Musicians who are soundtracks to our life

Some of you might know that early in my career I worked as a photographer for WMMR in Philadelphia. One of the coolest things about that gig was the fact that I got to meet and photograph some of the musicians who provided the soundtrack to my life.

In fall of 1987, Pierre, Buzz and Reginald the Butler interviewed Trevor Rabin, Tony Kaye and Jon Anderson of the progressive rock supergroup, Yes at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia. If I recall correctly, Rabin and Kaye sat down first to be interviewed. Anderson strolled in after the other two had left. Now, looking back, I wonder if there was more to that, considering that a few short months later Anderson took a leave from the band and started to work on a solo project with Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, and Bill Bruford. No matter, it was still a treat to hang around making pictures during those interviews.

Pierre Robert (left) interviews Jon Anderson (center) of Yes.
From left, Buzz Barkley, Trevor Rabin, Tony Kaye and Pierre Robert pose for a photo after the interview.
Pierre Robert (left) interviews Jon Anderson (right) of Yes as WMMR engineer Walt Yost monitors the broadcast.

Philadelphia Trash Strike of 1986

While I was a student at University of the Arts in 1986, the city of Philadelphia endured one of the worst strikes in it’s history. Municipal workers walked off the job July 10, 1986 and came back 20 days later. During a 20 day strike, about 20,000 tons of trash piled up across the city. It made for one smelly mess. I decided to photograph the scene at Veterans Stadium, which was home to the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles. I had never seen anything like it. Or as stinky. #tbt #throwbackthursday

A man unloads trash into piles next to Veteran's Stadium in August 1986 during a municipal worker strike in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. During the 20 day strike, that started July 10, 1986, about 20,000 tons of trash piled up across the city. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Cain Images) (William Thomas Cain)

A man unloads trash into piles next to Veteran’s Stadium in August 1986 during a municipal worker strike in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. During the 20 day strike, that started July 10, 1986, about 20,000 tons of trash piled up across the city. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Cain Images) (William Thomas Cain)

Trash piles up next to Veteran's Stadium in August 1986 during a municipal worker strike in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. During the 20 day strike, that started July 10, 1986, about 20,000 tons of trash piled up across the city. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Cain Images) (William Thomas Cain)

Trash piles up next to Veteran’s Stadium in August 1986 during a municipal worker strike in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania. During the 20 day strike, that started July 10, 1986, about 20,000 tons of trash piled up across the city. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Cain Images) (William Thomas Cain)