Suicide: No Compromise

by David Nobakht

An explosive docu-biography of New York’s most subversive punk band Suicide, who along with the New York Dolls, the Ramones, Blondie, Television and Talking Heads defined the US punk scene centered around Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s. The book features new interview material with many of the leading lights of the NY punk scene, including Alan Vega and Martin Rev from the band, as well as Debbie Harry and Chris Stein from Blondie, Moby, Henry Rollins, Marc Almond, Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), Jim Reid (Jesus & Mary Chain), Lydia Lunch, Jane County, amongst others. Illustrated with over 100 photos and memorabilia from Vega and Rev’s own archives, Nobakht’s penetrating biography recreates the ’70s world of New York City.

Genres: Music

223 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Willy Boy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of scarce now and sought after, but it's only OK. Doesn't get close - I don't have the book to hand, but I don't think Vega's 1937 date of birth is mentioned, for example. It might be an interesting approach - to accept the image with a straight face and treat the great duo as unreachable superstars, who can be understood only in terms of performance. A near-myth, bringing a highly charged shamanic power to Rock music. Authenticity works best when it is utterly contrived.

[Hex75 · Rating 5 out of 5]

una biografia dei suicide, con tutto quello che ci si può aspettare da una biografia dei suicide. i primi capitoli, sul periodo precedente all'incisione del primo incredibile disco, sono il ritratto di una new york mitologica che forse non ci sarà mai più, vitale e pericolosa al tempo stesso, poi c'è l'incredibile ascesa del gruppo verso lo status di cult band definitiva, tra tour violenti (le celebri date di spalla a elvis costello e ai clash), concerti nelle arena di spalla ai cars, la carriera solista di vega che poteva renderlo quasi un iggy per gli anni '80, i ritorni sulle scene e le collaborazioni con fan cresciuti con la loro musica. l'autore è sicuramente un superfan del gruppo, e questo lo spinge a glissare sui momenti deboli del loro repertorio (certe cose fine anni '80/anni '90 non sono certo ai livelli dei primi due dischi o dei primi lavori solisti), ma ad un certo punto chissenefrega: ad ogni pagina l'ammirazione per la band è tale che qualsiasi giudizio critico passa in secondo piano. e comunque, basta riascoltarsi "cheree" o "dream baby dream" per rimettere tutto nella giusta prospettiva.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suicide No Compromise by David Nobakht

I bought my signed copy at the Suicide gig back
in January and am mighty glad I did as this is a
very comprehensive biography of the band.
It takes us from the late 60's to the present
day and has lengthy interviews from Alan Vega
and Marty Rev that have some incredible stories
in them that included Alan Meeting Miles Davis
and Johnny Winter at the MC5 and the Stooges New
York show in 1969 apparently Miles loved the
Stooges!!!
From there on through the 70's and detailed
accounts of all the classic New york haunts of
Max's and the Mercer Arts centre and on to
CBGB's et al.
The book goes into real detail about all there
recordings and the riots at the gigs through to
Allens sculpture and other art shows, I had no
Idea his sculpures now sell for up to $50000 a
piece!! Its all covered and has quotes from just
about every scenester you'd want quoted.
A great read and I could barely put it down.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, solid information on a legendary band. My only qualm is I wish it delved more into the human element, instead of just "the work." With "No Compromise" comes personal struggle, which I felt the book lacked, other than the tales of being pelted onstage. However, the chronology was fantastic, and perhaps conveyed humanity would have tainted their mystique. Recommended.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite electronic punk band, never got the recognition they deserved. They were pioneers (and put on an amazing live show.)