Mark Your Calendar: Texas Theatre's Got a Copy of Urgh! A Music War

Categories: DFW Music News

urgh-a-music-war.jpg
Klaus Nomi
If you have yet to see Urgh! A Music War, you're in for a treat, as Texas Theatre has obtained a rare 35mm copy, and will be screening it on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, with live performances from Peopleodian, George Quartz and Marriage Material.

If you have seen it, you'll likely agree there's not another concert film like it. Filmed in 1981 in London and Los Angeles and released in 1982, it collects some of the era's best punk and New Wave bands into one seamless reel, including highlights like Echo & the Bunnymen, Klaus Nomi, Dead Kennedys, Gary Numan, Au Pairs, X and a performance of Pere Ubu's "Birdies" that forecasts the sound of modern "indie" acts like Dirty Projectors with eerie precision. Also, the crowd shots in the film are priceless.

Just check out The Cramps' incendiary performance below, then go ahead and wonder why we don't get showmanship like that anymore. Lux Interior was an unmanned fire hose of id. In fact, many of the performances are so over-the-top (Gary Numan) or gloriously on point (Gang of Four) that you will be sad at the state of live music after watching it.



My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

From the Vault

 

Events

Dallas Event Tickets
©2013 Dallas Observer, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Dallas / Fort Worth

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city