V. Vale

Portrait by Matthew Kadi
V. Vale is an editor, writer-interviewer, activist, historian, photographer and pianist. In 1977, V. Vale founded as sole proprietor Search & Destroy, San Francisco's first punk rock publication. It was published at City Lights bookstore, where Vale worked. In 1980, Vale launched Re/Search Publications. He is most likely the longest-lasting, and still active, punk publisher. Although Vale released books which include Jello Biafra, Henry Rollins, Lydia Lunch and many others, Re/Search is best known for its impact on the total world of underground culture and intellectual publishing.