2012
Before There Was Punk There Was A Band Called Death
(1hr 36 min)
Info: This captivating documentary tells the story of three teenage brothers from Detroit who founded the first black punk band in the early 1970s.
Directed by Jeff Howlett and Mark Christopher Covino
Cast
David Hackney (rip), Bobby Hackney, Dannis Hackney, Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins, Kid Rock, Jello Biafra and more.
I was able to stream this documentary on Netflix but it is also available on DVD.
Alice Cooper only appears in the beginning for about 2 or 3 minutes of this documentary.
Alice Cooper only appears in the beginning for about 2 or 3 minutes of this documentary.
But if you are into early punk and rock n roll with an amazing story of these three brothers against all odds in the music field this is for you.
Documentary starts out from a Howard Stern Radio Show talking about this band called Death. Three black brothers David, Bobby and Dannis Hackney from Detroit forming one of the first Punk style band in 1973 way before Punk, Ramones, etc...
Never got their fame until now finally getting the recognition they deserve. David the leader never wavered from his belief that Death was the name and would never bend to others. Even when Clive Davis offered them $20,000 contract only if they change the name. David was spiritual at times reminded me of Marc Bolan, Jimi Hendrix or Morrison always believing in something more powerful than what is on earth.
They got into The Who and Alice Cooper. David Hackney was inspired to play like Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix.
By getting many rejections and dirty looks on the band name Death they moved to Vermont by 1980 then changed it to The 4th Movement with religious overtones. Still not getting good reviews David went back to Detroit with his wife he met in Vermont. Meantime Bobby and Dannis stayed and formed a band called LambsBread that was more reggae. By 2000 David died from lung cancer. Before his death he gave his borther all of the Death tapes saying someday people will be looking for these tapes. Bobby’s son started hearing Death being played at underground parties when he informed his father the wheels starting turning and more people got invovled in this band called Death.
After 35 years Death reformed with Bobbie Duncan filling in for David now playing gigs.
The original 7 tracks are available on amazon.
It is available to stream on Netflix. If looking for some Alice clips just watch the opening of this film but you will lose out on an amazing band that was looked over for 35 years.
