In 1977, Chris Ashford kick-started the Los Angeles DIY punk scene when he released a 7” by a few friends who called themselves The Germs. Now, with his directorial debut, he pays homage to another set of friends and the music he found so inspirational almost forty years ago.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pogo chronicles the history of The Gears, four kids from Glassell Park, CA who created their own sound by blending Ramones attack with surf rock fun and rockabilly bravado. Through interviews with the band, rare archival footage, cartoons and insights from collaborators and fans (including Freddy Cannon, Mike Watt, GTO Miss Mercy and East LA artist Richard Duardo), their story unfolds in candid detail, documenting a group of guys drawn together by their love of music.
The film premieres in New York at Spectacle Theater (124 South 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY, 11249), Wednesday July 15, 10PM $5. The entire Gears discography will be available for sale in both CD and vinyl formats, including some out of print items, as well as jazz releases from Ashford’s new label, Wondercap Records. Here’s a teaser:
