Reference Number
ARC-1244
Level of description
collection
Title
Stu Deutsch Collection on Plasmatics
Date
1978-1998
Size
1.88 (Linear feet)
Format
Graphic materials (analog)
Container:
NEO Sound
x
Scope and Contents
The Stu Deutsch Collection on Plasmatics spans the dates 1978-1998, with the bulk of the collection between 1978-1981, and contains photographs, original concert posters from New York City venues including CBGB's, recordings, newspapers, magazines, reviews, handwritten lyrics and set list, and other ephemera related to New York shock punk and heavy metal group, the Plasmatics. The collection was compiled by the band's original drummer, Stu Deutsch, and provides insight into the early history of the band, the evolution of punk and shock punk music, and the New York music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Biography / Administrative History
Formed in 1977 in New York City by lead singer, Wendy O. Williams, and manager, Rod Swenson, the Plasmatics were a shock punk and heavy metal group known for dramatic displays of on-stage dress and destruction of musical instruments, televisions, and automobiles. Inspired by Wendy O. Williams unique and fearless onstage presence and the burgeoning New York punk scene of the late 1970s, Rod Swenson, a self-described "anti-artist," assembled a band to compliment Williams's style and persona. Members included lead guitarist Richie Stotts, rhythm guitarist Wes Beech, bassist Chosei Funahara, and drummer Stu Deutsch. The Plasmatics on-stage debut at CBGB's in 1978 made such an impression on the audience and local music scene, that by 1979 the band was headlining shows along the east coast, including a sold out show at the New York Palladium (the first band to do so without a major record deal, and the first to blow up a car on the Palladium's stage).
Notes
Citation: [Identification of Item], Stu Deutsch Collection on Plasmatics, Library & Archives, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Collection is in English
Processing Information: Processed by Justin Seidler, Image Archivist. Completed June 30, 2022. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through a Museums for America grant from the IMLS.
Separated Materials: Two 45rpm records have been transferred to the Library. Please search for "Stu Deutsch Collection on Plasmatics" in the catalog for titles.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. has a limited copyright license to the materials within this collection. This limited license does not cover the works of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
Creator
