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Nowhere Fast: Brisbane’s Punk and Post-punk Scene 1978–1982 featuring photographs by Paul O'Brien, is a dark, dazzling, wild night-time ride into the Brisbane underground of the late 70s. The book of 84 selected black and white photographs includes essays by two musicians and members of the scene, Robert Forster and John Willsteed.
Paul O'Brien's historical photographs document Brisbane's explosive punk music scene with unflinching honesty, capturing a dynamic cultural rebellion that erupted against a backdrop of pervasive government and police corruption. Beyond the broader political narrative, these images intimately chronicle the human side of the era, capturing gritty characters, devoted fans, and key figures who pushed back against the oppressive atmosphere of fear and intimidation that defined a generation.
Published by AndAlso Books, the official book launch was on April 5th 2024 at Woolloongabba Art Gallery and featured an installation of selected photographs as high quality giclée prints with accompanying public panel discussions (more info).
Funds from the merch on this site go to support local artists and independent publishers.
News
3/6/2026
The opening event night for Nowhere Fast Redux is on Thursday 18 June 6pm–8pm and features an open conversation session with Robert Forster and John Willsteed.
27/5/2026
Local visual artist and guitar maker, Padoke has kindly built and donated two electric guitars. One is to be painted by artist and musician Ben Ely for his upcoming exhibition at Woolloongabba Art Gallery (WAG) called 'Unknown Sector Of The Universe'. This exhibition will be featured along side Nowhere Fast Redux.
With authentic punk aesthetics, the second guitar, dubbed the "Bad Tattoo Edition", is being offered as a prize to be awarded at the end of the June. During June, each book or giclée print purchased offers customers free entry into the draw. (Please note, the winner will need to organise pick up from the gallery).
Padoke is a cultural engineering project. The guitars are made from local timbers. They are built with belief and enthusiasm, no artificial products or intelligence is used. Hopefully, these former trees and iron ore will contribute to the sound of the universe into the future. Listen to music, NOT technology. (Padoke 2026)
Bad Tattoo by Padoke
15/5/2026
This new offical website accompanies Nowhere Fast Redux, a part of the Brisbane's 2026 Open Season Program.