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

One of the reasons punk and horror go together so well is a shared pantomime aspect. We see this with the work of film composers, but also production designers, costume designers and set decorators. Another key role on a film set is played by the make-up artist and no film genres require more make-up work than science-fiction, fantasy and horror.

Interestingly, some of the great make-up artists of the punk era were musicians themselves and some even had distinct links to the punk movement. For example, actress and guitarist Linnea Quigley (of the Skirts) is a talented make-up artist in her own right, as well as being a costume designer, jewelry maker and professional puppeteer. Her film work has led her to collaborate with some of the greatest make-up artists and special effects technicians active in science-fiction, fantasy and horror cinema.

Quigley's worked with character actor Michael Sonye on several film productions. Sonye is better known as Dukey Flyswatter and fronts the horror punk band, Haunted Garage. Sonye is also a capable special effects technician and make-up artist. He's built a range of unusual props for Haunted Garage's stage shows which revel in the traditions of Grand Guignol theatre and erotic burlesque. Sonye has also fronted several different parody bands including Fox Twat (riot grrrl), Hemorrhoid In Cambodia (Dead Kennedys) and Moronic Reducer (Dead Boys).

Screaming Mad George is an elite special effects and make-up artist and one of the most imaginative workers in his field. He's from Osaka, Japan but is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, New York. Since graduation, he's lived and worked in America and is noted for his many collaborations with filmmaker Brian Yuzna. In the late 1970's, George fronted a punk band called the Mad. His entry to the film industry came about when his work on music videos garnered attention. George directed Linnea Quigley in 'The Guyver' (1991).

Rob Bottin is noted for his many collaborations with filmmaker Joe Dante which includes the punk musical 'Rock 'N' Roll High School' (1979). His friend and creative associate Rick Baker worked regularly with filmmaker John Landis who's directed some of the most successful music videos of all time. Bottin's work on 'RoboCop' (1987) and Baker's work on 'Videodrome' (1983) were essential to the visual development of cyberpunk cinema. Stan Winston's work on 'The Terminator' (1984) was equally important and he became a spokesman for the creative and economic benefits of computer generated imagery.

Mechanical effects creator Jim Doyle worked uncredited with a number of rock groups early in his caeer. As an inventor for hire, he'd be recruited to work on music videos and oversee the development of stage devices. Make-up artist and special effects creator Robert Burns also built props and developed mechanical devices used by musicians.

Tom Savini is a bass guitarist. He's a friend of the Misfits and would probably step in if bassist Jerry Only ever stepped aside. Robert Kurtzman, Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger were greatly influenced by Savini and started the special effects studio KNB. Kurtzman, who was mentored by John Carl Buechler early in his career, plays guitar in a rock 'n' roll band.

“I make a tool out of a guitar string and a piece of brass for raking down a sculpture – you can buy these rakes, but most people make them. I use it all the time. Duct tape – now Gorilla Tape – is also indispensible, and so is Super Glue. You’ve gotta have Super Glue; it fixes everything, including a broken guitar string on my rake to make it last another show longer.”