by Bill Pearis

As mentioned (and here and here and here), BAMcinemaFest is underway at BAM in Brooklyn (it runs through June 26th), and there's a couple worthy music docs playing this week that you should check out. Tonight (6/22) they're screening Last Days Here, about Pentagram frontman Bobby Leibling's struggles to beat drug addiction and return to the stage. When the movie opens, 50-something Leibling is in bad shape, living in the "sub-basement" of his aging parent's house. But through the help of fan and indie metal label employee Sean Pelletier, there might be hope for Leibling yet.

If that sounds like standard rock doc type stuff, it is, and those who follow metal coverage on BV at all you probably know how everything turns out but it's not really the point. Last Days Here a moving portrait of recovery and, yes, love -- and you can't help but get a little choked up at the end.

I could've used a little more backstory on Pentagram (for that this SPIN article is pretty good at filling in the blanks), and could've done without the (sparingly used) reenactment footage, but the film works on its own terms. Filmmakers Don Argott and Demian Fenton will answer questions after tonight's screening.

Tomorrow night (6/22), BAMcinemaFest hosts The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye which is definitely NOT you're run-of-the-mill rock doc. Filmed over seven years on 16mm, the film follows former Throbbing Gristle/Psychic TV leader Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and his partner Lady Jaye through their "Pandrogyne" project, where they sought to become two parts of the same person through body modification surgery. It is crazy, and amazing, and a genuinely touching portrait of real love. You won't forget it.

Director Marie Losier and Genesis will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A which should be pretty interesting and will then be followed by a performance from Thee Majesty, Genesis' current project.

Trailers below...

Continue reading "BAMcinemaFest continues, Pentagram & Genesis included"

photos by Zach Dilgard

"Last night, they played "New York Story" in honor of Lady Jaye, who died fairly recently. She was a member of the band and Gen's wife/collaborator. You could see the tears in Gen's eyes as s/he was singing it. The whole band had to take a moment and cry a bit after the song ended. The song and its accompanying video art always get to me. But this particular performance was the most touching and genuine moment I've ever experienced via live music.

And it was so cathartic. After the band, and the audience, paid tribute and got it out of their system...the rest of the show was pure joy." [Worship the Glitch]

Continue reading "Psychic TV @ Europa, Brooklyn, NY - pics"

Continue reading "Genesis P. Orridge announces Lady Jaye Memorial 3/8"

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and her reactivated Psychic TV aka PTV3 are terribly sad to announce the cancellation of their November North American tour dates. This decision is entirely due to the unexpected passing of band member Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge.

Lady Jaye died suddenly on Tuesday 9th October 2007 at home in Brooklyn, New York from a previously undiagnosed heart condition which is thought to have been connected with her long-term battle with stomach cancer. Lady Jaye collapsed and died in the arms of her heartbroken "other half" Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.

Continue reading "Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge of Psychic TV, RIP"