Monday, March 29, 2021
Movie on 70s South African punk and other African punk
You can see what I, and others, had to say about this movie in this post.
Here I'm just presenting the movie itself and two trailers, plus a nice, long, clear discription of it.
THE ACTUAL MOVIE:Movie about punk rock in 70s South Africa and reviews on it (movie included)
The title to this movie is misleading. Except for towards the end when they do a quick run through the years and a couple of other countries, it doesn't cover punk throughout the years or even throughout Africa, which has and has had a very interesting punk scene. Two-thirds of more of the movie covers the punk in South Africa in the 70s.
But it does do good job of covering that part of punk history. But if you're expecting to see many black faces, you will be disappointed. Punk didn't spread to the black communities in Africa until the 80s and 90s.
But it is quite interesting hearing how these white South Africans learned about punk rock in a country with a very conservative government strong on censorship, and how they tried to start and promote a scene that was looked down upon and blocked in many ways.
Many articles are edited, but can be read at the link above them.
From IMBD:
Three chords, three countries, one revolution...PUNK IN AFRICA is the story of the multiracial punk movement within the recent political and social upheavals experienced in three Southern African countries: South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
From Film at Lincoln Center:
In 1976, as the Soweto Uprising was moving the anti-Apartheid struggle into a more militant stance, another revolution of sorts was starting in cities across South Africa. Inspired from abroad, but entirely filled with its own unique anger and outrage, punk rock exploded into a country where the Rolling Stones were banned from the radio. In their clothing and hairstyles, their lyrics and their decibel levels, these bands—with names such as Wild Youth, Gay Marines and National Wake—rocked the staid South African society with challenges to everything from censorship to lifestyles, and from religion to racism. Deon Maas and Keith Jones’ fascinating chronicle captures the development of what became a second front in the battle against the Apartheid state, while also looking at punk music in neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique and the role it’s playing in those societies today.
From the podcast, Afropop Worldwide:
When you think punk, a few locations tend to come to mind- New York, London, LA. But Durban? Jo’Burg? South Africa? In this program, we are taking a trip to a time and a place where punk had a very different meaning, exploring the music and the legacy of the mixed race bands that challenged apartheid. Little known to the outside world, and often overlooked even within South Africa, groups like National Wake, The Genuines, and The Kalahari Surfers used music to articulate their disgust with the society around them, calling out the conformity, repression, and political hypocrisy that defined the apartheid era. As time went on and theory was put into practice, the music became increasingly adventurous, drawing from the full diversity of South Africa’s musical culture, and fusing it to the raw energy of punk. In doing so, they created a model that continues to inspire bands to the present day.
![]() |
| South African punk band, National Wake |
Movie about a punk rocker who started a punk scene and punkhouse in Myanmar
As part of my research, I watched this movie about a guy in Myanmar who was trying to start a punk scene and running a punkhouse. They did your usual punk stuff. Some were in a band doing political music. They had a punkzine they were producing in their punkhouse. And they even were helping some others start a scene in another town.
It was interesting seeing how punk is practiced and interpreted in another part of the world.
From IMDB:
Kyaw Kyaw pursues the dream of seeing the punk scene take off in Myanmar, while raising awareness about persistent violations of human rights. His philosophy: A symbiosis of Buddhism and punk that rejects religious and political dogma.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Discarded 1982 timeline I made for my series
This is just a timeline I made of things that happened in 1982, both punk-related and just general. But unfortunately, after I got it this far, I realized my story would work better in 1984. Still working at that timeline. When I get it done, I'll post it.
In case, anyone is curious, New London Center of Performing Arts, The Krent-Sherman Theater, The Holly or The HVR (short for The Holly/Valens/Richardson Ballroom), Harry's (short for So Hairy), Mary's Your Mother, and Windsor Auditorium are made up venues for New London.
- Popular tv shows - 60 Minutes, Dallas, MASH, Magnum PI, Dynasty, Three's Company, Falcon Crest, Love Boat, Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, Hart to Hart, Hill Street Blues, That's Incredible, Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days, Dukes of Hazzard, Greatest American Hero, 20/20, Benson, Cheers, Taxi, TJ Hooker, Fantasy Island- Jan - average for Iowa -0.7F
- 1-1 - Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion released.
- 1-2 - 18" of snow
- 1-4 - 6" of snow
- 1-10 - -23F. Wind chill -54F. Anniversary of seeing Sex Pistols in Dallas in '78. Joe and Snotty constantly tell the story. Snotty tells him a note exciting story than Joe. Left early that morning. Got there only a half hour early (just barely in time per Snotty). After the show, got drunk with some locals who were trouble makers("real life cowboys who were drug dealers" per Snotty). Got arrested. Let go ("only if they promised not to return" per Snotty.
- 1-11 - schools closed
- 1-17 - Cold Sunday. Record cold across US. Chicago averaged 12.2F for Jan.
- 1-20 - Ozzy bites head off bat. -16F. Fanny ask Joe to come "so not have to go alone". Joe drags Snotty along. Fanny starts to become attracted to Joe.
- 1-22/23 - 6" snow
- 1-29 - Black Flag/Husker Du in Chicago
- 1-31 - Chips punk rock episode
- 2-1 - David Letterman starts
- 2-3 - Police (band) at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 2-5 - Bad Brains self-titled released.
- 2-14 to 20 - Damned in New London at Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 2-14 - Valentine's Day. Characters' reactions to it and thoughts on it.
- 2-19 - Ozzy pisses on Alamo
- 2-21 - Johnny Cash at New London Center of Performing Arts.
- 3-1 - Misfits, Walk Among Us released.
- 3-4 - Wild in the Streets by Circle Jerks released.
- 3-5 - John Belushi dies
- 3-5, 7, or 8 - R.E.M. in New London at Harry's. With David Zollo and Bob Tyler.
- 3-10 - Astrophysicist John Gribbin says planetary alignment would cause ends of world. Pat Robertson said in 1976 world would end in 1982.
- 3-15 or 18 - Ramones in New London at Krent-Sherman. (In Cleveland 3-16 and Detroit 3-17.)
- 3-17 - movie Atomic Cafe
- 3-18 - Andy Partridge walks off stage from in Paris with nervous breakdown. Rumored to be dead causing tribute shows in US. US tour cancelled after one show on 4-3.
- 3-20 - UK Subs/Anti-Nowhere League at New London's Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 3-24 - The Name of The Band is Taking Heads released.
- = Mar/Apr - Disappointment with I Love Rock and Roll at #1? Hanna happy?
- early April, below 40F, and some days below 32F. Reminisce of Hoth. Riding wooly mammoth. Says "Then I'll see you in hell!"
- 4-2 - F1 tornado in Iowa. 17 tornadoes in country.
- 4-3 - largest temp change in MN (78 to 7)
- 4-5 - 8" snow. B-52's playing in Minneapolis.
- early Apr, Joe dreams or writes story of next ice age.
- 4-7 - movie Basketcase opens.
- 4-9 - Misfits/Necros at The Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 4-11 or 15 - Bad Brains live at The Krent-Sherman Theater
- 4-15 - City Baby Attacked By Rats by GBH rehearsed.
- 4-17 - Johnny Cash on Saturday Night Live
- 4-19 - Laurie Anderson, Big Science released. Blows Joe away.
- 4-19 to 20 - Yom HaShoah. Holocaust Memorial Day. Sunset to sunset. Snotty observes this day. Mother is Holocaust survivor.
- 4-20, 25, 27, 29 - R.E.M. at New London's Vaudeville. With David Zollo and Bob Tyler.
- 4-23 to 5-2 = Sweeney Todd at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 4-26 - Joe Strummer disappears for three weeks! Have to do something with this!
- 4-28 to 29 - Yom HaAtzma'ut. Israel Independence Day.
- 4-30 - Lester Bangs dies.
- May - Joe and Snotty fight over Combat Rock.
- May - self-titled album by Anti-Nowhere League released.
- 5-2 – The Weather Channel airs for the first time.
- 5-3 - Modern English, After the Snow released.
- 5-7 to 16 - Camelot w/Richard Harris playing at New London Center for the Performaning Arts.
- 5-8 - Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing by Discharge released.
- 5-11 to 23 - The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 5-14 - Conan the Barbarian opened.
- 5-15 - Troops of Tomorrow by The Exploited released.
- 5-15 - F1 tornado.
- 5-20 - F0 tornado/F1 tornado.
- 5-23 - The Clash in Omaha
- 5-29 - Marion, IL, tornado.
- Jun - When The Punks Go Marching In by Abrasive Wheels released.
- Jun - Joe driving everyone crazy cus Wrath of Khan, Poltergeist, E.T., Bladerunner, and Thing all come out in June with Conan just 2 weeks before and Tron nine days after.
- 6-4 - Wrath of Khan opens. Joe had a Trek fantasy?
- 6-4 - Poltergeist opens.
- 6-9 - Steal Ringgold, IA, hailstorm. .75 to 2 inches.
- 6-11 - E.T. opens. Joe and Zuzu love it and Snotty and Hanna hate it?
- 6-12 – A rally against nuclear weapons draws 750,000 to New York City's Central Park. Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Linda Ronstadt attend. Gang would hate the music, but go to keep up their county of shows. An international convocation at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine features prominent peace activists from around the world and afterward participants march on Fifth Avenue to Central Park for the rally. Road trip for gang?
- 6-13 - Beach Boys playing New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 6-14 and 15 - The Kitchen Tour with hip-hop acts at Iowa City. Hanna and Zuzu go.
- 6-15 - F1 tornado.
- 6-15 - Stand Strong Stand Proud by Vice Squad released.
- 6-21 - End of the world according to a Los Angeles Times as from Benjamin Creme. Pat Robertson predicted 1982 as the end in 1976. The Vaudeville had an End of the World Party with local bands.
- 6-22 - Black Flag/Saccharine Trust at The Krent-Sherman. Henry Rollins offer her two back stage passes. Gives them to Snotty and Hanna.
- 6-22 - Bonnie Raitt at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 6-25 - Bladerunner opens. Joe goes nuts over it. Starts dressing like Deckard. Drives everyone crazy?
- 6-25 - The Thing opens.
- 6-27 or 28 - Jimmy Buffett at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 7-3 - Movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opens. Hanna tries to sneak out to see it while Joe is going sci fi crazy? Dreams or daydreams gang in the early, wild, rebellious, drug-taking, hard drinking days of country music?
- 7-4 - Not sure what, but want to do something with punk vs patriotism
- 7-5 and 7 - Asia playing in Omaha.
- 7-9 - Tron opens.
- 7-12 - Elton John at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 7-13 to 25 - Annie at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 7-16 - Billy Idol by Billy Idol released.
- 7-30 or 8-1 - Wall of Voodoo at The Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 7-31 - Genesis at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 8-1 or 3 - X at The Krent-Sherman Theater. Visit Andie in Harry's. (In Minneapolis 8-2.)
- 8/2 to 15 - A Chorus Line at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 8-3 or 5 - Loretta Lynn at The Holly. (8-4 at Ionia County Fair, MI)
- 8-4 - Van Halen at Windsor Auditorium.
- 8-6 - Elvis Costello at ISU.
- 8-6 - Kool & the Gang at The Holly.
- 8-8 - John Denver at the Holly.
- 8-10 - Grateful Dead at ISU.
- 8-12 - Doobie Brothers at Windsor Auditorium.
- 8-12 - Clash at ISU. Stops by the Vaudeville during the day. Friends with Andi from when played Vaudeville before famous. (In Minneapolis 8-11 and Chicago 8-13.)
- 8-13 - Fast times at Ridgemont high. And Sep, Square Pegs start. Flashback story to the gang's high school days in late 70s as each found punk and what it meant for them? Joe and Snotty introduced by Joe's older brother.
- 8-13, 15, or 18 - Kurtis Blow at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 8-14 - Ted Nugent at ISU.
- 8-16 - Queen at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 8-24 - Chronic Town by R.E.M. released.
- 8-25 - Olivia Newton-John at ISU.
- 8-26 - Dolly Parton in New London. (In KC on 8-24. In Ilinois 8-28.)
- 8-30 - Band Cameo at Windsor Auditorium.
- 8-30 - Crosby, Stills, and Nash in Omaha.
- Sep - Square Pegs tv show
- 9-1 - Social Distortion at New London's Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 9-3 to 5 - US Festival. The whole gang goes?
- 9-4 - Milo Goes to College by Descendents released.
- 9-5 - Johnny Gosch goes missing. Maybe switch it to New London and their paperboy?
- 9-8 - Rush at the New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 9-9 - The Gap Band at New London Center of the Performing Arts.
- 9-10 - Black Flag in New London at Hoyt Sherman. (9-7 to 9 in IL and NE.)
- 9-15 - REO Speedwagon at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 9-16 - Violent Femmes play at The Vaudeville. (In Minneapolis 9-15.)
- 9-18 to 19 - Rosh Hashanah 5743. Jewish New Year. Snotty treats it like Gregorian New Year! Countdown before sunset and drinking! And blows an animal horn.
- 9-21 - R.E.M./Charlie Burton & The Cutouts at restaurant Drumstick with no stage in Lincoln, NE, but other punk acts played.
- 9-22 - Steve Miller Band at New London Center for the Performing Arts.
- 9-25 to 26 - Erev Yom Kippur. Eve of Yom Kippur. Sunset to sunset. Supposed to ask for forgiveness. If anyone expects forgiveness from Snotty, he usually tells them to fuck off.
- 9-26 to 27 - Yom Kippur. Day of Atonement. Sunset to sunset. Snotty eats a big meal before going to parents because he has to fast at home. Refuses to take Sandra.
- 9-27 - R.E.M./Gang of Four at Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 9-30 - The Who / The Clash / Eddie Money in Detroit. Snotty volunteers to come along, but grumbles whole way about this "dinosaur sellout band and how The Clash is heading there" even though he kinda likes The Who and the show.
- Oct - Dead Kennedys, Plastic Surgery Disasters released.
- 10-9 - Band Chicago at ISU.
- 10-10 - Creepshow
- 10-15 - Cedar Falls. Who "farewell" tour. Joe and Fanny go. 10-21 - Oh No! It's Devo! released. Joe's extreme disappointment. Pretends to like it?
- 10-25 - Fleetwood Mac in Cedar Falls.
- Nov/Dec - Unemployment at 10.8%. one character loses job? One of their parents loses job? Snotty or Zuzu's dad loses job?
- 11-3 (Minneapolis) / 11-6 (Detroit) / 11-7 (East Lansing, MI) / 11-9 (Cleveland) - Devo live. Joe thinking of not going. Dragged to all shows by Devo-tees (Devo lover group in New London)?
- 11-5 - Madness, The Rise & Fall / A Kiss in the Dreamhouse released by Siouxsie and the Banshees
- 11-9 - Numan at Krent-Sherman Theater. (In Chicago 11-8.)
- 11-9 - Clash on Saturday Night Live. Flashback to Fear and earlier punk/alternative acts on Saturday Night Live - Devo, Bowie with Klaus Nomi, Elvis Costello famously changing songs, Specials?
- 11-11 F0 tornado
- 11-17 - Life Day. Joe has VHS of Start Wars Holiday Special.
- 11-18, 19, or 24 - Wall of Voodoo at Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 11-25 - Each character's Thanksgiving at home. Snotty and Sandra go to one or the other's parents? Minneapolis fire? One has Thanksgiving there with relatives? Have similar fire for New London? Hurricane Iwa in Hawaii? Relative or side character vacationing?
- 11-25 to 27 - Jamaica World Music Festival
- 11-27 - Rock Super Bowl in Orlando, FL, with Who, Joan Jett, and B-52's.
- 11-30 (Houston) / 12-1 (Dallas) / 12-2 (Austin) / 12-3 Oklahoma City / 12-5 (Tulsa) - Devo live. Joe thinking of not going. Dragged to all shows by Devo-tees (Devo lover group in New London)?
- Quincy (12-1-82) and Chips (1-31-82) and CPO Sharkey (3-24-78) punk episodes. Maybe a dream? Dream they're in the episode? Death at club? Band called Coroner's Office whose told they have a good band. Punk version of Celebration at the end by Latino punk band.
- Dec - midwest floods, record highs in the 60s
- 12-8 - Ghandi movie. Tsepo complains about and refuses to see movie about racist Ghandi? Discuss Ghand's racist views in apartheid South Africa?
- 12-10 - Bauhaus in New London at Krent-Sherman Theater. Zuzu misses it for Tsepo?
- 12-10 – The South African Defence Force stages a pre-dawn raid on houses inhabited by African National Congress in Maseru, Lesotho. Kills Tsepo's husband? Hear about raid and husband's death.
- 12-13 or 14 - Sonic Youth/Swans in Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 12-17 - Dark Crystal
- 12-24 - F4 tornado in AK/MO
- 12-25 - 58F. Snotty in shorts and t-shirt. Gang decides to skip Christmas with families and instead hangs out together. Goes terribly wrong? Sorta like Christmas Vacation? Floods and Christmas Eve tornado part of that?
- 12-28 - 10 inches of snow. "You had to ask for some real Christmas snow? Well, a few days late, but you got it! Give me back my spring weather!" / Miami race riot. Power goes out at black friend's place? Watch riot at their place.
- 12-30 - Cramps at The Krent-Sherman Theater.
- 12-31 - Some kind of wrap up at NYE punk show with local bands at club. Most characters there. Bob's ska band, Lipstick Homicide, Hollowmen, Rugged Individualists, and Okay Mom! playing. Fanny kisses Joe at midnight to his surprise? Snotty and Sandra kissing. Maybe making up after a fight? Hanna and Zuzu hidden outside kissing. Show midnight at other character's places. Gary and Mrs C give each other toast at rental shop with Goyangi on Gary's lap. Tsepo asleep while boys celebrating. Devo lying close to Tchulu and she's looking tolerant. Officer Parker letting some kids go.

