Under the Big Black Sun

A Personal History of L.A. Punk

By: John Doe, Tom Desavia

Narrated by: Exene Cervenka, Henry Rollins, full cast

Under the Big Black Sun explores the nascent Los Angeles punk rock movement and its evolution to hardcore punk as it's never been told before. Authors John Doe and Tom DeSavia have woven together an enthralling story of the legendary West Coast scene from 1977 to 1982 by enlisting the voices of people who were there. The book shares chapter-length tales from the authors along with personal essays from famous (and infamous) players in the scene. Additional authors include: Exene Cervenka (X), Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Mike Watt (The Minutemen), Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey (The Go-Go's), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Chris D. (Flesh Eaters), Jack Grisham (T.S.O.L.), Teresa Covarrubias (The Brat), and Robert Lopez (The Zeros, El Vez) as well as scenesters and journalists Pleasant Gehman, Kristine McKenna, and Chris Morris. Through interstitial commentary, John Doe "narrates" this journey through the land of film noir sunshine, Hollywood back alleys, and suburban sprawl - the place where he met his artistic counterparts, Exene, DJ Bonebrake, and Billy Zoom - and formed X, the band that became synonymous with and in many ways defined L.A. punk.

Under the Big Black Sun shares stories of friendship and love, ambition and feuds, grandiose dreams and cultural rage, all combined with the tattered, glossy sheen of pop culture weirdness that epitomized the operations of Hollywood's underbelly. Listeners will travel to the clubs that defined the scene as well as to the street corners, empty lots, apartment complexes, and squats that served as de facto salons for the musicians, artists, and fringe players that hashed out what would become punk rock in Los Angeles.

©2016 John Doe and Tom Desavia (P)2016 Random House Audio

Awesome

X is one of the greatest American bands of all time, and this audiobook perfectly captures the LA scene they were born from. A true cast of characters indeed. Wow, the different narrators were as much fun as the story and helped me feel like I was part of that scene. Highly recommended.

one of my favorite books on a great scene

This is a great book about the Los Angeles punk scene told by those who survived it. Excited to hear that part 2 is in the works!

Riveting, meticulous, informative, important

Succinct and vitally important . History lesson presented in a very entertaining way. A snapshot crammed with important information from people who know.

Makes you wish you were punk

I was too young back in the day to experience this scene. Listening to this book and then listening to the bands mentioned on Spotify was a blast.

So Rad

Absolutely loved this book!! I came up right behind all these SoCal punks. Being from the Bay Area, I got into the Faction in the early 80’s. My first and only tattoo is an X that my buddy and I gave ourselves in 1986 with a needle we burned with a lighter and dipped into isopropyl alcohol and then applied with India Ink acquired from the local hobby shop. John Doe and all the originals tell such an awesome story. Thats it 🤘🏼

amazing insight

narrators are amazing, and the structure of the chapters and timeline paint a really compelling, cohesive picture.

I was so sad when it was over!

I absolutely LOVED this book. I’m a big X fan, an old punk, and listening to the stories told by their authors felt like I got to hang out with some of my “idols”. I haven’t read the print version yet but I plan on it. This is one book that is perfect for audio. Pretty sure I’ll be listening more than once. It’s inspired me to dig out my old records, look into some new/old bands, and most importantly, remember my roots. Nostalgic, inspiring, and just plain awesome.

The beginning.

This performance by the people who started the scene is amazing. X has always been one of my favorite bands and to here the stories of how it all began is great. The book is a nice mix of how the band got its start and how the scene evolved. Growing up on the fringes of LA, this really takes me back to a time when things were really different.

Awesome! Hear Some LA Punk History From The People Who Created The Experience & Experienced The Experience

If you are reading this and remotely interested, or maybe you were a part of the beginning of the LA Punk Scene in the 70's or 80's, I highly recommend this well documented and amazing book. I grew up in Orange County California and was late to the scene. I remember the Anti-Club and Vinyl Fetish which are some of the places they talk about. Every story from each of the contributors packs a punch like the music and energy they created.

This is the best book of this genre I have read. You won't regret this book. You will love it.

Thanks to the Author and Contributors. This was an amazing experience.

Vital stuff, truly a wild gift, and a blessing!

I just want to say thank you to everyone who worked on this book. I am filled with gratitude and inspiration after listening. Also, whew, thank goodness this all got documented. The thought of losing even one more scrap of this era is unbearable to contemplate.

The pandemic is almost over, and I am burning with desire to see John and Exene and Billy and DJ at the Independent as soon as freaking. possible!