New Film Tells Story of Rock ’N’ Roll Magazine CREEM

Opening Fri 8/7

CREEM Magazine (1969-1989) called itself “America’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Magazine,” and while that wasn’t true in a literal sense, the Detroit-based monthly certain had a more freewheeling and accessible vibe, and less of the self-important attitude of handing down the canon from on high than Rolling Stone.

It published stream-of-consciousness screeds by the infamous Lester Bangs, as well as his adoring acolyte, Cleveland’s Peter Laughner. It launched the career of many a photographer due to its openness to publish any photo they could attach a snarky caption to. (It was the first out-of-town publication to publish the work of Cleveland photographers Anastasia Pantsios and Janet Macoska). And its founding editor Tony Reay surfaced briefly in Cleveland in June 1971, conned his way into becoming editor of Scene and in his one week there, nearly put the paper — celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — out of business.

We don’t know what will be in the new documentary about the publication but it’s sure to be wild and shamelessly tout the publication’s icon-smashing nature. It’s an official “Boy Howdy” production (“Boy Howdy” was its slogan), produced by JJ Kramer, son of CREEM co-founder Barry Kramer (who passed away in 1981) and CREEM writer/editor Jaan Uhelszki.

It becomes available for viewing Friday August 7. Go here. Or go through the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque and part of your ticket price will go to helping keep this independent film organization going.

 

 

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