Search - DEAD BOYS - Live at CBGB's 1977 on DVD

You don't know what punk rock is....

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 02/19/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Good
Live at CBGB'S 1977
If you want proof that the Dead Boys are snotty punk rockers look no further than their performance of the intense raucous that is "All This and More". Over-the-top frontman Stiv Bators is practically on fire as he delivers his vocals. Not only that, he takes bologna that's attached to his shirt, wipes his runny nose with it, and then eats it. It doesn't get more punk than that. Stiv's on stage antics make add to the raw energy that the rest of the band puts out. "Not Anymore" is a ballad of sorts that climaxes with an onslaught of power chord riffing, and Stiv pouring beer down his pants. Pure genius. Guitarist Cheetah Chrome adds tuneful bluesy riffs to Jimmy Zeros crushing punk riffs. What makes this particular DVD notable is the fact that nothing was edited or dubbed. You get all of the unintentional feedback, and you get footage of when the lighting system malfunctions. "Ain't Nothin' to Do" is an angry, teeth clenching anthem that works the crowd into a frenzy. Stiv caps it all off by convulsing on the floor as the rest of the group tears it up. Chugga-chugga riffing and an infectious riff dominate "High Tension Wire". The Dead Boys end things on a high, energetic note with the sonic riffing of "Search and Destroy".

Extras
There's an interview with the band that appears to have taken place before the show. You'll find out how they guys met when Stiv was moving in on one Cheetah's girls at the time, and how the band thinks how their destructiveness is misunderstood, among other things. The 1977 interview contrasts well with a current interview conducted with Cheetah Chrome. He talks about how back then his life was sleep, drugs, booze, girls, and music. He's looking a lot like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin these days. He goes a little into how the punk scene was back then, how the band's legacy lives on, and why there won't be a Dead Boys reunion (due to the passing of Stiv Bators in 1990). There's a throw away interview with their manger, that will most likely put you to sleep. He lacks any personality. An original seventies promo for the group is included, as well as a brief commentary by the director. There's a promotional clip for a band called the Steel Tips which I believe was the opening act for this performance. The band leader is a crazed lunatic, drenched in blood, that lights off a pack of firecrackers he has tucked in his t-shirt.

The Bad
I didn't like the way the corners of the picture were rounded off in black. It's like looking through a keyhole. The director threw in some really cheesy still motion and color changing shots that weren't really necessary.

The Verdict
The sound and picture are not as spectacular as today's live DVDs, but it is indicative of the technology of the time. As far as the performance goes, you don't know what punk rock is until you've experienced the Dead Boys.
"

Dead Boys Look Alive

James Shuba | Lancaster | 11/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was filmed by CBS for 60 minuetes in 1977. This is a Kool surprise for anyone that is into the New York scene of the 70,s. If nothing else this is great footage of the old pre-spray painted CBGBs. The Dead Boys though are great! They're playing is fast and loud. Stiv may be the ugliest human ever but he does a better Iggy than Iggy. This will make you miss rock n roll."

Like a breath of fresh Punk air

Tapebox | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So, Punk is as mainstream as it can be these days, with the MTV approved band-of-the-week sneering through a glossy image in a high-budget music video.

DEAD BOYS - Live at CBGB's 1977 is when Punk was dangerous and considered to be the enemy by mainstream music types. It's the real thing before the MTV got their hands on it and turned it into 'product'. You only think you know what Punk is if you were not around in 1977, especially after the Boys kick into Sonic Reducer after their intro and Stiv Bators attacks the microphone stand.

The footage here looks and sound great considering what we're used to from this era. The set is 29 minutes long and the bonus features are...

1977 interviews with the band
1977 promo (commercial)
New interviews with Cheetah Crome & Billy Kristal
1977 clip of show openers Steel Tips
Altenate angle for one song from behind the drums

Great stuff."

All This And More!!!!

Michael P. Laughlin | Verona, PA United States | 02/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The DVD looks and sounds great, considering that the footage was taken from old video camera equipment. The sound and picture may have suffered a bit in the aging and transfer process, but believe me, it will show you the Dead Boys to full effect, at their most obnoxious! Stiv Bators makes Joey Ramone seem downright cuddly, and Cheetah Chrome looks like a dazed thug with a guitar.

I also liked the interview segment with Cheetah, and I thought it was funny when he said that he didn't have much of a life back then. Hey, wait a minute, you were playing in one of the coolest bands in the world, at one of the coolest venues, in the coolest city, and you're telling me you didn't have much of a life? Go figure.

I also liked his answer to the quesiton about being intimidated by other bands. Of course, he said "---- no," but then he added, "Except for the Ramones. They could go on after us any time." Well spoken, Cheetah.

"