The L.A. music scene has ebbed and flowed over the years, with its historical high points producing countless punk, metal and pop pioneers and chart-toppers. But there was one particular period that may never be rivaled, at least in terms of alternative music and how it changed the industry. The mid 80s through early 90s was an important time for L.A. nightlife and for the music that made it come alive, with three bands in particular emerging from the hedonistic heap: Guns N' Roses, Jane’s Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Not only did these bands break out of the local underground into the worldwide mainstream (despite the depravity, drug usage and drama that encircled them), but all are still here, selling out stadiums, getting radio play and attracting new generations of fans.
What was happening in L.A. at the time that inspired them? The documentary Scenesters: Music, Mayhem & Melrose Ave. (1985-90) — showing this Sunday at Beyond Baroque as part of Taquila Mockingbird’s screening series for The Punk Rock Museum — explores that question through interviews with the people who were there: playing in, going to and throwing parties at clubs like Scream, Raji’s and Cathouse. In addition, the film (which is also streaming on Amazon Prime) shows what life was like for the neo-glam, rock and goth “scenesters” outside of the clubs. It delves into the daytime realness of their lives with insightful focus on trendy Melrose Avenue – where music-lovers cruised and congregated to buy the coolest clothes, shoes and records, often sold to them by the hot rockers they had seen on stage the night before.
Not only did these bands break out of the local underground into the worldwide mainstream (despite the depravity, drug usage and drama that encircled them), but all are still here, selling out stadiums, getting radio play and attracting new generations of fans.
