These 30 Photos Match Famous Album Covers And Movie Scenes To Their Original Locations Photos By Steve Birnbaum

Steve Birnbaum, the creator of The Band Was Here, has learned the art of blending history with the present moment. On his Instagram, he lines up iconic album covers, movie stills, and rare photos of fascinating personalities with the exact locations where they were originally taken. The result is a striking visual time warp that shows how much—or how little—those places have changed.From music legends like Johnny Cash to cult-favorite actors and pop culture icons, Steve’s work isn’t just about the locations; it’s about the stories tied to them.More info:InstagramThis post may includeaffiliate links.

From music legends like Johnny Cash to cult-favorite actors and pop culture icons, Steve’s work isn’t just about the locations; it’s about the stories tied to them.

More info:Instagram

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Iconic location photo held side by side with original, featuring legends who made it famous, nature background.

When asked about the concept behind his project, Steve explained, “Certainly. I revisit locations where iconic photographs of musicians were originally taken. By aligning the original image with its present-day setting, I create a seamless blend of past and present, offering a fresh perspective on music history.” His ability to merge the past with the present has drawn a dedicated following, giving music history a tangible, visual context that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Photo held up at an iconic location, showcasing the spot where a legendary moment was captured.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Dookie. I absolutely hate the results I got here and intend on going back to do it right (I took this picture a few years ago actually), but I felt obligated to show some respect to an album that meant so much to me when it was released 30 years ago. Crazy!

Side by side shot of an iconic street location with a historical photo held up by Steve Birnbaum.

Hand holding a Cash album cover in front of an old barn, highlighting iconic location and legend connection.

Iconic location with a historic photo in front, capturing a legendary moment.

Scouting these locations, however, isn’t always straightforward. As Steve explained, “Some locations are straightforward, especially with identifiable landmarks. Others require extensive research—reading interviews, analyzing tour histories, and using tools like Google Maps to compare past and present landscapes.” It’s this dedication to accuracy and detail that makes each of Steve’s posts feel like a journey through time, where fans can see the exact places where legendary moments in music history unfolded.

Side-by-side image of an iconic location with a legend who made it famous, featuring a blue door backdrop.

Iconic location with a vintage photo of a legend in a patterned outfit held up in an elevator by Steve Birnbaum.

Steve’s work has also led to meaningful collaborations with those who have shaped the images he’s revisiting. “Yes, I’ve connected with several photographers who have inspired me, such as Charles Peterson from the Seattle grunge era,” he shared. “Additionally, I’ve built relationships with musicians and bands, which has been incredibly rewarding.” The opportunity to engage with the people behind these iconic images adds an extra layer of authenticity to his project, blending the worlds of photography, music, and storytelling.

Here’s what Henry said about these pics back in 2017 on his gram: “Hooray it’s 4/20! I certainly got high with these guys, but we all got high in those days…everyday. Gods ‘erb made a lot of things happen. “ - Henry Diltz

Photo of a black-and-white image held in front of the location that links iconic locations with legends.

Side by side shot of iconic location with a film scene photo by Steve Birnbaum.

But the interactions don’t stop at collaboration. Steve’s work has also caught the attention of high-profile figures, including pop star Justin Bieber. “A notable moment was when Justin Bieber followed my account and sent a supportive message,” Steve recounted. “His endorsement led to a significant increase in followers and engagement.” This kind of unexpected recognition has only fueled the project’s growth and success, allowing Steve’s work to reach an even wider audience.

Here’s what Amy said in a 2012 article with Interview Magazine:“Madonna wasn’t famous then. The photo was taken in 1983, at St. Mark’s Place and Second Avenue,” Arbus says. “That was literally the first review of her first big single, which I think was “Holiday.” Nobody knew who she was yet. And she was still using her last name. I’d heard she lived on the floor of her recording studio at the time; that’s gossip. I remembered her from the gym that we both went to, which defies imagination, because I don’t know how either of us was affording a gym membership,” Arbus says. “But she used to sit in the dressing room, naked, for the longest time of any of the other women. Just sitting there, while everyone else changed clothes, because she had the best body!”This picture graces the cover of Amy’s book PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ON THE STREET 1980-1990. Below’s quote was taken from a talk/interview between Elizabeth Avedon and Amy about her time as a photographer then:“In 1980 when I started working for The Village Voice I didn’t think of myself as an artist, in part, because I was working for a newspaper. I also didn’t consider myself a journalist because I wasn’t covering the news. I was making photographic portraits for a style page called, “On the Street.” My page ran every six weeks with the tagline, “There are eight million fashions in the Naked City and Amy Arbus is going to photograph all of them… a few at a time.” It felt like a tremendous undertaking. After making these images for ten years, I realized that what I had created was a chronicle of a seminal time in New York City’s history.”

Iconic location with black and white photo overlay of a legendary figure in a coat, held by Steve Birnbaum.

Canters is always a fun spot to visit while in town even though I’ve tried to get this image before. I’m never happy with my results though. Just doesn’t do Jack’s pic justice. Perhaps his pic is too epic to emulate.

A hand holds a photo of iconic legends at Canter’s, with a historic restaurant background.

Looking to the future, Steve has big plans for expanding The Band Was Here beyond Instagram. “Absolutely. I’ve recently completed editing an episode for a travel show focusing on iconic album cover locations,” he revealed. “I’m also exploring the possibility of a book, though obtaining rights to original images presents challenges.” The prospect of turning his Instagram project into a broader media experience is an exciting step forward, ensuring that Steve’s mission to preserve and reimagine music history will continue to evolve.

This is easily in my top 10 films of all time. I felt like I was watching something new, raw and real when I first watched this as a kid. Probably a bit young to have been watching this back in the 90s when I first saw it, but ultimately think it had a positive effect on me.These spots are some of my favorite to visit, but I’m never happy with the results.Fun fact: The 19 year old John Singleton was a Production Assistant on Pee Wee’s Playhouse where he met Laurence Fishburne who played Cowboy Curtis on the show.Shortly after, Singleton sent the script to Fishburne, later staring in Boyz N The Hood as Furious Styles.

Side-by-side photo of iconic location and a group in a car; famous location captured by Steve Birnbaum.

Iconic location with vintage photo overlay, showcasing the legend who made it famous.

As for what drives his passion for this project, Steve offered a simple yet profound answer: “Music and photography have always been integral to my life. This project allows me to combine these passions, offering others a tangible connection to the moments and places that have shaped music history.” His work isn’t just about showing what has changed—it’s about preserving the magic of music’s most iconic moments for future generations.

A black and white photo of an iconic location held up against the real site with rainbow flags, by Steve Birnbaum.

Photograph held at iconic location, showcasing a legendary figure, captured by Steve Birnbaum.

This iconic moment was taken at the Continental Hyatt House aka “Riot House”, overlooking a large billboard on Sunset Boulevard advertising the Led Zeppelin album Physical Graffiti.Apologies for the reposted content, but this is one of my favorite gets ever! I couldn’t miss up on an opportunity to share again.As always, thanks to the lovely staff at Andaz West Hollywood for allowing me access to this spot, especially @nilajacash. You guys rock!

Side-by-side photo of iconic location and smiling figure on a balcony, capturing nostalgic urban scenery.