Rockin’ History {Modern Rocks Gallery}

Music Archived by a Guitar Legend

Words Deven Wilson | Photos Eric Morales

“This is all a celebration of music and imagery,” Steven Walker, former member of Modern English explains about his gallery, Modern Rocks. He adds, “I think people come in, thinking they’re not allowed to speak or expect a snobby gallery. This is not that place.”

When walking into Modern Rocks Gallery, it’s instantaneously clear this is a music history lover’s nirvana, and after one second of talking with Steven Walker, it’s apparent this is an impassioned music geek who just so happens to be willing to part with pieces of his collection.

Steven landed on the Eastside ten years ago, wanting to open his own gallery after spending time working for a friend in London. Having fond memories of Austin from his years of touring as a guitarist for Modern English, Steven felt a gallery centered around music, art, and photography would have a chance to stand out in Austin, and he was quickly proven right.

Finding a warm, welcoming enthusiasm, Steven’s space quickly charted to the top of the list for anyone passionate about music history and photography looking to add to their collection. Even beyond Austin’s city limits, his online shop garners interested parties from around the globe seeking out rare shots of artists like David Bowie with William Burroughs or previously unseen snaps of a young Bruce Springsteen. Photography fanatics also seek to see rare and signed originals by legends like Terry O’Neill or Brian Duffy.

Even in a digital age, where access to historical photography is ubiquitous, Steven believes a shift to printed photographs is coming back, explaining, “When synthesizers came out, [music] got really electronic. All of a sudden, guitar bands were coming back.” He continues, “I think NFTS and digital images opened the door to people wanting to go back to [printed photos].” That belief shines as Steven proudly shows off his collection of previously unpublished works that the photographers simply kept in shoe boxes under their beds. Shots that may only exist as a singular eight by ten, never intended to see the light of day, are amongst the iconic album cover shots displayed in the gallery.

Of all the artists on display, one name is a homegrown legend: Scott Newton. Scott is responsible for capturing Austin’s often mourned “golden years” in the seventies. Working as the photographer for Austin City Limits, the legacy TV program, Steven curated his work precisely so that the history of our town’s humble music beginnings is still here decades later. “It’s important that we remember why we moved to Austin and recall what made us think it’s great for us in the first place,” Steven reflects. His passion spills beyond his curating work and expands upon his love for people and music by offering Austinites a warm welcome into his gallery. “If you want to come in and look at the prints, just talk about the prints all day long,” Steven says, “I’d love that.”