On Tuesday, September 24th at 1pm, DJ Donut Monoxide will air an interview with Kenny “Stinker” Gordon from the legendary punk band Pure Hell.
Pure Hell delivered a killer set at this year’s Mosswood Meltdown, their first performance in California in decades. After their set, Donut was able to speak with Kenny, who along with Preston “Chipper” Morris, Lenny “Steal” Boles and Michael “Spider” Sanders formed the world’s first all Black punk band in 1974.
Relocating from Philly to New York City in the mid 1970s, Pure Hell was an integral part of the punk scene, living with and playing alongside such legends as the New York Dolls, Sid Vicious and Neon Leon. Their arrival in New York began just as Patti Smith and Television began their residencies at CBGB’s; their departure coincided with the death of their friend Nancy Spungeon- whose murder is regarded by many as the death of punk rock.
All too quickly, Pure Hell was written out of the history of punk and their music largely forgotten. But thanks to their own perseverance and the efforts of notable fans like Henry Rollins, Pure Hell is finally being recognized for the legends they are.
Tune in to listen to some of Pure Hell’s best tunes and hear Kenny’s amazing stories of being in the epicenter of the first wave of punk, as well as future plans. You don’t want to miss this!!
Photo: Bob Gruen
