New York Noise: The underground in pictures

Lou Reed smoking, taken during the CMJ New Music Marathon at the Beacon Theatre in 1985 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Fab Five Freddy, the breakdancer and impresario immortalised by Debbie Harry’s rap on Blondie’s Rapture, demonstrating a handspin while on stage at The Kitchen. November 1983 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Laurie Anderson rehearsing in 1980. Anderson was known for inventing the tape-bow violin in the late 70s. Magnetic tape replaced the traditional horsehair bow and a magnetic tape head was placed in the bridge to create an electric sound Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

The perennially funky George Clinton pictured during the CMJ New Music Marathon at the beacon Theatre, 1985 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Tom Verlaine, lead singer of art-punk quartet Television, pictured in 1985, some years after band split up. Verlaine would pursue a moderately successful solo career and Television would reunite for a third album in the 90s Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Seminal art-funk siblings ESG (which either stands for Emerald, Sapphire and Gold or Enterprising Scroggins Girls, depending on who you believe) pose with their parents backstage at The Other End in 1980. Clockwise from top: Renee Scroggins, Helen Scroggins, Deborah Scroggins, Marie Scroggins, Valerie Scroggins, John Scroggins Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

A sprightly 17-year-old LL Cool J (James Todd Smith the third) performs at Art On The Beach in 1985 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Patti Smith plays the Nova Convention at the Entermedia Theatre in 1978. Frank Zappa, Philip Glass and Allen Ginsburg were among those in attendance at the infamous cultural event Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

New Yorkers seeking fun in the East Village tended to head to the Pyramid Club, a place where the area’s musicians and artists created a centre of hedonism and cultural expression on their own doorstep Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Richard Hell of the Voidoids, the band behind the innovative punk album Blank Generation. Taken in 1984 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise

Writer Brad Gooch and director Howard Brookner prove that even New York arty types enjoy a good roast turkey on Thanksgiving. Taken in 1979 Photograph: Paula Court/New York Noise