.
February 9, 2014
Photog John Scarpati here offers a scrapbook of the '80s LA Scene where punk, goth, rock and glam mixed for an output of Stryper, Redd Kross, 45 Grave, Warrant, Posion, and more. Enigma employees and musicians recall working with Scarpati of the scene in general. There is not much text, but what is there is witty recollections unfortunately typeset in difficult to read typewriter font. Most of the content of the 90 pages is art photography, publicity photography and mementos from Scarpati.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews