Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Rock Stars Honor Fallen 'Heroes' David Bowie And Lemmy At The Monty Bar
Nik Turner of Hawkwind talks about his experiences with the late Lemmy Kilmister at The Monty Bar. (Photo by Lina Lecaro/LAist)
()
A flamboyant fusion of black leather and glitter-drenched get-ups flooded the sidewalk in front of The Monty Bar in downtown L.A. Friday night for Pure Trash's "Heroes"—a star-packed tribute night honoring David Bowie and Lemmy Kilmister. Numerous events celebrating both departed icons have been held around town this week and last, especially for Bowie, but this one may have gathered the most epic array of music stars for an open-to-the-public event, all of whom shared music and memories throughout the evening. It was a capacity crowd all night.
Those lucky enough to get in were treated to a unique, somewhat surreal evening of talk and rock that melded emotive eulogy with raucous dance party. The line-up included: Nik Turner of Hawkwind, Danny Lohner of Nine Inch Nails, Clem Burke of Blondie, Jerry Casale of DEVO, Kevin Haskins of Bauhaus and Love And Rockets, Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle, Cevin Key of Skinny Puppy, Clint Mansell of Pop Will Eat Itself, Douglas Mccarthy of Nitzer Ebb, Wes Eisold of Cold Cave and Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, all of whom shared their recollections about Bowie and Lemmy's impact on their music and the music world as a whole.
()
Fans gather at The Monty Bar to hear tales of David Bowie and Lemmy Kilmister from fellow rock stars. (Photo by Lina Lecaro/LAist)
Bauhaus' Haskins recounted his experience on the set of Bowie's vampire thriller The Hunger, in which his band performed his glam classic, "Ziggy Stardust." A life-long fan, Haskins described the surreal moment the singer guided and advised his band on how to perform the song.
Support for LAist comes from
Casale and Burke also revealed Bowie's nurturing side. "DEVO would not exist without David Bowie," Casale explained and went on to recall how the Akron, Ohio band was discovered from a pile of cassette tapes that Iggy Pop and mentor Bowie listened to in hopes of unearthing new talent. DEVO became Bowie's favorite new band and he famously introduced them as such at their first ever New York gig, at Max's Kansas City. Casale played tracks from Diamond Dogs because, he said, that tour was in many ways a catalyst for DEVO's members to form the band, who all attended the same concert. Similarly, Blondie drummer Clem Burke said all of Blondie's members attended Bowie shows, and were heavily inspired prior to coming together.
Later-era artists such Lorner (NIN) and Key (Skinny Puppy) spoke of Bowie's outsider appeal, and how his various personas and lyrics made them feel like it was possible to express themselves musically, however they chose to do so. "If it wasn't for David Bowie there'd be no Skinny Puppy— there'd be no nothing. He's the guy who changed it all."
()
Wes Eisold of Cold Cave DJs at The Monty Bar. (Photo by Lina Lecaro/LAist)
Just when it seemed the night was going full-throttle Bowie, the procession of guests wound down (and got 'winded'up) by an elder statesmen of rock, Nik Turner of Hawkwind (Lemmy Killmister's best known band before Motörhead). Turner recalled his first meeting with the gruff rocker buying drugs, and how he asked him to be his bassist. Kilmister didn't play bass, but Turner told him he didn't know how to play his instruments either and that never stopped him. Lemmy of course, joined the space rock oufit, and went on to become known for his unique chord-driven bass playing style and their Kilmister-penned cut "Motorhead"—which went on to be the name of his next band.
"Heroes" was another stellar night at Pure Trash, the weekly DJ night promoted by Lethal Amounts Gallery a few spaces down from The Monty Bar. The club has showcased some big names in rock behind the decks and attracted big names as patrons (last night Gary Numan and The Smiths' Andy Rourke were in the house) and kicked off the new year with a (cherry-) banging New Year's Eve bash featuring The Runaways Cherrie Currie. Lethal Amount's Danny Fuentes told us, "With this night, I just went for it. I called everyone. Nobody was paid. People needed to share their feelings and process this loss with each other. It was a funeral for the fans in a way, and a lot rock stars happen to be fans." Fuentes added that he has more rockin' with icons and idols planned for the Friday night fete but said, "I really don't know how I can top this one."
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist