I have really been indulging in a lot of flicks, these past few days, but this all-too-brief documentary is one of the most moving I've seen. Nicky Turner seems like the loveliest guy in the world-beautiful wife, nice parents, happy children, Malibu home, and he is obviously a thoroughly likable, generous, kind-hearted spirit, in love with life. He is all gratitude, sincerity, sweetness, and smiles, still looks super cool.
He really has the magic. I never met him in real life, but I interviewed him like 20 years ago via e-mail when I first got on the Internet, and was totally awed by the interaction, because I am one of the world's most devoted fans of his unique and original Goth gang, Lords of The New Church.
This film brought me to tears-partly because I'm a parent and it just seemed so idyllic, him performing for an audience of his ardent Finnish fans and his loving family, and because I used to have an act not unlike Jyrki 69's, only we crapped out before we made records, which I have always regretted and saw as a big mistake. Jyrki is lead singer of 69 Eyes, who were Hanoi Rocks and Lords Of The New Church influenced, sleaze-punk revivalists, who kind of developed into an overpowering darkwave group and sold shit tons of records.
Jyrki always reminds me of myself at a certain age, same moves, similar vocal style, shares my appreciation of Nick's amazing legacy, and he understandably wanted to form a super group with rockabilly legend, Danny B. Harvey, so they called up a dude named Chopper Franklin from the rootsy death-punk band, Heathen Apostles, and somehow, wrangled a rare performance from the great Nicky Turner, after 30 years of retirement from rock'n'roll.
Nicky was a big part of the Lords Of The New Church's really distinctive sound with his exceptionally cool tribal jungle drums that distinguished them from all the other big haired eighties bands, along with the chanting monk backing vocals, Dave Tregunna's throbbing bass lines, Brian James' slashing guitar stylings, and the irreplaceable Stiv Bator's insightful social commentary, mewling stray cat-calls, and rebellious agitating.
They do a fine version of "Russian Roulette", and one just feels pangs of longing for the portions of the show we do not get to experience. The only problem with this wonderfully charming, refreshingly inspirational movie is that it is just too short. What a romantic rocknroll fairytale. Nick Turner, you are the coolest. Please make more music.
