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Article created by: Steve Birnbaum

I have been recreating music history by photographing the original images of musicians and bands in the exact location where they were photographed many years or even decades before. The project started in 2010 with old family photos, and since then, I've transitioned over to music photography having covered over 500 music locations mainly sharing my work on Instagram.

I compose each shot to include the original image in my hand, lined up (as best as I can) with the background as it appears today. I've enjoyed walking in the footsteps of some of my favorite musicians all while learning more about music history along the way. I like to challenge myself to find every location, so I scour through interviews, research the photographers, and investigate the timeline of the musicians during specific periods. I also comb through Google Maps, sometimes going street-by-street, exploring locations, and trying to match them to the original images.

More info: Instagram

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#1

Madonna. Taken By Richard Corman In 1983 NYC

Photo of historical music photography location with a vintage portrait held against a city street background.

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    Nirvana, August 17th 1991 At Gmt Studios On A Break From Filming Their Music Video For Smells Like Teen Spirit. Photo By Kevin Estrada

    Hand holding historical music photography image in front of the original location with corrugated metal background.

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    #3

    John Sebastian At Woodstock, 1969. Taken By Henry Diltz

    Hand holding historical music photography print showing artist on stage facing large audience in outdoor concert location.

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    #4

    Prince For The Cover Of His Album Purple Rain, 1984. Original Photo By Rob Slenzak

    Hand holding historical music photography print of musician on motorcycle, matching the real urban location background.

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    #5

    LED Zeppelin's Cover For Their 1975 Album Physical Graffiti. Cover Art Designed By Peter Corriston. Original Photo By Elliot Erwitt

    Hand holding historical music photography of Led Zeppelin album cover, matching the real urban location behind it.

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    #6

    John Lennon And Yoko Ono, 1973, NYC. This Photo Is A Block From The Dakota, Where John Would Later Be Shot. Taken By Bob Gruen

    Hand holding a historical music photography image aligned with the current city street scene in daylight.

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    #7

    Green Day In NYC, June 29th 1994. Possibly The Same Day They Played David Letterman

    Hand holding a historical music photography print aligned with its original urban location on a busy city street.

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    #8

    This Is One Of My Favorite Images Of Bob Dylan Taken On February 10th, 1965 In NYC By Richard Avedon

    Hand holding historical music photography print in original location on cobblestone street with trees and cars nearby.

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    #9

    Debbie Harry Standing On The F/M Platform At 14th Street, NYC. Taken By Chris Stein

    Hand holding a historical music photography print matching the original subway location in the background.

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    #10

    Kurt Cobain And Courtney Love With Frances Bean In 1992 At Their Hollywood Heights Home. Taken By Stephen Sweet

    Hand holding a historical music photography print inside an old room with wooden floors and large windows.

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    #11

    Guns N' Roses Shot In West Hollywood For Rolling Stone Magazine, 1988. Taken By Timothy White

    Hand holding vintage music photo at historical music photography location outside liquor store at night.

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    #12

    Nirvana At The East River Park Amphitheater 1989. Taken By Steve Double

    Hand holding historical music photography print of band in outdoor amphitheater, locating original music photography spot.

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    #13

    The Beatles Visiting Washington, D.c. For Their First American Concert In February, 1964 Right After Playing The Ed Sullivan Show

    Hand holding a historical music photography print matching the location with trees and a distant Capitol building.

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    #14

    Beastie Boys, 1991, Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Ca. Taken By Glen E. Friedman

    Hand holding historical music photography print aligned with its original location under a curved pedestrian bridge with palm trees.

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    #15

    Simon And Garfunkel, 1972, Central Park Reservoir NYC. Taken By William Silano

    Hand holding historical music photography record sleeve aligned with original photo location by a riverside fence.

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    #16

    Radiohead’s Cover For Their Album Ok Computer. Taken From The “Radiohead” Suite At The Hilton Hartford In Connecticut

    Hand holding historical music photography album cover against a cityscape, tracking down iconic music photography locations.

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    #17

    Snoop Dogg, 1993. Taken By The Late Great Chi Modu

    Hand holding a historical music photography print of a man by a California 187 road sign on a street corner.

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    #18

    Eminem By Jeremy Deputat. He’s Standing In Front Of His Childhood Home Which Was Featured On The Marshall Mathers Ep

    Hand holding historical music photography print of Eminem in front of the original house location outdoors.

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    #19

    The Who, Morningside Park In New York City, 1968. Taken By Art Kane

    Hand holding historical music photography photo reenacted at original outdoor location with stone monument background.

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    #20

    Woody Guthrie, 1943 At Mcsorley's Old Ale House For Life Magazine. Original Photo By Eric Schaal

    Hand holding historical music photography in the same location, showcasing vintage musicians at a pub with framed photos on walls.

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    #21

    The Doors On The Venice Beach Boardwalk. Taken By Henry Diltz

    Person holding historical music photography in front of original location at a sunny outdoor boardwalk with palm trees.

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    #22

    Eminem And Mister Cartoon Outside Hollywood Bob And Charlie Robert’s Spotlight Tattoo. Taken By Gregory Bojorquez

    Photo of historical music photography location showing black and white image held up in front of the matching real-life spot outdoors.

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    #23

    Britney Spears, April 9th, 1999, Paradise Cove In Malibu, Ca. Still From The “Sometimes” Video. Taken By Danny Hastings (I Think)

    Hand holding a photo of a woman under a pier by the ocean, a spot from historical music photography locations.

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    #24

    LED Zeppelin's Robert Plant In 1975 Overlooking Sunset Boulevard. Original Photo By Peter Simon

    Hand holding historical music photography print aligned with current city view at music photography locations.

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    #25

    Here David Bowie Is Outside Of Tea And Sympathy In NYC, January 10th, 1997. Taken By Kevin Cummins

    Photo of vintage music photography location showing a man with red hair holding a cigarette and a mug with a Union Jack.

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    #26

    Madonna, 1983, NYC. Taken By Richard Corman

    Hand holding a vintage music photography print at the original historical music photography location outdoors.

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    #27

    Bob Dylan And Suze Rotolo, February 1963 On Jones Street And West 4th NYC. Original Photo By Don Hunstein

    Hand holding historical music photography print on city street, matching the original location with vintage cars and buildings.

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    #28

    Michael Jackson For The Cover Of His 1979 Album Off The Wall

    Hand holding Michael Jackson Off The Wall album cover in front of the original location, showcasing historical music photography locations.




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