Film Lens
Desolation Center covers the underground punk and industrial events that occurred in the deserts of Southern California during the Reagan era. It features performances from influential bands such as Sonic Youth, Minutemen, Meat Puppets, and Einstürzende Neubauten, which played a significant role in shaping the music landscape of that time. The film includes rare performance footage and interviews with key figures like Redd Kross and Survival Research Laboratories, providing insight into the cultural impact of these events.
The documentary positions these guerrilla events as precursors to major music festivals like Burning Man, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. By focusing on this pivotal moment in music history, the film illustrates how these underground happenings influenced the future of live performances and festival culture, capturing the essence of a transformative era in music.
Why Watch
- •See performances from Sonic Youth and Minutemen.
- •Meet key figures like Redd Kross and Swans.
- •Find out how desert events inspired major music festivals.
Did You Know
•Sonic Youth performed at guerrilla events in the Southern California desert.
•Desolation Center features interviews with Redd Kross and Survival Research Laboratories.
•The film connects these events to major festivals like Burning Man and Coachella.
Perfect For
Punk music fansFestival culture enthusiastsIndustrial music lovers