Early Contortions photos unearthed by James Nares

Here are several recently discovered & rarely seen shots of the original Contortions. They were sent to James Chance from James Nares, an original member of the band. Here is what James Chance had to say about them: 

Here are the photos James Nares sent me. Besides being an artist & filmmaker, James Nares was the guitarist in the very first edition of the Contortions circa late 1977 to early '78. 

The photo above was taken in late Jan or early Feb '78. By that time, our original bassist, Reck, had been forced to return home to Tokyo when his visa expired, and been replaced on bass by George Scott, who played with a group called the Jack Ruby Band and was introduced to me by Lydia Lunch. The lineup on the top photo from Max's, left to right, is myself, George Scott, Adele Bertei, James Nares, Pat Place & Chiko. This lineup did 1 Max's date and a weekend at CBGB opening for the Cramps before Chiko also had to go back to Japan and James Nares also decided to leave.

The picture taken in the garage (below) was, I believe, our first photo session - one of the other shots from it was used on the flyer for the first ever Contortions gig at Max's Kansas City in early Dec 1977. The personnel in the garage shot is, left to right, Adele Bertei, James Nares, myself, Pat Place, & Reck, our Japanese bassist. There was also a Japanese drummer, Chiko, who was also the original bassist in Teenage Jesus & the Jerks. The other 3 shots (above) were taken in the dressing room at Max's, and it's very likely also at that first gig. Unfortunately, James doesn't seem to know who took these photos. 

Contort Yourself: (from left) Adele Bertei, James Nares, James Chance, Pat Place, and Reck

X Magazine 1978 benefit footage with the Contortions, Boris Policeband & DNA! Party Picks exhibit at Salon 94 Bowery!

James Chance by Jimmy Desana

This is extremely exciting. Very rarely seen footage from the 1978 benefit concert for X Magazine has surfaced featuring The Contortions, Boris Policeband, and DNA. Astounding! Thanks to Frieda's Whip for the tip. The film/video was made by Coleen Fitzgibbon and Alan Moore, and finished in 2009.

The film is part of an exhibition called Party Picks at the Bowery branch of the Salon 94 Gallery, and features the work of artist & photographer, Jimmy Desana. It runs June 21, 2013–August 09, 2013. For more information click here.

No New York album detail

Detail from the back cover of No New York, Island Records, 1978

Contortions, CBGB 1978, by Eugene Merinov

The Contortions at CBGB, 1978, by Eugene Merinov.

The Contortions by Kate Simon

Courtesy of Pat Place, here's a wonderful shot of The Contortions, circa 1978, by Kate Simon.

James Chance & The Contortions - Max's Kansas City (1978)

The Contortions, CBGB, 1978, by Eugene Merinov

The original Contortions live at Max's Kansas City, 1978, New York NY. James Chance, Jody Harris, Pat Place, George Scott, and Don Christenson.

01. Roving Eye

02. Twice Removed

03. I Can't Stand Myself

04. Disposable You

05. Throw Me Away

06. Bedroom Athlete (excerpt)

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March 11, 1978

This street poster advertises a “No Wave” rock concert to raise money to print the third issue of X Magazine.  Some of the groups that performed — the Contortions and DNA –  were later recorded by Brian Eno for the seminal “No New York” album.  This poster is not to be confused with the similar-looking, smaller version that was featured as the centerfold in the third issue of X Magazine and thanked the bands for their help. The item for sale here is the original; it is larger, printed on better paper,  and exceedingly rare. Poster available from 98 Bowery.