I’m Going to be on the Henry Rollins Show
Yesterday was pretty awesome. I was invited to be a guest on the Rollins Show on IFC. Henry Rollins is one of my heroes not only for his role as vocalist in Black Flag, but also because he is an artist and activist who writes and publishes books through his own imprint and lectures about his life experience and well informed political views. He even has a radio show on L.A.’s Indie 103.1. Henry has always embraced the concept of “be the media” and now he has his own cable too that is awesome if you have not seen it check out IFC’s website (www.ifc.com, www.henryrollins.ifc.com) or buy the first season on DVD. I truly can’t think of a role model that I identify with more than Henry… so being on his show was a real Wayne’s World “I’M NOT WORTHY” moment (to only add to that feeling, Steven Tyler was being interviewed right after I was). When I have a firm date when the episode will air I’ll post it.
Update: The episode airs August 24th at 11 Eastern, 8 Pacific. Set your Tivo’s!
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MC5::OBEY COLLABORATION
The MC5 – Rock City, USA (2007): Michael Davis, bass, Wayne Kramer, guitar, Fred “Sonic†Smith, guitar, Dennis “Machine Gun†Thompson, drums, and Rob Tyner, vocals, are the MC5. Together they were the hardcore of the late 1960s musical revolution that began in the American Midwest.
Formed in the fall of 1965, the MC5 created an explosive sound that put them at the forefront of the radical social and political scene in their native Detroit. They became the symbolic figureheads for an artists’ collective called Trans Love Energies, as well as for The White Panther Party, and embodied the character or the entire scene – subversive, extravagant, and totally hip.
The MC5 are the proud forefathers of banned albums and censored lyrics and liner notes. As a result of this and their irreverence and anti-government messages, they brought on the ire of concert promoters and the police. The legendary FBI file on the MC5 is rumored to be so extensive that there is an OSHA warning on it for anyone who attempts to lift it.
The MC5’s sound was one of pure adrenaline-addled power, a strong flavor of rhythm and blues, and a lot of teeth-gnashing lust. From The Ramones to Rage Against The Machine, Motorhead, and The White Stripes, none of this has been lost on the long list of bands that place the MC5 at the top of their influences. The MC5 is considered the prototype for American punk, hardcore, and grunge. And although the passing of Rob Tyner and Fred Smith has torn a bullet-hole in the heart of the MC5, Davis, Kramer, and Thompson are still the talented, aggressive, artistic, idealistic innovators that they have always been. They enjoy the status of living legends, but there is more work to be done, more passion to express, an American government that still needs changes, and a young American culture that still needs to be heard.
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Online Auction to Support KET’s Defense Fund
Shepard has joined many of Alain Ket Mariduena’s friends in supporting his on going battle with the NYC courts by presenting an Art Benefit for Alain Ket’s Legal Defense. Art will be auctioned off on July 26th and an event will be held on August 1st in NYC with proceeds going towards the defense fund.
Alain Ket Maridueña is a publisher, writer, Hip Hop historian, activist and graffiti artist from New York City. He was charged in New York City courts (Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan) on counts of felony criminal mischief, possession of graffiti tools, and X., all relating to a search performed on his home in New York City in late 2006.
Alain Maridueña’s arrest had come in the context of a growing anti-graffiti sentiment in city government due to the growing gentrification of New York City and as part of the Mayor Bloomberg’s quality of life push, one started by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Alain’s arrest appears to be politically motivated attack for his involvement with Marc Ecko and Ecko’s successful lawsuits against the city of New York in order to hold a graffiti event and repealing a spray paint sales ban to 18 year olds. Many consider the charges against Alain excessive.
Alain’s court cases are ongoing and his family and friends will be raising funds to pay his legal defense, setting up public events to educate people about the incarceration of artists, and providing financial, logistical, and legal support to Alain throughout his proceedings.
For more information visit www.supportket.org and www.thewallsbelongtous.com
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OBEY::FENDER::STRUMMER
When Fender asked me to help out with the Joe Strummer Telecaster package I was incredibly excited to be able to contribute to the legacy of a man whose music and actions have been such an inspiration for me. When I was asked to write up something about Joe’s inspiration I decided a personal letter I sent to him in the summer before he died would be better than anything else. Some of my friends at Epitaph records called me and said Joe Strummer was at their office if I wanted to come by to meet him. One of my only regrets in life is that I did not deliver this letter and its accompanying package of posters in person. Joe may be gone, but his influence lives everywhere.
Check out the webpage: http://www.fender.com/joestrummer/
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