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Nightclubbing: The Birth of Punk Rock in New York City

Until 11 August, 2022

at Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB

Nightclubbing is the first-ever documentary about the renowned New York City nightclub Max’s Kansas City (1965-1981) which made an indelible impact on the worlds of music, fashion, art, culture and the creation of the city’s punk rock scene.

As legendary singer and Max’s veteran Alice Cooper — who signed his contract with Warner Bros. Records at the club — says, ‘A million ideas were launched back there.’ He’s referring to Max’s Kansas City’s famous back room, where Andy Warhol held court, and artists, actors, filmmakers, models, writers, assorted criminals and countless musicians — from Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground to David Bowie and the New York Dolls — made an indelible mark on music and the world. Max’s was also an early safe haven for the city’s LGBTQ crowd including Candy Darling, Holly Woodlawn and Jackie Curtis, and presided over by transgender DJ Wayne/Jayne County.

Max’s is where David Bowie first met Iggy Pop — who ended up bloody and being taken to the hospital (by Alice Cooper) after a particularly lively performance. It’s where Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious played his last shows, backed by members of the New York Dolls and The Clash. It’s where Aerosmith and Bruce Springsteen were signed to Columbia Records by Clive Davis; where Bob Marley and the Wailers played their first American shows; where Debbie Harry waitressed; where the fledgling Beastie Boys first fought for their right to party; where Madonna first got an early taste of the city’s nightclub scene. Sex and drugs weren’t only commonplace in the bathrooms, but in the entire club.

With unique archival footage and exclusive interviews, the film features rare footage of Iggy & The Stooges, New York Dolls, Sid Vicious and Wayne/Jayne County as well as classic footage from Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers.

Nightclubbing will screen with a special bonus short film, Sid: The Final Curtain, a new exclusive short film documenting the final live performance of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious at Max’s Kansas City in September 1978, featuring live footage and exclusive interviews from those who witnessed it.

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