Anthony Phelps
Anthony Phelps is a professional photographer, whose career has taken him around the world.
His recently published book, From AK79 to the Class of 81, brings together photos of the Auckland punk scene and international bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the memories of those who were there at the time. It’s been so well received it's already had a second print run.
Anthony lives in Blenheim with his wife and two daughters.
2021 festival session
Punk Rock Memory Lane
- in conversation with Mike White
Anthony heard his first punk song on Radio Hauraki 40 years ago, and it sparked a life-long love affair with the music, preferably played loud. His recently published book, From AK79 to the Class of 81, brings together 180 of his photos from the punk scene of the late-70s and early-80s, including Toy Love, The Scavengers, and Screaming Meemees, as well as international acts like The Ramones, The Clash, David Bowie and Tina Turner.
Anthony shares his music memories from behind and in front of the lens.
Added BONUS - band session!
Following Anthony's session, Big Scout – Gregg Slatter, Jim Tannock, Matthew Hellriegel - will take the stage and play a cover song from the AK79 album as well as a few of their trademark postmodern punk rock originals.
Big Scout has been together for seven years but really upped the ante in the past two years, says Jim. They have recorded and released six singles with Brian Ferry from Melted Ice Cream and are currently working on an album. They toured the country earlier this year, headlining the No Future Festival in Tauranga.
Jim, also a Blenheim based photographer, says he was two years behind Anthony at Selwyn College in Auckland, so just missed out on the scene that Anthony was capturing.