Back in June 1978, The Cramps traveled across the country to play a free gig at California's Napa State Mental Hospital. The show was captured in beautiful black and white video. The only thing crazier than the audience was the band. The line-up includes Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox. Watch the concert after the jump.
This show feels like punk rock's version of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison concert or Elvis Presley's 1968 Comeback Special. It has that air of importance and infamy.
I love Lux's nod to the audience, "Somebody told me you people are crazy, but I'm not so sure about that. You seem to be alright with me." I saw The Cramps many times in concert and Lux seemed to love all of his audiences. He was one of the greatest performers I've ever seen. He was funny, wild and dangerous. He gave the audience everything he had, and he still had more energy than anyone else by the end of the show.
Lux passed away in February 2009. He will always be remembered as a rock and roll legend, a punk rock pioneer and he will be sorely missed.
Thanks to marlanembutol for the YouTube post.
1 comment:
I think the band might have spent some time there previously :) That was brilliant!
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