Unique | Photographer recreates famous NYC album covers on Instagram
If the streets of New York City could speak, they might strum guitar chords from the Ramones or sing tunes from Simon & Garfunkel. Thanks to the creative vision of Steve Birnbaum, they almost do. As a talented photographer, Birnbaum is the genius behind @TheBandWasHere, a popular Instagram and TikTok project that breathes new life into legendary album covers by capturing them at their original locations decades later.
Birnbaum’s work is a tribute to the timeless rock ‘n’ roll spirit of New York City, bringing back iconic album covers in a refreshing and captivating way. By tracking down the exact whereabouts where famous bands posed for their photos, Birnbaum recreates these shots with precision and attention to detail. From album covers to promotional pictures, Birnbaum’s project showcases legendary acts such as the Strokes, Talking Heads, Blondie, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and many more, all captured in the same locations where they once made history.
One striking example is the recreation of Don Hunstein’s 1963 cover shot for “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.” Through his lens, Birnbaum revisits the past, paying homage to the music legends who have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape. From Bob Dylan’s timeless stroll through Greenwich Village to the Ramones’ gritty stance in the East Village, Birnbaum’s images transport viewers back in time, evoking the spirit of New York’s golden era of music.
However, Birnbaum’s portfolio extends beyond just rock icons. With images of artists like the Notorious B.I.G., Bruce Springsteen, The Doors, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Taylor Swift, he showcases the diverse musical tapestry that has shaped the city’s history. To Birnbaum, his work is much more than just photography; it’s a means of connecting New Yorkers with the forgotten musical echoes of their everyday lives.
By blending the past with the present, Birnbaum taps into society’s fascination with nostalgia and cultural evolution, all while celebrating New York’s vibrant music scene. Even music luminaries such as Blondie’s Chris Stein, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, and SZA have taken notice of Birnbaum’s tribute to rock ‘n’ roll history. His project serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of New York City’s music culture, a reminder that amidst the city’s ever-changing skyline, the soulful melodies of the past still resonate if one looks closely.
Birnbaum’s dedication to his craft goes beyond mere photography; he considers himself a music historian, meticulously researching each album cover’s original photographer and location. His quest for authenticity involves poring over old interviews, concert dates, band itineraries, and even scouring Google Maps for clues. Through his efforts, he pays homage to the artists and photographers who captured these iconic moments in music history.
Birnbaum’s journey began with personal memories and evolved into a passion project after the events of 9/11, when a poignant image in a newspaper sparked his artistic inspiration. What began as a personal archive of memories has blossomed into a vibrant, visual anthology of pop culture and music history, preserving the legacy of New York City’s iconic music scene for generations to come.