Blitz and Beyond: The New Romantic Revolution

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the birth of the New Romantic music scene through the lens of a photographer who was there.

While many musical styles have been labeled 'post-punk,' the New Romantic movement transcended the 'no future' ethos of the late 1970s like no other. In the dimly lit bars of Soho, a group of extravagant youths emerged, dressed in flamboyant and striking attire - ushering in a cultural moment that would define a generation.

Photographer Graham Smith was at its core, capturing over 500 extraordinary images that reveal this vibrant, groundbreaking scene in unparalleled detail.

This book offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes perspective on a movement that visually shaped a decade and left a lasting influence on music and fashion. Featuring exclusive forewords boy George, Gary Kemp, and the late Steve Strange, this is the definitive photographic and narrative record of one of the most creative, bohemian, and influential movements of the late twentieth century.

Gary Kemp is a British musician, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the iconic band Spandau Ballet. With a career spanning over four decades, Kemp has been influential in shaping the sound of the New Romantic era and beyond. In addition to his music career, he has pursued acting roles in film and television and authored a memoir detailing his life and creative journey.