Time for another Rodriguez-esque Detroit success story: A documentary about the virtually unknown 70s Detroit punk band Death is getting ready to open for a limited engagement this month. The film tells the story of the trio, which is credited as "the first black punk group" and whose music pre-dated well known punk acts like the Ramones and Sex Pistols. The band, (three brothers - Bobby, David, and Dennis Hackney), was active from 1974 through 1977 and released only a 7 song demo and one 45 single before disbanding. Years later (2009) an old Death demo somehow resurfaced and started making the rounds, which led to the demo being re-released, this time as a full album titled ...For The Whole World To See. Death became active again (minus the late David Hackney), and just this weekend they performed at the Orion Festival on Belle Isle.
A Band Called Death will open for a limited engagement on June 28th. For more on A Band Called Death, visit the film's official site, read this weekend's piece in the Detroit Free Press (via Mr. Magoo). The film's official trailer and short interview with the band is posted below:
A Band Called Death (official trailer)