Banned in DC: Photos and Anecdotes from the DC Punk Underground (79-85)

Sometimes being a Washington DC insider means access to political movers and shakers--sometimes as in the case of photographer Cynthia Connolly it means access to a great collection of photographs from the glory days of DC hardcore punk. Taken both by Connolly and an assortment of punk enthusiasts BANNED IN DC is a set of vibrant shots that portray the anarchic spirit pure energy and camaraderie of the DC scene in a series of 450 black and white photographs. Major figures in the hardcore movement like Dischord Records co-owner and then-Minor Threat member Ian MacKaye and Bad Brains vocalist HR share space with naked musicians ubiquitous scenesters shaven-headed audience members and riotous punks in a freewheeling combination of pictures and quotes. Vividly capturing the scenes idealistic intensity BANNED IN DC is an invaluable document of Washington hardcores exuberance and aspirations.