Synopsis

Having first plunged the depths of LA’s gritty, late ‘70s punk scene, director Penelope Spheeris shines a bright light on the excesses and self-absorption of Southern California’s late ‘80s metal stars (and wannabes).

While we do have scenes with incongruously transplanted UK icons such as Ozzy Osbourne (trying vainly to cook breakfast while battling the shakes) and Motorhead’s Lemmy, the emphasis is on the Aqua Netted set: Faster Pussycat, Tuff, Vixen, et al. Many of the subjects are now (appropriately) long forgotten, but thanks to the magic of film, you can still marvel and cringe at their delusions of grandeur.

Best bit

It’s hard to pick with such a boatload, but in the taking-the-cake department it’s gotta go to W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes, who pours a bottle of vodka both in his mouth and on his head while lounging in his mother’s pool - with his mother looking on!

Metalness

See above!

Available?

It’s on VHS and/or an eBay page near you. Not rocking the old school? YouTube is once again your best friend…

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