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D.O.A.: A Right of Passage

Directed by Lech Kowalski.
US/UK, 1981, digital video, color, 89 min.
Copy source: Revolt Cinema

The Sex Pistols' tour of the US in 1978 was a galvanizing event that broke up the band and brought the punk phenomenon to mainstream attention. Polish-American documentarian Lech Kowalski was a fledgling filmmaker when he tagged along on the tour, capturing action onstage and off with his 16mm camera – including the infamous "bed interview" with Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. The film captures the tension between Johnny Rotten and his bandmates – climaxing in the band's notorious final concert in San Francisco – and includes performances by bands like X-Ray Spex and Generation X, as well as entertaining interviews with concertgoers and shocked onlookers.

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