man stage diving at concertA Jan. 28 discussion of Windsor’s early punk scene will help to launch the Blu-ray disc of a documentary on Detroit hardcore.

Event to dive into mosh pit of local punk history

In the late 1970s, a worldwide movement inspired an efflorescence of musical creativity in Windsor, according to Martin Deck (BA 1986).

“What led to the birth of punk rock was that people realized they didn’t have to be particularly good musicians to produce great songs,” says Deck, an assistant in access services in the Leddy Library. “We were making our own fun.”

He will moderate “The Secret History of Windsor Punk,” a discussion of the early scene on Sunday, Jan. 28, as part of a release party for the Blu-ray disc of the documentary Dope, Hookers and Pavement: The Real and Imagined History of Detroit Hardcore.

The film, produced and directed by Otto Buj, includes material on Windsor’s Coronation Tavern, a centre of the city’s punk culture. The package offered for sale Sunday will boast Blu-ray and DVD formats with video extras, a hardboard folder, and 20-page full-colour book, for $45.

“I especially like the title ‘real and imagined history’ because Otto interviews people with varying recollections of events,” Deck says.

The film will enjoy its first public screening in Windsor on Sunday at 5 p.m., followed by the oral history panel at 7 p.m., which will feature Buj, Kevin Shannon (BA 1996, LLB 1999) of the Dry Heaves, Dale D’Amore of the Spy’s, Mike Fortier of Tumurs, Gil Gouthro of D.O.S., and Dave Hanna of the Ramrods.

“I am hoping that people come and tell stories I never heard before — and maybe even spark some memories of my own,” says Deck.

To close the evening, Trevor Malcolm will perform for just the second time D.O.S. Overture, his piano treatment of the local band’s biggest hits.

The entire event is free and open to all ages at the Meteor lounge, 138 University Ave. West. Find more details on the Facebook event page.

Deck adds one more incentive: all televisions in the lounge will be turned to the Detroit Lions game, so fans of music and football can enjoy both.