The Plasmatics were Middle America's worst nightmare, in living, lurid colour: Sodom and Gomorrah on the march. And unlike many other bands, they put the punk philosophy into action. It was one thing to deride rampant consumerism or police brutality; another thing entirely to blow up a Cadillac or police cruiser on stage. It was one thing to complain about the childishness of pop culture; it was another to smash a TV with a sledgehammer, or chainsaw a Les Paul in lieu of a guitar solo. Despite the fact that they were the biggest live attraction in New York, they scared the major record labels shitless. At a time when anyone equipped with a skinny tie and a Rickenbacker could cop a deal, the Plasmatics were treated like they were radioactive. "They were signing these bands, and the only way they could go out on the road was with 50 grand of tour support," Swenson says. "We were able to pay for ourselves and blow up automobiles." After a few self-financed EPs, the Plasmatics signed to stalwart English indie label Stiff Records. Their debut LP, New Hope For The Wretched, was supposed to have been overseen by veteran producer Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones, Blind Faith), but due to Miller's ongoing struggles with heroin, most of the heavy work was instead done by engineer Ed Stasium. Swenson: "[Miller] was a serious heroin addict. When he got his first advance he went over to 42nd Street and got a lot of pretty bad smack. Wes [Plasmatics guitarist Wes Beech] found him slumped over in the bathroom." Undeterred, Swenson and Stasium took the tapes to London for the final mix. With the record in the can, the Plasmatics began their assault on the rest of America.

Edited: 04/06/2023 at 10:31 AM by StirfryMcflurry

I saw The Plasmatics in Gainesville in 1980 . Wendy wearing only a leather thong and Metallic Star pasties over her nipples . Mandatory El Derado on stage that Wendy took a Chainsaw to first the windows and windshield , and then the doors ----glass and bits of metal and Blue Sparks flying every where ( Wendy with no eye protection whatsoever ! ) The Chainsaw got stuck in the 2nd door and she could not dislodge it . Still an epic performance . ***************

I was at that show too, JOE and it was epic. Praise Jah for the UF surf club back then. They always knew what was up with the cool bands coming to GNV back then - like RH Chili peppers, Fishbone, Wendy, B-52-s,Talking Heads, Flock of Seagulls and many more. And for the head's up about Oingo Boingo passin thru the state...WATTBA

Edited: 04/09/2023 at 05:47 PM by StirfryMcflurry

SMF : Way cool ! It is indeed a Small World , after all ! ( I remember she had originally planed on blowing up the Caddie on stage , but the city sent the Fire Marshal down there and nixed that idea ------ and that was a very smart move when you think about it , pretty Fucking nuts trying to do that at an INDOOR venue , so many things could have gone terribly wrong . From a purely business perspective , accidentally roasting your Fan base to death at a live gig, would all most certainty have a negative effect on any future Record and ticket sales . )

Edited: 04/11/2023 at 12:45 AM by JOESTRUMMER

I remember the hype and chatter a few weeks before the show. It was like...She's a rocker.... who blows up cars on stage Havn't heard of that before....WE'RE IN

Yes a very fashionable Woman who Blows up cars AND wears Clothespins on her nipples . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRpC3Ofyavg