Under the Big Black Sunexplores the nascent Los Angeles punk rock movement and its evolution to hardcore punk as it's never been told before. John Doe of the legendary band X and co-author Tom DeSavia have woven together an enthralling story of the legendary West Coast scene from 1977-1982 by enlisting the voices of people who were there. The book shares chapter-length tales from the authors along with personal essays from famous (and infamous) players in the scene. Through interstitial commentary, John Doe narrates this journey through the land of film noir sunshine, Hollywood back alleys, and suburban sprawl. Illustrated with 50 rare photos, this is the story of the art that was born under the big black sun.
John Doe, a founding member of groundbreaking punk band X, has recorded eight solo records and as an actor has appeared in over fifty films and television productions.
LA Weekly, 7/28/16“A collection of essays by a fraternity of key members of L.A.'s early punk scene between 1977 and 1982, before any of them experienced major-label interest and mainstream success…Stories of hardscrabble living, house parties and shambolic shows…Includes loads of photos and vintage gig fliers.”
Scanner Zine, 7/25/16“Each chapter works in its own right, focusing on a specialized area from each writer. As a collection, they create a comprehensive narrative that takes in all of those early LA legends…All of John Doe's pieces read like a noir film; his writing is incredibly stylized, panoramic and informative…This is the most complete and in-depth look at that initial LA Punk scene yet…Doe has collected a group of people who actually know how to write and write with flair…An informative and exciting book…It's deftly written, beautifully presented and makes the reader yearn for a time machine.”
Red Dirt Report, 7/25/16“[In]
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