This is a documentary that Vicki Blue (former bass player) directed. She talked to the former members of that band, except Joan Jett, about their time together as a group. This documentary provided so much insight into the dynamics of the women and what led to their eventual demise.
It was heartbreaking watching them talk about how much they went through—from the verbal abuse (and possible sexual abuse seemed to be hinted at) they dealt with, to their own managers sabotaging them, to the personality conflicts, to the drugs. These women were very candid, but at times, I felt they were holding back, attempting to be dignified about the whole thing.
They chose their words thoughtfully, but there were times when they really just put it all out there. They were all very careful what they said about Joan. Maybe because she wasn’t there to speak for herself. But they didn’t hold back when talking about Kim Fowley, and this documentary seemed to provide an outlet to allow them to lash out at him.
Some things they didn’t want to talk about at all. A constant phrase you hear throughout the documentary is, “I can’t remember. I must’ve blocked it out.” It made wonder if they really did block these memories out or if, even after all these years, some things are still too painful to be told. This was a great film that provided a better look at who these women were and how their experiences made them they women they are now.
So much fuss is made about Joan and Cherie that it’s easy to forget about the other women who were in the band fighting the same battle.
Note: Old review that I'm importing from an old blog.
