Past Interviews
back in the 1970's decided to break the rules of society. They rallied together under the banner of the punk movement. Many of them are no longer with us. This page is dedicated to their memories. I am sending out e-mail interviews to women who were actively involved in the late seventies L.A. punk scene. Everyone gets the same eight questions. No space or time limitations. Since I think that women's voices have already been over-edited by others, I reserve the right to refuse to edit these women's responses. Instead, I intend to publish them in their entirety, raw and unexpurgated. LET THE WOMEN SPEAK! |
conducted May 2005 |
I first met Dawn Wirth through Terry Graham. She and Terry were going out and Terry used to sleep outside her house in his car. She was taking photography classes and we soon found out that she was a talented photographer who was enthusiastic about documenting the new scene by taking pictures of the bands. Dawn was also very involved in supporting the early scene bands. She used her photos to create promo items for the Weirdos and Mumps (see an example of Dawn's Weirdos flyers below). In the days before the internet, the only way unsigned bands could get their name out was through fan clubs and flyers. I reconnected with her through this website a few months ago. It is my honor to post a few of her photos, many of which have never been seen. We wanted to post more, but we were unable to get them in time to run alongside this interview. We hope to be able to post more of her work in the months ahead. Enjoy. |
| Dawn, in the seventies. |
| Dawn with Rudolph Valentino. Click on photo to see larger version. |
| Spazz Attack |
I was a U.S. (based) reporter for 2 fanzines in the U.K., White Stuff & one other one, I can’t remember the name of it. White Stuff was about Patti Smith. I would take what I could get my hands on and send it to Sandy Robertson. Patti thanked me once with a lovely "thank you" card. I also took photos of the bands performing and just being themselves, too. I had a really strict mom, who "had a tight leash on me," as Alice told me the other day. I was a kid from the San Fernando Valley. I was 16 when (the Hollywood scene) started (but I wouldn't have been involved) if it hadn’t been for my friend Diana Binczek, who had a car (and was willing to drive us)... We went to Hollywood a lot, we (used to go) to the Capitol Records swap meet. I met Darby (when he was still Paul/Bobby Pyn) and Terry Graham. I helped out with fan clubs for 2 bands, Weirdos & Mumps. I worked at Bomp Records on the weekend. 2. Which artist, band concert and/or show had the most impact on your life? David Bowie.
You supported your bands. Really, punk allowed you to be yourself, with no judgment to worry about. Everyone judges, even then, (but) punk gave you the energy and confidence to do anything. 4. What is the legacy of punk in your life? My photographs. I never stopped being a punk. You just have to modify sometimes to make the rent. It's kinda like Peter Pan, if you are punk you will never grow old. I am very proud of my photographs. That was a magical time. It was a fun time. Also, I have passed the love of photography to my daughter, Sarah. 5. What are you listening to now? Radio: Indie103.1, Steve Jones (Jonesy's Jukebox) Bands: Radiohead, Interpol, Kristian Hoffman, NIN, loads of others, but this what I am listening to now. 6. Do you have any funny or interesting stories to share? Seeing the Sex Pistols in SF in 1978, the roadie for the Weirdos got me & Pat Smear a warehouse to stay at. I had come up the day before the show. The warehouse had no bathroom to use. Pat pissed over the balcony and laughed as he did it, (laughing at the fact) that I couldn't because I was a girl. Going to see The Weirdos and The Screamers during December 1977, at the Masque. The bands took turns headlining. I came home the 2nd night with at least 100 bruises on my legs. My mom wouldn’t go back, but it was the last night, so I was smiling on the inside. Interviewing the Mumps for Sounds, a U.K. music paper. It was at the backstage area of the Whiskey. The one night at the Masque, when David Byrne came in and was standing next to me. Sitting with Brad Dunning to watch the Mumps open for Van Halen at the Whiskey and Russell Mael from Sparks was sitting next to Brad. He had such a nice smile. Nickey Beat always wanted his photo taken, he would always ask, "Do you have film in your camera? Good, take my picture" and he would start posing. When The Mumps would be in town, Lance Loud always had something nice to say to me. He made me feel special. There was one day I went after school to Trudie & Helen’s apartment, we all went with the Zeros into the Mayfair market, and I watched them shoplift food, so they could eat. Does anyone remember when Devo first came out to LA? They played the Whiskey for a month straight. If Diana & I had nothing to do, we would go and see them play. One night, the lead singer had his baby face on and jumped off and stood in front of Diana and sang his song. Diana (was frozen in place), it was like he had her mesmerized. 7. Are there any punk women from the early scene that you feel have not been been adequately recognized? Alice Bag and Trudie. 8. What is something we should know about you that we probably don't know? I am a single mom of a 17 yr old daughter. I have a bakery, called “bigmouthbakery.” I am working on a website so I can sell my brownies over the internet. I go grave hunting. I collect autographs of actors and musicians. I collect first edition books. I collect Nightmare Before Christmas toys. I also collect books and artwork of Gris Grimley, here is his website www.madcreator.com. I lived in London in 1978 for 5 months. I work in the entertainment business, processing payroll (this pays the rent). I have (dressed as) Fred Flintstone, Astro, Yogi Bear and Bingo of the Banana Splits. I wore costumes for Hanna-Barbera, this has also helped with the rent. Alice's note: Dawn's brownies are the best, especially the peanut butter brownies. I ate six in one day...OINK! |
| John Denney |
| Pat Smear and Nickey Beat at the Masque |
| Tomata du Plenty |
| Bobby Pyn |
| The Bags at Hollywood Memorial on the grave of Cecil B. DeMille |
| Tommy Gear |
| One of Dawn's Weirdos flyers, click on the picture to see a larger version. |
| Dawn and Alice reunited after 25 years. Photo by Sarah Wirth. |
| Dawn "the Kid's" Weird news. Grace, I didn't know you were the 5th cousin of King Tut!! Can I get free passes? Click on the picture to see a larger version. |
| Nickey Beat |