The Stonewall Museum debuted Michael Fazakerley’s first solo photography show, Nightbirds, last Thursday. Twenty-five years in the making, the show featured photos of New York’s prominent nightlife personalities from the 1980s and 1990s, including club kids, drag queens and go-go boys. At the show, Fazakerly talked for about 15 minutes about his experiences photographing the subjects, as well as the challenges of having a solo show in a museum or gallery. The show also featured vintage designs from one of the original club kids, Ernie Glam, who attended the event as well. Nightbirds runs to January 20.
Few eras were as hedonistic or crazy as the club-kids and drag scene in New York during the 1980s and 1990s, and Michael Fazakerley was there to photograph much of it. The first retrospective of his work, some unseen until now, will debut this Thursday in Wilton Manors.
Where did you grow up?In Southwest Philly. What do you miss about it there?Family time and Rittenhouse Square. Where did you live in New York? I moved there in 1978 to attend FIT, and I lived in the same apartment in Chelsea for 28 years. How long have you lived in South Florida?Since 2005, but I visited many times in the 80s & 90s. Why did you move here? In 2005, I wanted and needed change after 28 years in New York. I was drained from my 12-year career with Calvin Klein and Georgio Armani. What part of South Florida do you live in? I lived for eight years on Fort Lauderdale Beach, and now for five years in Wilton Manors. What do you like most about here? The nature and the weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa and The Marlin Beach. Oh, and Johnny’s (laughs). Where do you hang out in South Florida?I’m a little low-key today, so The Pride Center and Wilton Drive. I also enjoy the beach. What’s your claim-to-fame?I wore a few hats. Today, I believe it will be my photos from the New York club scene from the 80s and 90s. I’m planning to leave my archives to the Stonewall Museum so that they can be a part of our history, live on, be part of my legacy. I also had a great career as a photo stylus, window dresser and visual director.
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Who was your favorite nightlife impresario?A favorite is hard to say. I loved Kabuki Starshine, Kenny Kenny and Leigh Bowery. Who’s your favorite fashion designer? Thierry Mugler, because of his impact, drama and creativity. What’s the craziest shoot that you ever did? Fifteen people in my one-bedroom apartment in New York for a HX cover and editorial for Valentine’s Day. What celebrity did you photograph who was different than what you expected? Leigh Bowery and Amanda Lapore. Both were sweet, conversational and professional. Will you ever retire? I’m semi-retired early due to health setbacks, but I do pet sitting, I volunteer at a few places, I’m looking into having a book published, and I’ll travel with my exhibit. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered?As someone who cares for other’s well-being. What do you want to live long enough to see? Elected officials and big businesses having to show their financials.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FAZAKERLEY
What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you?I get asked a lot about Party Monster, the film and what it was really like. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around?As a stylist, I worked with many at Scavullo’s studio. I guess early Boy George and Grace Jones. Oh, and Cher. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I googled the November election ballot to prepare myself to vote. What’s the best place that you’ve visited?A few. Sitges, Spain, and Mykonos, Greece. If Trump was drowning, would you save him? I would try to. What’s your favorite drink?Ice tea and lemonade—an Arnold Palmer. What’s your most treasured possession? Old family photos and my dad’s dog tags. Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits…? Yes. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? Lady Diana, David Bowie, and my brother Frank, who passed four years ago. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That money doesn’t buy happiness.
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN R. LANG
What did you learn from your parents?Work ethics and tolerance toward others who are different than me. Who’s your favorite performers? Cher, Elton and Patty Labelle. What’s your best characteristic?Compassion. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love the sea and mother nature. What celebrity do you have a crush on?John Stamos, for many years. Who do you admire?Many, for various reason, but let’s say Oprah and Cecil Beaton. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be?My dear friend, Jim Tremblay, who passed at 38. Where would you go in a time machine? To the first moon landing. What would your last meal be?Eggs, bacon, grits and biscuits with gravy. What do you worry about? Humanity. What are you afraid of?Prejudice and suffering.
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Pansy Beat was a short-lived fanzine published by Michael Economy in New York from 1989 to 1990, totaling five quarterly issues. This book celebrates Pansy Beat’s brief but influential life, including a reprinting of all five issues in their original format, previously unseen photographs by staff photographer Michael Fazakerley, new full-color artwork by some of the original contributors, plus new essays and interviews.
If you were a musical instrument, what would you be?A piano. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I go back and forth a lot, but sheep wins. Who depends on you, and for what?My pet-sitting clients, and my cat, Noah, for care, food, protection and love. Who are you closest with? Currently, my roommate Frank, my friend Charles, and my sister, Maryann. What would your autobiography be called? …And the Beat Goes On. What music do you listen to when you’re upset?Wagner and Ravi Shankar. What’s on your bucket list? To visit Cuba and Fiji, and to have my exhibit shown in New York City. What’s your greatest regret in life? Being honest to a fault. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Wow (laughs). Hmm…? Pass. Where can we see you? At the Stonewall Museum on October 18, in L.A. in March 2019, and hopefully in New York City in the summer or fall 2019.
If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A piano. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I go back and forth a lot, but sheep wins. Who depends on you, and for what? My pet-sitting clients, and my cat, Noah, for care, food, protection and love. Who are you closest with? Currently, my roommate Frank, my friend Charles, and my sister, Maryann. What would your autobiography be called? …And the Beat Goes On. What music do you listen to when you’re upset?