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Revenge of the Mekons

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Overview

Revenge of the Mekons charts the unlikely career of the genre-defying collective notorious for being—as rock critic Greil Marcus notes—“the band that took punk ideology most seriously.” Born out of the 1977 British punk scene, the Mekons progressed from a group of socialist art students with no musical skills to the prolific, raucous progeny of Hank Williams. Joe Angio’s exuberant documentary follows their improbable history – a surprising and influential embrace of folk and country music; forays into the art world (collaborations with Vito Acconci and Kathy Acker); and consistent bad luck with major record labels. Among the celebrated fans who appear on screen to testify to the power of their music and artistic innovations are authors Jonathan Franzen (The Corrections) and Luc Sante (Low Life), musician/actor Will Oldham, film director Mary Harron (I SHOT ANDY WARHOL), comedian/ musician Fred Armisen (Portlandia), and critic Greil Marcus (Mystery Train). Revenge of the Mekons reveals how, four decades into an ever-evolving career, punk’s reigning contrarians continue to make bold, unpredictable music while staying true to the punk ethos.

Reactions, Awards & Festivals

“The Mekons are the most revolutionary group in the history of rock ’n’ roll.”

Lester Bangs

Legendary Music Critic

“An exemplary documentary about an exemplary band.”

Andrew Schenker

Slant Magazine

“A buoyant exploration of the musicians’ devotion to their art and each other.”

Frank Scheck

The Hollywood Reporter

Official Selection DOC NYC Film Festival 2013

Official Selection Cucalorus Film Festival 2013

Official Selection Leeds International Film Festival 2013

Cast & Crew
  • Himself : Fred Armisen
  • Himself : Jonathan Franzen
  • Himself : Will Oldham
  • Himself : Greil Marcus
  • Herself : Mary Harron
  • Himself : Vito Acconci
  • Himself : Craig Finn
  • Himself : Luc Sante
  • The Mekons : Rico Bell, Sarah Corina, Lu Edmonds, Steve Goulding, Tom Greenhalgh, Susie Honeyman, Jon Langford, Sally Timms
  • Former Mekons : Ros Allen, Andy Corrigan, Kevin Lycett, Dick Taylor, Mark "Chalkie" White, Robert Worby
  • Director : Joe Angio
  • Producers : Joe Angio, Jessica Wolfson, Jim Hardison, Jefferson Holt, Marcus Widenor
  • Cinematographers : Joe Angio, Jean-Louis Schuller
  • Editor : Jane Rizzo
  • Music : The Mekons
Technical Info
  • Production Year : 2014
  • Release Date : October 29, 2014
  • Countries of Production : USA
  • Languages : English
  • Running Time : 96 minutes
  • Screen Ratio : 1.85:1
  • Sound : 5.1 Surround
  • Color : Color
  • Rating : Not Rated
DVD/Blu-Ray Special Features

Concert at Bell House in Brooklyn, NY

The Columbia Mekons Symposium
Outtakes featuring Will Oldham, Mark Kemp, and Sarah Corina

Poster Gallery

“Punk is Still Relevant” Discussion