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There is going to be a Guns N' Roses photos exhibit at Canter's Deli from August 18 to 24. So, you can fill up on a hearty pastrami sandwich or Matzo Ball soup, then gaze at the visage of a young Axl Rose. The exhibit will feature photos from Jack Lue, Marc Canter and Gene Kirkland, according to LA Weekly. Some of these images may be familiar, but others have apparently never been seen before. Proceeds from original photos sold via the event will be donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. (Dio died due to stomach cancer in 2010.)
GNR and Canter's have a shared history. Marc Canter is now the owner of Canter’s, having taken over the family business. At age 11, a young Marc Canter was riding bikes with a young Slash, according to an interview Canter gave to Legendary Rock Interviews. At one point, Canter even gave Slash a job.
"The only job he really had at Canter’s was to go over the waitresses papers and it was basically a job I created for him to get him a little pocket cash," Canter said. "When he stopped doing it, the job was eliminated but he was always a good worker."
An iconic first photo of the band was taken by photographer Jack Lue, as the bandmates piled into a Canter's booth. Canter would later use that photo for the cover of his 2007 book Reckless Road, which recounts the formation and early days of the band. Canter also took many photographs of the band himself as they were starting out, shooting several of their first shows.
Gene Kirkland has photographed just about everybody in rock, including Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Van Halen and, of course, GNR.
There will be a preview of the exhibit on August 17, but you'll have to score an invite. LA Weekly reports that the band and the organizers of the show are not collaborating on the event. However, GNR will be in town to play at Dodger Stadium August 18 & 19.
Canter's Deli is located at 419 N Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles.
