Dead Boys--Live At
CBGB's 1977
MVD
2004
With the DVD explosion in full
swing, it seems like there's another new treasure trove of
I-can't-believe-my-eyes lost concert footage unearthed via the format
monthly. Dead Boys Live At CBGB's
1977 is the latest title of that ilk you won't be able
to live without. Much more than just a show, this disc boasts some of the
best/most important bonus footage any such offering will ever be able to
pony up. From beginning to end, this thing is a blessing.
As the
title suggests, the main program of this DVD captures the
Dead Boys live onstage at CBGB's in
1977. This is a full color pro three camera shot, directed by
Plasmatics svengali
Rod Swenson--very well done. While there
has been some restoration done to the footage, it hasn't been glossed or
modernized to the point you forget you're consuming an invaluable piece of
history. So, how's the show? During "All This And
More," late frontman Stiv
Bators takes a piece of lunchmeat off his shirt (it had
been saftey pinned on), blows his nose in it, and takes a big bite out of
it--young, loud, and snotty, indeed. Stiv
has amazing charisma here, he and the rest of the
Dead Boys seeming to pick up right
where Iggy and the Stooges had left off
after Raw Power. These guys
were a force of nature--literally. An amazing working of
"High Tension Wire" gets cut
short when the power in the club goes completely out. Not anywhere near
being a nusiance in terms of the view, these rough spots along the way
only serve to mystify the footage further. It's an inspirational ass
whipping.
The concert in itself would be enough but
Live At CBGB's 1977 just refuses
to quit giving. You get substantial interview footage with the whole band
from that same year to look forward to. Also, guitarist
Cheetah Chrome sits down for
a more recent chat where he looks back with fondness on his days with the
Dead Boys and reverence for his fallen
brother Stiv. CBGB's owner
Hilly Krystal also chimes
in with interesting words regarding his time as the band's manager. In
some ways, these interview clips are almost more priceless than the
concert itself.
Young people just discovering the
Dead Boys will appreciate this disc for
its well-rounded and informative representation of the band, while old
timers will simply be moved by the sheer power of it all. Regardless which
side of that fence you're on, Live At CBGB's
1977 equates to a manditory, life-affirming view. A
lot of releases like this one don't live up to your hopes. Here, every
wish is far exceeded. Somebody give everyone involved with the release of
this DVD a medal or
something.
Score
this DVD directly from MVD
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