click to enlarge Courtesy of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque
The Sex Pistols began their first tour of the States some 40 years ago. After seven shows, that tour would be the last to feature the original lineup, and the band would call it quits.
Gonzo filmmaker Lech Kowalski shot footage of many of the gigs for his documentary,
D.O.A.: A Right of Passage. After capturing the band live, he then flew to England and interviewed bassist Sid Vicious and filmed punk bands such as Generation X and Sham 69. He also shot footage of Cleveland heroes Stiv Bators and the Dead Boys.
Vicious and the movie’s financier died before Kowalski could complete the film to his satisfaction. Despite that, the movie had its premiere in 1981 at the Waverly Theater in Greenwich Village and has become an underground classic despite being out of circulation.
Last year, MVD Entertainment Group issued a new digital restoration of the film.
At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque will screen that new digital restoration in Cleveland for the very first time. Tickets are $10, $7 for Cinematheque members and students.