The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

Released 1988
Features Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Lemmy Kilminster, Ozzy Osbourne...
Directed by Penelope Spheeris

What a fascinating look behind the 1980's metal scene. We see bands that run the gamut from lesser-knowns like Odin and Faster Pussycat (one of my favorites) to mega-stars like Kiss (my all-time favorite), Aerosmith, and Ozzy. We hear from the musicians and fans, as well as people peripheral to the metal scene. What struck me the most was how completely convinced everyone was that they were going to "make it." All of the hard-working bands bubbling just below the level of success were completely convinced they were going to the next step of stardom. At least that's what they said. I'm sure beneath the veneer of self-confidence, there's a constant fear that they've spent the best years of their lives working toward a goal they won't achieve. Then what? What do you do when you're 40, and you have no money or other skills? When I saw this when it was first released, I thought it was kind of sad how deluded they all were, but on the other hand you must really believe in yourself if you're going to actually make it. What makes it sadder watching it ten years later, though, is knowing none of these smaller bands achieved major success. Some had minor successes with possibly a gold record, but none of them achieved their dreams of super-stardom.

The most poignant moments are provided by Chris Holmes, who is as self-destructive and self-loathing as is possible without actually committing suicide for the camera. From different unrelated things I've read, I'm thinking this was filmed during or shortly after his divorce from Lita Ford. If that's true, it makes me feel better that there was something legitimate behind his pain, and not just someone who couldn't handle the fame he was seeking.

Summary by Bill Alward