History Lesson Part 1: Punk Rock in Los Angeles in 1984

By John B. Moore
May 1, 2011 – 1:36 amNo Comment | 24 views

History Lesson Part 1
Punk Rock in Los Angeles in 1984
Historical Records

Though often ignored in discussion about west coast punk rock, the Meat Puppets, the Minutemen, Redd Kross and to a lesser extent, Twisted Roots, all played a defining role in the LA, mid-80’s punk scene.

Though documented rather crudely (through grainy fan -shot concert footage and one on one interviews (what the fuck is up with the background used for the Meat Puppets interview?), “History Lesson Part 1” is a great primer for not only the aforementioned bands, but offers a perfect snap shot of the 80’s punk rock music scene in LA before it was chased further into the shadows by the style over substance movement of glam metal.

The documentary includes interviews with Minutemen cofounder Mike Watt (who comes off as the most thoughtful of the subjects questioned), along with brothers Chris and Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets), brothers Jeff and Steve MacDonald (Redd Kross) and Paul and Hellin Roessler (Twisted Roots). Sure the songs could be a little more polished and the footage a little cleaner, but that just wouldn’t be punk rock, would it?