Plasmatics - Live! Rod Swenson's Lost Tapes 1978-81

Loved it great restoration on all footage

I counted the days to May 19th 2017. And when that day finally arrived, I rushed home from work and there was the package I've been waiting for. Thank you Rod Swenson, from the bottom of my heart!!!The Plasmatics were one of the most exciting live bands I've had the pleasure of seeing perform. Visually incredible, flawless. Musically, I dug everything up until they split up and Wendy went solo. Don't get me wrong, I love Wendy and stuck with her through it all (yeah, even the rap record) but for me nothing compared to the Plasmatics (Wendy, Richie, Wes, Jean, Stu, Junior, Joey, TC).Many hardcore fans knew footage existed, but couldn't understand why none has seen the light of day. I remember cameras at the second Pier show, so when I read this DVD was being released AND it included performances from that Pier show, I was extremely psyched. Finally!!!To my knowledge, all of the footage on this DVD has never been seen. Let me take that back, it's possible a few short segments from the Pier show were used in the documentary, but that's about it.All of the footage on this DVD is absolutely fantastic. I only wish there was more (and we all know there is more). The 63 mins goes by in a flash and leaves you with a hunger for more. The Long Island footage is absolutely amazing. I'm pretty sure Wendy's intro to Squirm is what was used on New Hope, it sure sounds close. The early CB's footage is unreal. The Cali and Pier footage is just WOW! The audio on the Bonds footage isn't great, but it honestly doesn't matter. It's so good, you forgive any flaws. The Monkey Suit video is very, very cool to see.On the production side, the editing is pretty sloppy. However, it doesn't matter when the material is so mindblowingly special.I hope Rod feels the positive response this DVD is receiving and feeds the fans more, and soon! Is this just volume one? Man, I hope so.For anyone who doesn't already own this DVD, do yourself a favor and experience the greatness that was the incredible Plasmatics.Thank YOU Rod!PS Don't leave us hanging too long. We'd love us some more Plasmatics!!!!

I only saw one Plasmatics show. I was with my band the SPOILER at Union Square NYC in 1980 and thought the show was over as the fans were leaving in droves. We got in free as people gladly gave us their ticket stubs. We entered to a deafening roar of feedback reminiscent of the Velvet Underground. Wendy was posturing as the band continued to shriek out before an empty hall. We 'got' it and stayed to the end of the 'show'. We were actually just hanging out at the bar as there was no music to appreciate."Plasmatics - Live" is easier to listen to. You can hear Wendy's lyrics and realize the skill and ability of Richie Stotts on guitar. Chosei Funahara (bass) and Stu Deutsch (drums) provide a rock-solid foundation (pun intended). Wendy's shocktop Mohawk and black-taped nipples give her a paradoxical unisex image, and even when she loses a piece of tape it doesn't create the 'porn rock' derided by their critics. This is a tight, energetic band whose songs on their debut album justified their legacy.Unfortunately this was obfuscated by their rep as a softcore porn band reliant on their chainsaw gimmick and exploding cars onstage. Wendy's pole dancing antics detracted from her routine. It's hard not to put this on Rod Swenson. They (the original lineup) had the skill and repertoire ("Sometimes I", "Butcher Baby", "P.S.Y.C.H.O.") to have ended up as much more than a gimmick band. For punk, hardcore and grunge fans, this is a worthy addition to your video collection.

Whether you are a hardcore fan or just casually interested in The Plasmatics, this DVD is a must-own! Seeing The Plasmatics performing "Black Leather Monster" on Solid Gold blew my mind back in the day and I was instantly fascinated with all things Wendy O. Williams. I was lucky enough to see the band tour with KISS in 1983 and horrified at Wendy's suicide in 1998. Fortunately her legacy will live on thanks to this incredible DVD of raw concert footage when the band was at their best. The band's entire presentation is like no other's. It is so in your face and unapologetic. So entertaining and mind blowing. Regardless of what one thinks of the music or the stage show, one thing is for sure, you will never forget watching The Plasmatics perform. All their most memorable songs are here - "Monkey Suit" (including photo session footage for their first album), "Summer Nite", "Butcher Baby", "Living Dead", "Sex Junkie", and so much more. I can't recommend this enough to the already loyal fans and to the curious. And I can't thank Rod Swenson enough for getting this out to the public. In this day and age of disposable, white washed pop stars, a band like The Plasmatics could really come in handy right now. This is real hardcore punk rock & roll at its finest!

Pretty darn good video considering the sound and video equipment that had to be used back in the day, not to mention the bouncy, loud, dark, and cramped venues it was all shot in! Nicely edited, too, including the sound. Not a slick commercial production like say, MTV, but that's the best part- the difference between a live performance and watching it on TV. Wish I'd had a chance to see Wendy and the Plasmatics back in the day when they were in their heyday but couldn't afford the travel then - this is as close as you can get. Well, sure, you can go catch 'Bad Religion' or other bands now but the crowd dynamic is different and you can't get away with smashing a car or TV on stage today! In the video you can almost feel the sawdust fly off the guitars!

I did not dislike any thing maybe it could have been longer

aber ansonsten lieblos zusammen gestellte DVD mit Videoclips minderer Qualität

" Collector " , ce DVD des PLASMATICS ! , il inclut 15 " morceaux Live " du groupe , pour la plupart connus ( mais cependant ,devenus " rares " !) , et un titre "studio" en extra ! ( Monkey suit ). La qualité audio / vidéo est "d'époque " mais , relativement " correcte " ! C 'est avec un réel plaisir , que j'ai regardé ce DVD des PLASMATICS , ce groupe si " particulier " et "original " ( à tout points de vue ! ) , mené par fe Wendy O' WILLIAMS ! Je vous conseille (vivement) de vous procurer ce DVD , si vous appréciez LES PLASMATICS !

Top à avoir absolument si on n’est fan

Plasmatic Story and Memories not the best pictures and sound but great documentary.