Even without all the special features, this award-winning documentary is still compelling. But the tons of extras liven it up even more. The interview with GG’s brother Merle and drummer Dino Sex would be worth picking up on its own. GG fans will also be happy with the slideshow of offensive artwork submitted for the DVD cover art contest. Everything that was great about the original version is still here, including the last footage of GG inciting a riot at his last show in New York City. An aloof Dee Dee Ramone recounts his brief stint in the band, and former guitarist Chicken John tries to prove he’s not crazy by smashing himself in the head with a beer can. More than 10 years after his death, and with the Murder Junkies still terrorizing crowds across the country, Allin’s lasting impression remains one of unparallel brutality. One thing is certain - nothing will ever top GG Allin. One cool addition: Merle telling the back story of meeting director Todd Phillips, who was a clerk at Kim’s video on St. Marks at the time.
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After a couple of DVD releases, “End of the Century” and “Ramones Raw”, it’s refreshing to have two discs of unseen live performances. The Ramones were always their best live, when the personal bullshit (the focus of “End of the Century”) didn’t matter. And unlike so many other bands, The Ramones never lost it, even after 22 years and more than 2000 shows. Beginning in 1974 at CBGB, in front of an audience of about 20 people, and ending at an Argentine soccer stadium holding 36,000, this collection showcases the Ramones at every stage in their career. The earliest performances (Max’s Kansas City, 1976) show them still messing up their songs, stopping and starting at the wrong times, and very early interview footage features an extremely young Joey and Dee Dee stammering through their answers. Joey, still a little unsure of himself, talks about “Sheena is a Punk Rocker”, and a sweet-looking Dee Dee names The Stooges and Ricky Nelson as his influences. One major perk is the inclusion of several tracks rarely performed live: “Crummy Stuff”, “Chasing the Night”, and “Love Kills”(Dee Dee never sounded better). The 1990s brought CJ in on bass, and Joey’s voice gets stronger while the rest of the band gets faster. Another bonus: super rare music videos for “It’s Not My Place (In the 9 to 5 World)”, “Somebody Put Something in My Drink”, and “The KKK Took My Baby Away”.
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As a founding member of the New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders was one of the coolest guys on the planet. His style was emulated by Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, and then by every glam rock hair metal band in existence. True fans know his influence cannot be overstated, so a complete history of his legacy is unnecessary. It’s so sad then that this new DVD highlights Thunders at his worst - a poor, hollow shell of what he once was. Barely moving at times, his swollen hands struggle to find chords, and his face, ravaged by the effects of smack, is mottled and lifeless. He still sneers and pouts, but he’s so close to death that it’s hard to watch. This was Thunders’ last recorded performance. He overdosed and died in New Orleans a couple of months later. There are still some good performances here. “Born to Lose” and “Personality Crisis” are always great, but anything else is just too depressing.
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