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Argh Fuck Kill: The Story of the Dayglo Abortions
The DayGlo Abortions are perhaps the most misunderstood and maligned punk groups ever to exist. To this day, critics and naysayers are unable to see past the corrosive lyrics and explicit imagery to the true meaning beneath. Readers of this book, however, may be shocked to learn that below the nasty exterior and foul language, the DayGlo Abortions are much more concerned about the fate of humankind than anyone could have imagined. Defenders of the underdog and crusaders against injustice, the legendary band from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada have identified greed as being the single largest problem facing this world today. Survivors of a landmark obscenity trial, endless abuse from the musical press, and nonstop personal debauchery, the DayGlo Abortions remain undaunted after more than thirty years as the toughest, most outrageous punk group of all time.
251 pages
First published July 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 22, 2020
"Fuck the world if it can't take a joke"
Over the years, the Dayglo Abortions have remained my favorite band out of the original 80's punk/metal crossover style. Sure, the Cro-Mags may be better musicians, Cryptic Slaughter may have thrashed harder and faster, but the Dayglos had a bigger impact on my appreciation for offensive, absurd humor and satire. I have to admit that even though Feed Us a Fetus must be on my top 10 most played records of all time, I never really bothered to learn much about the band’s history; that is, until picking up this tome, which does a fine job of telling the story of these Canadian antiheroes in a fitting spirit of debauchery and mischief.
The writing is straightforward, interspersing the narrative with interview excerpts, followed by the author’s humorous remarks. You get a background on each of the Dayglos and the typical tales of a struggling band on the road; inebriation, drugs, violent shows and the occasional groupie. Some highlights include the tending of facial wounds with cocaine and duct tape, an interview mid-fellatio and finding out that The Cretin is a big Mahavishnu Orchestra fan.
The events surrounding the infamous trial over obscenity charges in 1988 are detailed around the middle of the book; after that it does start to feel repetitive, with the band going through multiple tours and lineup changes, but there are enough comic and tragic bits to keep the read entertaining.
Over the years, the Dayglo Abortions have remained my favorite band out of the original 80's punk/metal crossover style. Sure, the Cro-Mags may be better musicians, Cryptic Slaughter may have thrashed harder and faster, but the Dayglos had a bigger impact on my appreciation for offensive, absurd humor and satire. I have to admit that even though Feed Us a Fetus must be on my top 10 most played records of all time, I never really bothered to learn much about the band’s history; that is, until picking up this tome, which does a fine job of telling the story of these Canadian antiheroes in a fitting spirit of debauchery and mischief.
The writing is straightforward, interspersing the narrative with interview excerpts, followed by the author’s humorous remarks. You get a background on each of the Dayglos and the typical tales of a struggling band on the road; inebriation, drugs, violent shows and the occasional groupie. Some highlights include the tending of facial wounds with cocaine and duct tape, an interview mid-fellatio and finding out that The Cretin is a big Mahavishnu Orchestra fan.
The events surrounding the infamous trial over obscenity charges in 1988 are detailed around the middle of the book; after that it does start to feel repetitive, with the band going through multiple tours and lineup changes, but there are enough comic and tragic bits to keep the read entertaining.
November 10, 2012
The Dayglo Abortions are a band that I really liked since probably around 1986. Through that time, the band developed quite a reputation, quite a history, and there were lots of rumors and stories that I heard over the years, but nothing that I was ever in a position to verify. When this book came out, it was my opportunity to find out the true story behind the band.
Chris Walter took on quite a task in writing the book, but he succeeded admirably. He writes a very detailed account of the band's history, from the start right up to the time of the book's completion. Through extensive interviews with band members, friends and fans of the band, he is able to paint a portrait of the band is such a way that is was very easy for me to fall in the world of the Dayglo's and really better understand who the band was, where they came from, and the troubles and hardships they faced throughout their career.
For any fan of the band, this book is essential reading. If you like punk rock, or music biographies, this will be a fantastic read for you. Or if you are just curious and don't even know the band or the style of music, Chris Walter will provide you a very well written understanding of what it's all about. This book is so well written and such a great read that it doesn't matter if you are a fan or not, you will enjoy this book.
Chris Walter took on quite a task in writing the book, but he succeeded admirably. He writes a very detailed account of the band's history, from the start right up to the time of the book's completion. Through extensive interviews with band members, friends and fans of the band, he is able to paint a portrait of the band is such a way that is was very easy for me to fall in the world of the Dayglo's and really better understand who the band was, where they came from, and the troubles and hardships they faced throughout their career.
For any fan of the band, this book is essential reading. If you like punk rock, or music biographies, this will be a fantastic read for you. Or if you are just curious and don't even know the band or the style of music, Chris Walter will provide you a very well written understanding of what it's all about. This book is so well written and such a great read that it doesn't matter if you are a fan or not, you will enjoy this book.
May 22, 2012
For the most part, I enjoyed this sad/funny/horrifying/depressing/funny biography chronicling 30+ years of the madness that was/is the cult punk/metal/skater/crust band, the DayGlo Abortions. Unfortunately, and perhaps for obvious reasons, drummer, original member and only continuous member, Jesus Bonehead, apparently declined to participate... which leaves the story feeling somewhat incomplete. Also, I got the feeling that Chris Walter was, perhaps, a bit too close to his subject matter and therefore unable to restrain himself from interjecting unnecessary commentary along the way. Isn't that just like a punk rocker... never knowing when to shut up.
More on that later.
Still, it's a great testament to a very hard working (and partying) bunch of guys who managed to put out a lot of awesome music, play a heap of amazing shows, endure a lot of physical and mental punishment... all without killing themselves, each other, or the audience. So far.
More on that later.
Still, it's a great testament to a very hard working (and partying) bunch of guys who managed to put out a lot of awesome music, play a heap of amazing shows, endure a lot of physical and mental punishment... all without killing themselves, each other, or the audience. So far.
February 6, 2015
Might be more of a 3.5, but I rounded up. There were some stylistic tics that bothered me (can we PLEASE stop with the epithets?) but I mostly looked past it and enjoyed the look at the early Canadian punk scene and the many ridiculous antics of our antiheroes. Who the hell packs their wounds with cocaine and duct tape? Oh, right.
January 26, 2016
I like most of Chris Walter's writing but biography certainly is not his strong suit!
October 25, 2013
Little heavy on the cliches, but gets the stories down for anyone interested in the band.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews