Russell Quan: A San Francisco Treat

While living in San Francisco from 1987 - 1999, I had the great opportunity to photograph many, many bands in my studio as well as performing live throughout the Bay Area. I had a small but lovely studio right between the two female statues on the outside facade of the Warfield Building. I shared it with my friend, Michelle Wilson.  I shot there from 1995 until late 98.

Me and Russell 

Being a singer myself, my love for music spilled over into my photography and the two have been intertwined ever since. In 1985 I started hanging out in San Francisco. Karen Finley (the writer not the performance artist!) took me to my first gig: The Pandoras and Voice of America at The Mabuhay Gardens on Broadway. Seeing those bands play at The Mab changed the course of my life forever. 

I was introduced to Russell Quan sometime back in 1988 through our mutual friend Christof Certik, himself a very talented musician. It was Russell's sweet and kind demeanor which was offset by his wild and crazy antics on stage which always intrigued me. One of my all time favorite drummers, Russell is truly one of the most unique and original musicians I know. From The Horseless Headmen and The Creeple People to The Phantom Surfers and The Chuckelberries, Russell has given us years of pure Rock and Roll entertainment!

An amazing performer and all around great guy, I thought I would share with you photographs I have taken of Russell and a few of his bands throughout the years. It is a privilege to call him my friend and an honor to have been able to witness so many great performances.

The Mummies at The 6th Street Rendevous

In 1989 I photographed The Mummies  at the notorious 6th Street Garbage Dump Rendezvous for Tom Guido's Fuzz Club. The Kings of Budget Rock blew us all away with their nonstop energy and fabulous performance.

A few years later, Superteem Records hired me to photograph a band Russell was in with Tina Lucchesi, Danielle Pimm and Lisa Schenberg called The BobbyTeens. Tina and Danielle had already been playing together in the amazing band The Trashwomen. But this time around Tina got to be upfront and sang for The BobbyTeens. And what a treat it was!

The energy and pure enjoyment of watching this band was infectious. Great lyrics, great attitude, great style. What more could you want? I also photographed them in Japan. Watching the kids explode with excitement while The BobbyTeens played in Tokyo was something to behold!

Russell's über cool band The Dukes of Hamburg hired me to photograph them for their "Twist-Time Im Star-Club Hamburg" LP on Dionysus Records. This shoot was extremely difficult as we were laughing the entire time! What a great bunch of Germans...

I hope you enjoy some of these never before seen shots and that Russell continues to do what he loves most.

Julie Pavlowski Green
March 2, 2013

The BobbyTeens in Tokyo, Japan

OK. Russell, here's me questions:

1. WHAT DOES BOOGA BOOGA MEAN TO YOU?

Exclamation verbalization of fun and excitement!!!!

2. WHAT WAS THE 1ST BAND YOU EVER PLAYED IN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST SHOW?

The Horseless Headmen at The San Anselmo Rec Center

3. HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN THROUGH YOUR SNARE?

Attempting to get maximum mileage out of a skin I have over used

4. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST SHOW YOU EVER PLAYED AT AND WHY?

It's crazy that I can play any show. It's all self entertainment

5. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME?

The BEATLES!!!!!!

6. CAN YOU LIST FOR US EVERY BAND YOU HAVE EVER BEEN IN?

I was never allowed to join any. 
I've been filling in...

7. WHAT WAS THE FIRST SHOW YOU EVER WENT TO?

Iron Butterfly - Winterland 68

8. ARE YOU STILL MAKING ART? CAN YOU SHOW US A SAMPLE?

Ha ha! No puedo hacer

9. ARE YOU WRENCHING ON ANYTHING THESE DAYS?

Last thing I touched was Aunties Honda Civic brake pad slap

10. WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE MUMMIES?

It was Maz and Trent's idea

11. WHO IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE DRUMMER AND WHY?

Ringo is best cuz he's The Beatles drummer

12. OKONONMIYAKI OR CASPER'S HOT DOG?

Casper's hot dog!!!!

13. TELL US A TOM GUIDO STORY.

Tom was bragging about Sky Saxon using his shampoo to wash his hair. 

Tom is very proud of his shampoo.

14. TELL US THE MOMENT YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH ROCK AND ROLL.

Rocknroll loved me since I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan 64!!!!

15. IF YOU WERE GRANTED 3 WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

3 more wishes!

The Dukes of Hamburg at Hiroshi's