Mos Def is currently teaming up with Roc-a-Fella records founder Damon Dash to bring us a documentary on Death, the mostly unknown, all-black punk band that formed in Detroit in 1971. The film is being directed by Coodie and Chike—who count Kanye West’s music video for “Through the Wire” among their credit— and has already begun shooting. Mr. Def, is understandably excited, saying in an interview with Filter, “these dudes were pre-Sex Pistols, pre-Bad Brains, pre-all that shit, and nobody knows them. I don’t understand how the whole world could forget them.” (via NME)

Back after 33 years of silence, Detroit scuzz-rock band Death is going to perform at this year’s Fun Fun Fun Festival in November. While they’ve been out of the public eye since the release of their single “Politicians in My Eyes” in 1976, Death did release an unfinished album left over from their earlier days, …For the Whole World to See, earlier this year. Since we last heard from them the band has shifted a bit. It still includes bassist/singer Bobby Hackney and drummer Dannis Hackney, but now it includes Bobbie Duncan on guitar (replacing David Hackney who died in 2000). Check them out at Fun Fun Fun Fest, because who knows how long it’ll be before we see them again.

[Photo by Jenny Lens]

There are few people who helped transform the New York City punk scene more than Joey Ramone. Even if only as an icon of New York in the late 70s, Joey helped define a generation of punks as well as a certain country and bluegrass club. So as we approach what would’ve been his 58th birthday tomorrow [May 19], it only makes sense that said bluegrass club — CBGB’s — would be hosting an online chat, featuring family and friends remembering the late Ramones frontman, today.
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