For what its worth my recollection.....As my fuzzy head subsides from the London premier of ‘Looking for Johnny’ and the subsequent after party at the Phoenix Artists Bar. (Last ones standing at chucking out time too!) Some time to reflect on the evening’s proceedings .... First off, the film - I think, given the budget, Danny did a really great job. It was happy, sad, uplifting and tragic in equal measures but sensitive and respectful of the truth, the man and the legend too, rather than just being sensation seeking, voyeuristic and scurrilous. Some cool footage too – I wished there was more - didn’t we all, and importantly those interviewed had a real connection with Johnny which for films of this genre is pretty rare (usually the same C grade celebs who never met/knew/saw/heard or bought the records but were included to appeal to today’s market and make themselves look hip). Some top quotes too and done with love, LUV and a good spoon full of humour to help the medicine of Johnnys ultimate demise go down... unlike the other Thunders movie I could mention! Shame David Johansen, Patti Palladin, Wayne Kramer, Tony James and a few more of Johnny’s peers from different era’s of his career were MIA, but otherwise my only criticism would be that the ratio of Johnnys drug use quotes was way higher (no pun intended) than those celebrating his unique talent and his undeniable (positive) influence and contribution to rock and roll and popular culture; not to mention THAT SOUND and the fact that he invented his own style genre! History shows a lot of bands made a lot of money ripping Johnny and co off wholesale and diluting his essence for mass public consumption since the Dolls exploded on the scene. To return to the evening, with a few exceptions the woodwork was well and truly deserted for a full house and a fantastic turn out of the good, the bad, the great and the unwanted! I don’t think I’ve ever been in one building where I knew so many people - Shame the Q and A session didn’t happen, but lovely to see Nina Antonia and Alan from Jungle Records looking happy and getting the attention they deserved for services rendered over the decades, and I enjoyed catching up with dear friends and acquaintances old, new and some presumed missing outside the cinema before and after and later at the Phoenix! (not named to protect the innocent and guilty!) Couldn’t end this without a big thanks to Phyllis and everyone involved in this venture, be you contributor, investor, friend, fan, curious bystander or nay sayer. The legacy of Johnny Thunders lives on for us to remember and for new generations to discover and embrace. They don’t make em like that anymore. Viva Genzale!
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 09:43:51 +0000