Green Day and other Bay Area punk figures have paid tribute to legendary photographer Murray Bowles, who sadly passed away on December 8. He was 68.


Photo by Corbett Redford

Bowles photographed Green Day many times during their early years, being one of the main contributors to Turn It Around. As Billie Joe wrote on Instagram:

Murray, you are a legend. I remember seeing your photos up on the walls at Gilman the first time I ever went there. Amazing photographer, musician. The nicest man and a great friend to the punks. East Bay punk has a heavy heart today.

He was such an important part of the scene that he appeared on the cover of Dookie.



Green Day also wrote a heartfelt tribute on Instagram:

Rest in peace Murray Bowles. We are saddened by the passing of a great talented friend and musician who is known for his photography in the East Bay and Bay Area punk scenes. He photographed shows since the early 80s and became a fixture at Gilman St Club in Berkeley sharing his photos with people and bands that he developed himself in his darkroom kitchen. Devoting 2 days a week to just the developing and printing he would bring the prints to shows and sell them from 15 cents to a quarter depending on the price of photo paper. He did it out of his love for what was happening and from his journalistic studies he went the extra mile to document almost every show and the people in the scene. A lot can be said of great moments with Murray; while in the pit, drinking a beer, even doing a punker swarm of a Winchells or Denny's or a backyard party. You could stare at his photos that plastered the walls at Gilman and feel like you never missed a thing. He never stopped taking photos. He donated a large portion (20,000) of his raw negatives to the East Bay Documentary. Rolls and Rolls of film and they are all wonderful. Without him none of us would have our history documented and it wouldn’t be the same without you. You are intense and humble with a great sense of humor. Your presence will truly missed. We love you Murray Bowles!!!! ...more photos to come on stories (soooo many good ones)

Let's take a look at some of his fantastic photos of Green Day:




Billie Joe and his friend Lucky Dog, who got him his room at the 7th Street Warehouse








Billie Joe and Mike in eyeliner













Read more about Murray's life and impact in this article by Gabe Meline for KQED.
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