Johnny Thunders Best

Okay, I've got a few tracks by the White Stripes and the Strokes on my iPod. But it drives me crazy that the true creators of the sound these pretenders are mining get almost no props. Isn't it a little crazy that these two manufactured bands have made more dough than the New York Dolls, MC5, Richard Hell, Stooges, and Patti Smith combined? Anyway, if you dig the faux NYC punk vibe, I've got a recommendation for what is actually a little-known classic record.

Run out and pick up a copy of So Alone by Johnny Thunders. For the unitiated, Thunders was the lead guitarist at age 17 for the New York Dolls and, along with David Johansen and the gang, cut two classic records before flaming out in the mid-70s. Hooked on heroin (which eventually took his life in a New Orleans flophouse), Thunders became the Godfather of the New York punk scene - playing regular gigs at Max's Kansas City and CBGB, and opening the infamous Sex Pistols UK tour with his band, The Heartbreakers.

Thunders created a signature guitar lick that he used on almost every song (you can hear the borrowed version of cuts of such diverse bands as Guns n Roses and the Strokes) - a slim version of an old Chuck Berry play that consists of bending the inside string of a simple two-string chord - and running it through some major clipping on the amplifier.

Johnny could be a terrific live act - or he might be semi-comatose. I remember having a semi-lucid discussion of Reggie Jackson with him over beers at the old Brooklyn rock factory Zappa's before a scorching set in 1979. But his habit always overshadowed his talent - in short, he was a cheaper Keith Richards.

With one huge exception. So Alone is a true rock classic, with guest performances by Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook, Patti Palladin and Paul Gray from The Damned, and a young Chrissie Hynde. From the hilarious and sneering London Boys to the touching You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory (which appeared over the closing Sopranos credits last year), this record never lets you rest. It's self-pitying, funny, and it never stops moving. One listen, and you'll know why the Strokes are such a pallid imitation.

Comments

[Fitz]

Finally, a topic where we are in violent agreement! So Alone is a classic and a must listen for anyone wishing to understand the roots of punk. If you're too lazy to run out and pick up the album, Amazon has it in stock (along with a number of other fine selections such as the New York Dolls.)

[brendan]

Three words:

Live at Max's

[Tom]

Well yeah
I just think SO has the legs - still sounds fresh to me. LAM would be a close second....especially the first 3-4 cuts - then it's very much a Johnny show, stoned banter, tuning, some slop and then back in - a great document to be sure! (Plus it rocks - they don't play like that anymore).

[Tom]

Fitz sent me someone's Amazon list of must-have protean punk CD's - it ain't a bad start:

Kick Out the Jams [LIVE] ~ MC5
The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust ~ David Bowie
The Stooges ~ Iggy & The Stooges
Raw Power ~ Iggy & The Stooges
Horses ~ Patti Smith
The New York Dolls ~ New York Dolls
L.A.M.F. ~ Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers
So Alone ~ Johnny Thunders
Live at Max's Kansas City '79 [LIVE] ~ Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers
Blank Generation ~ Richard Hell
Young Loud & Snotty ~ Dead Boys
We've Come for Your Children ~ Dead Boys
Ramones ~ Ramones
Catholic Boy ~ Jim Carroll Band
Damned Damned Damned ~ Damned
Machine Gun Etiquette ~ Damned
Clash ~ The Clash
London Calling ~ The Clash
Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols ~ Sex Pistols

Any additions out there?

[Doug]

I'm with you. So Alone is Thunders' best effort, although Live at Max's is a close 2d. Gotta recommend the CD version instead of the album, though,because of the extra cuts So Alone and Dead or Alive. Also, FYI, You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory was used a few years ago in the underrated Scorsesi/Nic Cage movie Bringing in the Dead.

[Fitz]

Who can forget (or even remember) the stirring acoustic version of "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" performed by Guitar Watson a few years ago at the Silicon Alley talent show! I still have tears in my eyes. (Of course, smoking was still allowed in clubs in those day.)

Anybody have a copy?

[tak8@aol.com]

So Alone will work better for the first listen, but Live at Max's, as a live album, captures more of what Thunders was about. He wasn't exactly a studio musician. The re-mixed LAMF is also a must-have, but not as good as the live album (which largely covers it), for the reasons already stated. A couple questions for senor Wazzon: you sure JT played "regular gigs" at CBGB? That's news to me. And Zappas in '79? I think the official record will show he played there in '81-'82 but not '79. I'm sure that, for a fact of such historical significance, an answer can easily be found.

[tak8@aol.com]

And oh yeah, on that list, any list that joins all the critics in putting London Calling ahead of Give 'em Enough Rope ain't worth squat.

[tak8@aol.com]

And one more thing: the Heartbreakers weren't gonna be "opening" for the Pistols or anyone else on the Anarchy tour, as Mr. Watson seems to be saying. You're lucky JT's too dead, and Waldo's too whatever he is these days, to tear your chest open for suggesting such a thing.

[Tom]

They did, in fact, open for the Pistols...they played first and got paid less - but yeah, they actually knew how to play.

As for my memory of the era, it's gotta come with a warning label!

I would recommend Legs McNeil's Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk - it's depressing, but it has the historic viewpoint.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0140266909/qid=1077906303/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-0321722-7411229?v=glance&s=books

[tak8@aol.com]

I read McNeil's book, which was pretty good, but I don't recall that they "opened". If you recall it, I'll defer, especially since I can't be bothered looking it up and my memory aint so good. But what about CBGB?

[Doug]

I would add the following to your list:

US -- Senders, Lyres/DMZ, Bad Brains, Dickies, Dictators, Dirty Looks, Nikki & the Corvettes, Neil Young (maybe he should be on the UK list).

UK -- Buzzcocks, Undertones (maybe they shouldn't be on a UK list), 999, Sham 69, X-Ray Spex, Chelsea, Saints, Radio Birdman.

I'm on the fence about Richard Hell.

[Tom]

Interesting - plus near relatives/ancestors:
Television
Elvis Costello
Talking Heads
Clash
Lou Reed/John Cale/Velvets

and let's not slight Voodoo Shoes!

[Tom]

CB's - I do not recall regular gigs - but it's certain he played there - might be wrong, but recall from McNeil's book that his first post-Dolls Thunders-Reverend Hell show was there...

[Jon Strande - Business Evolutionist]

Great post/topic!

I've got one to add: Hanoi Rocks. If you've not listened to them, you don't know what you're missing. Some of my favorites are:

- Back to Mystery City
- Self Destruction Blues
- Two Steps from the Move

And one of the greatest live albums of all times:

- All those wasted years: Live at the Marquee

Enjoy!

[Bennett Zucker]

Johnny Thunders and many others mentioned here are regulars in Little Steven's Sunday night rotations on Little Steven's Underground Garage(http://www.littlestevensundergroundgarage.com/contentspage.htm), which is available in many radio markets and online.

You'll also hear lots of Dave Clark 5 and Troggs and Psychedelic Lollipops and other real garage band music from the 60s. Check it out.

[DJ Mitchell]

Great article on Johnny! Johnny played Zappa's many times as The Heartbreakers, Thunders/Kramer Gang War & as Johnny Thunders. His shows were were always amazing and they were all packed.
He did play his 1st show there in 79 as Gang War.
-----
2004 Zappa's Rock Dance Club Reunion will held on
Saturday, June 12, 2004,at SOUTHPAW, 125 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY (718)230-0236.
Admission $10. Advance tickets avaliable www.spsounds.com . We are looking for Zappa's/Rock Palace Alumni from the late 70s & 80s (friends, fans,patrons & musicians). Check out the website www.zappasreunion.com.
Original Soundman Tommy Dean is the musicial director.

Appearing live (bands from the 70s & 80s)
The Brats, XDavis, Secret Steps, BRASS TRAX, The Rooms, Idle Chatter, The Rousers, Knowhere, The Penetrators, Styccato plus more to be announced!
DJ Mitchell will re-create the 70s & 80s scene. This is a huge reunion.
Spread the word...see ya June 12 at Southpaw.

[Thunders Fan]

Johnny Thunders is easily one of the best musicians ever. He was rowdy, twisted, but also sentimental and intelligent, which people always leave because the "junkie shchitck" is cooler, but to hell with that. Also, to add to the list...

7 Day Weekend- New York Dolls
Rock 'n' Roll- New York Dolls

[JSCACCIO]

JOHNNY IS THE GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER EVER! SAW HIM MANY TIMES DURING THE EARLY 80S UNDER A FEW DIFFERENT NAMES SUCH AS la COSA NOSTRA GANG WAR WITH WAYNE CRAMER ALSO AT THE PEPERMINT LOUNGE W/SYLVANE,DAVID JO, RICHARD HELL,. I WENT TO EVERY SHOW I COULD GET TO.HAVE A BUNCH OF HIS MUSIC ON RECORDS,TAPES,CDS.FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS MUSIC THE FIRST TIME I HEARD LIVE AT MAXS . PIRATE LOVE AND ONE TRACK MIND ARE THE BEST. LITTLE BIT FO WHORE AINT BAD EITHER.

[Jim Scotch]

Johnny thunders is easily the most influential guitarist of the Punk scene and was hands down the most talented guitar player around town. His efforts in The dolls were insane, his live contribution is pretty sweet, if you get your hands on Live in paris or red patent leather. his blues influence gave punk more of a swing feel, especially in songs like "i wanna be Loved" etc.. "Pirate Love" has got to be one of the most bAd ass tunes ever written. Johnny thunders was exellent but i would say when Jerry Nolan plays with Johnny, their playing is off the roof. LAMF and So alone were the best, but Johnny's acoustic "HURT ME," which was an upset for some fans, is a pure gem. Live at max's is great and Que Sera sera was not bad for a record put out in 1985. As for the dolls, the first two are great. I'm still trying to find the "Great Big Kiss" version from night of the livings dolls cassete. it was recorded during "Too Much Too Soon."

[Jay Brida]

shit, I'm way, way late to this Tom...

But if you're still out there, the proto-punk CD's you also must have, in addition to the list above:

The Saints -- (I'm) Stranded
The Saints -- Eternally Yours
The Ramones -- It's Alive

There are more, but that list needed these.

And if you haven't, get The Replacement's Sorry Ma...disc for the song about Johnny Thunders "Johnny's Gonna Die"...

Best.

[Gary Q]

I am proud to say that JT was my cousin. I never knew him but my dad knew him well, and even gave him a few lessons on the accordian. I have only recently discovered Johnny's music, as well as the dolls. I am amazed! What else is there to say. I feel lucky!

[Giaco]

Look and Link

[billmittler]

Great site, thought I'd send you this notice.
Date: June17, 2005
Contact: Tiina Wiles, Mo Arii
STAGEStheatre (714) 525-4484
Email: pressinfo@stagesentertainment.com

Johnny Thunders Lives in "So Alone"

Fullerton, CA--STAGEStheatre is proud to announce the return of the critically acclaimed post-punk musical,
“So Alone," written and directed by William Mittler. From the dirty reality that was New York in the 1970's and spanning two decades, "So Alone" follows former New York Doll Johnny Thunders' hard life, addiction, and most importantly, his music. From the pre-punk, glam of the New York Dolls and the hard, fast Heartbreakers, to a solo career that found him reuniting with early punk pioneers, "So Alone" brings the electricity, rage, drugs, sex, and attitude that was the life of Johnny Thunders.

"I've heard stories about Johnny passing out, rambling incoherently and walking off stage---not that night. And, in fact, not ever. His screaming guitar sang for me, sometimes louder than his vocals," said Mittler, who first saw Johnny Thunders in Hollywood, during the late 1980's. "The play is a celebration of Johnny's music, and a hard life that ended too soon."

Voted one of the "Top 10 Plays of 2000" by the Orange County Register, described as "...brought to stage with affection but no sugarcoating..." by the L.A. Times, and called "...a lesson in punk-rock 101...," by OC Weekly, "So Alone" features the music of the Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers, plus the New York Dolls, played live & loud. Mittler, and Musical Director Mitch Faris use two live bands, and nearly 20 actors to tell the story of guitar legend, Johnny Thunders.

“So Alone" tickets are $16.00, and runs the following dates and times:

Friday: July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: July 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, at 6:00 p.m.

Upcoming Productions include: "Death," a comedy by Woody Allen, running August 26 through September 24, 2005.

Since opening its doors in 1992, STAGEStheatre has produced over 200 productions, with over 50 directors, and more than 400 actors, putting their varied experience, skills, and interpretations on our stage. STAGEStheatre is, and will continue to be, dedicated to the development of the artist. STAGEStheatre is located at 400 E. Commonwealth in Downtown Fullerton (between Lemon and Balcom)

For more information or to make reservations please call (714) 525-4484.

####

[TC@LeatherPenguin]

If you ever listened to Johnny with the Heartbreakers (or Gang War, "Live at Max's" is the definition.
"Everybody give me a five."