Punk Performers & Theories Of Ideology ('Punk Mass' 1970 - )

'Mapplethorpe' is a biopic of photographer Robert Mapplethorope, who's played by Matt Smith, in my favourite performance I've seen him give. It's directed by documentarian Ondi Timoner, founder of Interloper Films. Marianne Rendon plays Patti Smith, who was once in a relationship with Mapplethorpe, and she's terrific as the high priestess of punk.

Smith previously appeared as a character in the biographical drama 'CBGB' (2013) which was met with disappointment. She was portrayed by Mickey Sumner in the film, daughter of Sting and Trudie Styler. Outside of these films and a couple of others, I don't recall there being many biopics of American punk musicians, as of yet.

I recommend the movie 'Mapplethorpe' if you're a fan of either Mapplethorpe or Smith. I hope it finds a wider audience in time.

The documentary 'Suzi Q' (2019) is about multi-instrumentalist and serial shredder Suzi Quatro. It's a treat for punk fans as it looks at the profound influence she's had on punk music. Bassists from Gaye Advert to Kim Shattuck have cited Quatro as an influence on their playing styles.

Alice Cooper talks about the Pleasure Seekers (the Quatro sisters' band) and life in Detroit, Michigan in the 1960s. Among the contributors are musicians Clem Burke, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Chris Frantz, Debbie Harry, Wendy James, Joan Jett, Donita Sparks, Abby Travis, Kathy Valentine and Tina Weymouth.

Quatro says her high level of discipline is a product of her strict Catholic upbringing. She might be the only American to have ever won Britian's popular 'Rear Of The Year' contest. The first winner was Barbara Windsor in 1976. Musical icons to have been awarded this tabloid-selling title include Lulu (1983), Elaine Paige (1984), Lynsey De Paul (1985), Mandy Smith (1994), Charlottle Church (2002 - which apparently caused controversy due to her being 16 years old at the time though the decision was supported by 'The Daily Mail'), Rachel Stevens (2009) and Amanda Holden (2019).

Quatro gratefully accepted the title of 'Rear Of The Year', even confessing that her more brazen rock 'n' roll alter-ego was fond of wiggling her behind. Sadly, this led to her being interfered with by television presenter Russell 'The Party' Harty on an episode of his cringe-making chat show 'Harty', when he asked Quatro to turn around for him so he could have a good look at her bottom and then proceeded to give it a spank. The price of fame.

--

In the works ...

There's a new documentary on the Go-Gos in pre-production that might have been halted due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. I hope the Germs, the Skirts and other L.A. punk outfits that knew them will feature in the narrative.

There's also a documentary on Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex which seems to be in production limbo, perhaps due to lack of funding?

Recently, I enjoyed watching a 4-part television documentary series entitled 'Punk' (2019) which was hosted by Iggy Pop.