Ron’s photographs document a seminal band at the key moment—the arrival of punk in Atlanta and the South.
- Randy Gue
Emory University's Rose Library presents "Sex Pistols, Atlanta, 1978: Photographs by Ron Sherman" at Different Trains Gallery in Decatur, GA. This show highlights the photos Atlanta photojournalist Ron Sherman took at the Sex Pistols 1978 concert at the Great Southeast Music Hall. The show opens October 26 and continues through November 11.
1978 began with a Georgian-Jimmy Carter-in the White House, The Bee Gees on top of the music charts, and the Atlanta Police Department's Vice Squad preparing for The Sex Pistols appearance at the Great Southeast Music Hall. The English band was the provocative and controversial face of a new phenomenon called "punk," and the Atlanta show marked the beginning of the band's American tour. No one on this side of the Atlantic knew what to expect, but The Sex Pistols' reputation for outrage and violence assured that the concert was a "…full blown international media event," as one Atlanta Constitution reporter wrote. 40 print, television, and photojournalists from England and across the United States joined the sold-out crowd and the Vice Squad at the show.
Local photographer Ron Sherman covered The Sex Pistols' concert for Newsweek magazine. He shot several rolls of film during the band's 45-minute set. His photographs document a key moment-the arrival of punk in Atlanta and the South. The images also reveal that behind their exaggerated reputation, The Sex Pistols were a loud and uncompromising rock'n'roll band. This simple revelation ensured that punk had a future in places far from London and New York City.
432 E Howard Ave no. 24, Decatur GA 30030
opening night • Oct 26: 5 - 9pm
artist talk • Nov 9: 6 - 8pm
gallery hours • 11am - 5pm: Oct 27 - 28, Nov 2 - 4, Nov 9 -11
and also by appointment
