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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