South Jersey’s Rock Legacy Lives On in Rich Fuscia’s RockSHOTS

Rich Fuscia captured more than memories—he captured a scene that will never come back.

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

It can’t be overstated that Rich Fuscia has documented a moment in music history that we’ll never see again. Sure, he shot just about every big-name rock act you can think of back in the day, but where he truly cemented his legacy was on the local scene. With his camera in hand, Rich captured the up-and-comers, the rising stars, and the coulda, shoulda, woulda bands that made South Jersey and Philly a proving ground for rock and roll greatness. His work in RockSHOTS isn’t just a collection of photos—it’s proof that this scene mattered, and his documentation of it has kept its spirit alive for over 40 years.

This was a time rich (no pun intended) with memories that are still very important to people around here. It all started at The Spectrum in Philly, once our city’s cathedral of rock. Rich was just a guy with a love of music and a knack for sneaking in camera equipment. Using clever tricks, like enlisting friends and family to act as decoys, he smuggled his gear past security to capture moments from some of the biggest names in music. Before long, his photos started showing up in rock magazines, turning his amateur hobby into something professional.

But while The Spectrum gave him access to the giants, it was the local clubs—the smoky dives and hidden gems in South Jersey and Philly—where Rich found his calling. He brought his camera to places like The Galaxy in Somerdale and the Chestnut Cabaret, documenting a large pool of talent that felt every bit as vital as the national acts. Tangier, Cinderella, Britny Fox, Krank, Heaven’s Edge—he was there to catch these bands on their way up, preserving a raw energy that would be polished by MTV but never replicated.

A Trip Through Time

For me, RockSHOTS is a total time capsule. Growing up, I’d see The Galaxy Nightclub on my school bus route up the White Horse Pike and wonder what magic happened inside the night before. It was a mystery to me then, but Rich’s photos let me finally see what I was missing. The Galaxy was a breeding ground for greatness—a place where bands like Cinderella honed their craft before hitting the big time.

I’d see names like Britny Fox, White Foxx, and Ivory Tower on the marquee. I was too young and, I guess, goody-goody enough not to know how to get a fake ID.

Then there’s the Chestnut Cabaret in Philly, another legendary venue brought to life in this book. I’ve been a fan of Hanoi Rocks for years, but I had no idea they played and hung out at the Chestnut. Seeing these photos—raw, intimate, and full of life—is like unearthing a treasure. It’s the kind of stuff you think only existed on the coasts, but no, it was happening right here.

And then there’s The Spectrum, Philly’s BIG HOUSE. Rich’s photos from the floor of that iconic arena hit me right in the nostalgia. You see Sammy Hagar rocking the I Can’t Drive 55 outfit, Stevie Ray Vaughan standing tall in his glory, and you think, “Wow, this is our history.” Rich wasn’t just snapping photos—he was preserving moments for all of us.

“It was a different world back then from the ‘everyone is a photographer on their smartphone’ times we now live in. Rich captured the incredible Philly local scene in what many consider to be its heyday, what with the Hooters, Tommy Conwell, Beru Revue, Robert Hazard, and the likes pretty much every single night of the week.”

— Debbi Calton, Retired Philadelphia radio personality (WMGK, WYSP)

Bringing It All Together

What makes RockSHOTS even more special is that Rich didn’t just take the photos—he followed through and made sure they reached us. Imagine the tragedy if these shots had stayed in a box in a closet, collecting dust, instead of being preserved and shared in this incredible collection.

Rich got off his ass and did something back then, and luckily, he got off it again to get this book done. It wasn’t an easy task—putting this together was a labor of love, and just like the photography itself, the only real ROI is the satisfaction of doing it.

It’s one thing to have the talent to capture a moment, but it’s another to recognize its value decades later and ensure it sees the light of day. This book is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a gift. It lets us relive a time when the music scene here was bursting with energy and potential. It reminds us that these were real people, real places, and real moments—not just blurry memories or stories passed down. Rich gave these photos the attention they deserved, and in doing so, he gave us a piece of history we can hold in our hands.

Rich’s Style and Charm

What makes RockSHOTS so special isn’t just the subject matter—it’s the style. Rich’s photos aren’t slick, staged promo shots; they’re real, raw, and honest. Flipping through the book feels like looking through a family album, one where you recognize some faces and are curious about the rest. And if you knew Rich, you’d understand why this vibe comes through so clearly.

Rich has this happy-go-lucky energy that makes him instantly likable. He’s the kind of guy who laughs a lot and finds joy in the everyday. He still loves going out to see bands, even though he retired his camera years ago. We’ve gotten to be good friends over the past few years, and I can say he hasn’t changed much since the ’80s—except for leaving the smuggling days behind. He’s still respected by everyone who knew him back then, and it’s easy to see why.

The book also includes mementos—show passes, concert tickets, personal anecdotes—that give it a personal touch. It’s not just a collection of photos; it’s a scrapbook of a life spent loving music and the people who make it.

Why RockSHOTS Matters

What makes RockSHOTS essential isn’t just the nostalgia—it’s the history. Rich documented a time and place that will never happen again. South Jersey and Philly weren’t just a pit stop on the road to stardom; they were fertile ground for bands to grow, experiment, and find their sound. This book proves that our local scene wasn’t just vibrant; it was vital to rock and roll.

Whether you were there back in the day or you’re discovering these stories for the first time, RockSHOTS is a must-have. For those of us lucky enough to call Rich a friend, it’s even more special. These aren’t just photos; they’re Rich’s photos, and they’re as full of life and character as he is.

Rich Fuscia’s RockSHOTS is more than a book—it’s a piece of rock history. You can purchase your copy of the book and explore prints of his iconic work at RFRockShots.com. Don’t miss the chance to own a tangible piece of Philly and South Jersey’s vibrant music legacy. Buy it here