Urgh! A Music War
Urgh! A Music War is a British film released in 1982 featuring performances by punk rock, new wave, and post-punk acts, filmed in 1980. Among the artists featured in the movie are Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), Magazine, The Go-Go's, Toyah Willcox, The Fleshtones, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, X, XTC, Devo, The Cramps, Oingo Boingo, Dead Kennedys, Gary Numan, Klaus Nomi, Wall of Voodoo, Pere Ubu, Steel Pulse, Surf Punks, 999, UB40, Echo & the Bunnymen and The Police. These were many of the most popular groups on the New Wave scene; in keeping with the spirit of the scene, the film also features several less famous acts, and one completely obscure group, Invisible Sex, in what appears to be their only public performance.
Insights
Plot Summary
This cult documentary captures the energy and diversity of the early 1980s punk and new wave music scene through live performances from various international artists. It showcases a wide array of bands, offering a snapshot of a pivotal era in alternative music. The film eschews traditional narrative structure in favor of raw, energetic concert footage. It aims to present a global panorama of the burgeoning punk and new wave movement.
Critical Reception
Urgh! A Music War is widely regarded as a significant document of the punk and new wave era, celebrated for its raw energy and eclectic lineup. While not a mainstream critical darling, it has gained a strong cult following among fans of the genres it represents. Reviewers often praise its authentic portrayal of the live music scene and the diversity of the bands featured, though some found its lack of narrative cohesion a drawback. It's seen as an essential watch for understanding the music of the early 1980s.
What Reviewers Say
- A vibrant and essential time capsule of the punk and new wave explosion.
- Features an impressive and diverse collection of influential bands.
- Praised for its raw concert footage and authentic representation of the era's music scene.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Urgh! A Music War' on Google is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film features a rare live performance of the song 'The Day the World Went Away' by the band Gary Numan, which was not widely released elsewhere.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources