Interview: Philippe Marcade

There’s a chance you may have never heard of Philippe Marcade but he was present for and an active participant in the stuff of legend. The Ramones played their first ever gig at a “Welcome to NYC” party for him and a friend. He helped Debbie Harry translate Blondie lyrics into French (his native tongue), witnessed Johnny Thunders and Richard Hell’s band breaking showdown and convinced Nancy Spungen that she’d have a better shot at finding a boyfriend in England (he was right, she met a fellow named Sid Vicious…).

Phil also had musical success of his own with The Senders. Putting out 5 records and performing over 2000 gigs, the band would ultimately be named “Best Bar Band” in 2001 by the New York Press. Philippe’s uncanny ability of being in the right place at the right time makes him the perfect source for a killer memoir. Punk Avenue: Inside the New York City Underground, 1972-1982 is now available and a must-read for all Punk Rock fans and those looking to be entertained while getting a personal look at the birth of the NYC punk movement.

We caught up with Philippe who is in New York City to promote (and celebrate!) the books release.

Read the interview here.