A Perth photographer has discovered a treasure trove of rare photographs capturing the city's vibrant 1970s punk and New Wave music scene, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal era of Australian rock history. Rob Baxter, a local photographer and musician who was deeply embedded in Perth's underground music scene during the 1970s and 1980s, has compiled these previously unseen images into a new self-published book that features some of the city's most iconic musical figures.
Baxter's journey into photography began in 1976 when he enrolled in a graphic design diploma program at Central TAFE, where he first learned the fundamentals of developing black and white film and printing photographs. "After initially working in advertising agencies I finally decided to just focus on being a photographer and embracing learning all there was to know," Baxter explains. "The bands started around 1976 and I managed to stumble upon the New Wave and document that time with my Nikon camera."
The photographer's collection includes remarkable shots of legendary Perth bands and venues that defined the era. Among the standout images are photographs from The Victims' final show at Hernando's Hideaway on Hay Street in East Perth on June 17, 1978, featuring Dave Faulkner on guitar, along with David McComb captured among the crowd. The collection also showcases The Manikins in 1979, The Scientists performing at the Governor Broome Hotel in Northbridge between 1979-1980, and The Elks at the Charles Hotel in North Perth in 1980.
As a young artist in the 1970s, Baxter was constantly seeking creative innovation and artistic expression through his photography. "Back then in the 70s as a student, I was always looking for the unexpected – and the idea of photography as art, for example hand coloring black and white prints and cross processing slide film for different effects was something different," he recalls. His artistic curiosity extended beyond technical experimentation to capturing the raw energy and authenticity of Perth's emerging music scene.
Baxter's deep connection to the music scene wasn't limited to his role behind the camera – he was also an active participant as a vocalist and keyboardist in the original lineup of electro post-punk band The Plants in 1979. This dual perspective as both documenter and participant gave him unique access and insight into the scene he was capturing. "As a teenager and beyond I was like a sponge! Absorbing everything happening in music and the fashion scene in the UK," Baxter reflects.
The photographer emphasizes how Perth's geographic isolation contributed to the development of a distinctly original sound and style. "I remember the turning point from reggae and blues bands to getting back to basics with UK bands like The Jam and The Clash to name a few. Here in Perth, my friends and I were witnessing the Perth scene – and because of our isolation here in the west it spawned so many unique bands. Original in every way, singing about the Australian landscape and in the Australian punk and New Wave style."
Baxter specifically highlights The Triffids and The Manikins as prime examples of the original music emerging from Western Australia during this period. "You could almost smell the Australian heat," he says, describing the authentic Australian character that distinguished Perth's punk and New Wave scene from its international counterparts. The photographer's images capture not just the performances but also the atmosphere and cultural context of venues like Blazes Nightclub in North Perth and the Broadway Tavern in Nedlands.
The significance of Baxter's work has been recognized by cultural institutions, with the Western Australia State Library collecting his photographs in 2021 and making them available to the public as part of Perth's art history. However, the longtime dream of publishing his own book remained unfulfilled until now. "My photos over the years have appeared in various books and magazines as well as in film," Baxter explained when the book was announced earlier this year. "But it has always been a dream of mine to publish a collection of my photos in a book and the day has finally arrived."
The decision to self-publish the book was deliberate and personal for Baxter. "It was now or never, as Elvis said back then," he elaborated. "I always had a plan to publish one day a book of Perth rock, punk, fashion, and people of that time – so I'm glad it's finally out. It's self published mainly because I wanted to do it my own way without being told what to do. I'm happy with how it's turned out and if it's the only book I do then that's OK."
Baxter continues to be active in Perth's cultural scene, regularly photographing charity gigs and fashion events around the city. His latest book, titled "Photographs from Perth's Rock – Punk Scene 1970s – 80s," represents a curated selection of highlights from his years documenting the city's underground music culture. The book is now available for purchase at Planet Books locations in Mount Lawley, Northbridge, and Cottesloe, as well as online, offering music and photography enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of Perth's cultural history.
