Dead Boys
"Live at CBGBs 1977" DVD

The Dead Boys are one of my favorite bands, but I had no idea this video was coming out, let alone that the footage even existed. In their all-too-short life, the Dead Boys managed to escape shithole Ohio and come to New York City, where one can truly grow as a scumfuck.

With this video, we get to see how great the Dead Boys really were live: singer Stiv Bators, more than just another Iggy Pop imitator, using the bologna pinned to his shirt as a tissue and a snack, then eating gum off the ground to get the taste out of his mouth; Cheetah Chrome and Jimmy Zero searing the eyebrows off fans in the front row; bassist Jeff Magnum hiding behind everyone. There’s a full 10-song set and some interviews with band members from the show, plus recent interviews with guitarist Cheetah Chrome and CBGBs’ slightly senile owner Hilly Krystal.

Also included is footage of some local band, presumably shot the same night, called the Steel Tips. They’re not very good, but the Rocky Horror-era Meatloaf looking handclapping guy with “Edison, NJ” painted on his jacket gets some points. Professionally shot, multiple camera angles and excellent sound quality (apparently it was filmed for a CBS special); I don’t think this set has ever been released as one of the Dead Boys’ umpteen live albums, so collector nerds should drool. All in all, a great buy, and it costs less than $15.

Reviewed by: Sal Lucci
Reviewed on: February 14, 2005