Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Neil Anderson - The Poser - Issue 8


Very special, and scarce zine started in 1979 by Anderson, which John Peel described at the time as 'worth getting hold of'. Anderson was a photographer rather than a journalist, which makes the poser more of a photographic document than a fanzine. Though it is a very DIY publication the layout, printing and photography is extremely high quality, and makes for a distinct visual record of what was a fertile music scene in London at the time. This issue covers the MoDettes, Fad Gadget, Basement 5, Bodysnatchers, the Go-Go's and Eric Blake. The images are interspersed with short reviews of the gigs attended, and tips on gig photography. As a photographer Anderson seems more interested in cmnposition, and bands that look visually striking, though many of the groups themselves are now considered essential in the punk and new wave canon.