Two rare photos of Beirut Slump, Lydia Lunch’s short-lived project band, from August, 1979

Two rare photos of Beirut Slump, Lydia Lunch’s short-lived project band, from August, 1979. (Second photo is dated 17 August, 1979). Lydia is not seen in the top photo, but is seen in the bottom photo, with James Chance and “Bobby Berkowitz” (Robert “Bobby” Swope). She is the one playing guitar in a mini skirt.

Beirut Slump released one record, a 45, which featured the songs “Try Me” and “Staircase”. The album was released in March, 1979, and was released on Migraine Records (“Lust/Unlust Music, Inc.”). If you look at the back of the album, you will see that “Staircase” is attributed to Beirut Slump, but “Try Me” is attributed to Bobby Berkowitz on the front cover. "Bobby Berkowitz" is the man featured on the cover of the record.