From Gospel to Motown, Motor City is famed for its musical exports. Now, thanks to the documentary ‘Dope, Hookers and Pavement’ the hardcore punk scene can be added to the city’s musical output.
If you enjoyed the likes of Salad Days, Decline of Western Civilisation Pt 1, The Punk Singer et al but you’re itching for a new American punk documentary then you will love Dope, Hookers and Pavement: The Real and Imagined history of Detroit Hardcore.
The synopsis promises a “lively and unfiltered account of the early days of the Detroit hardcore punk scene, circa 1981-82, in the notorious Cass Corridor, arguably one of the worst neighbourhoods in the city at the time.”
The documentary features over 70 interviews with all the major figures in the scene including John Brannon (Negative Approach), Tesco Vee (Meatmen, Touch and Go Records), Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Dischord Records), pro skater Bill Danforth, scene kids, and members of the Necros, The Fix, Violent Apathy and Bored Youth. There’s also never seen before Super8 footage of infamous Detroit punk rock club The Freezer– a hub of the Detroit punk scene.
You can watch the film via the website, currently the cost of streaming is $10 USD:
There is also a book by Tony Rettmann called Why Be Something That You’re Not – Detroit Hardcore 1979 – 85. If you watch the film, you’ll be eligible for a discounted signed copy of Tony’s book.
Dope, Hookers and Pavement Socials
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I’m Molly Tie- I Love punk! I play drums (badly), write a lot about punk (not as badly) and I’m particularly interested in issues relating to women in the music scene.
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