Black Box tells us, from a new perspective, the beginnings of Christian Death‘s second line-up still with Rozz Williams on vocals and Valor Kand starting to take the reins of the band. Everything is perfectly told by Constance Redgrave, in this autobiography of the bass player of the fathers of deathrock during their European tour and also during the recording of Catastrophe Ballet. Throughout the book, we get to know Constance’s relation with some pretty difficult people in a less than idyllic situation in the period from November ‘83 to June ’84, one of the most interesting periods of one of the most incredible bands that music has ever given us. You can read it on kindle or order directly from the author: [email protected].
Until now we knew part of this story as told by Rozz when he was alive and by Valor (whom we interviewed ourselves recently) and Gitane Demone. Now, the bassist’s account gives us a new insight into the relationships between the characters as she recounts her own hell being between two sides: on the one hand Rozz, the only member of the original band, and on the other Valor and his Pompeii 99. Constance shows her sympathy (reciprocated) for Rozz William with whom she hits it off from the first meeting and empathize with Gitane, who is in a turbulent relationship with Kand and is also expecting his child. She fails to connect with David ‘Glass’ Parkinson, Valor’s professional lieutenant who remains in the shadows, although as a rhythmic pair they work well together. Constance also talks in depth about Eric Westfall, producer of Catastrophe Ballet and non-oficial member of the band.
But before telling us about those traumatising months, Constance tells us about her youth, about a sunny Hollywood with the shadow of AIDS and drugs, both very present in her life through her best friend, Patrice. Constance discovers that she wants to play the bass guitar when she sees John Doe from X live. The author lived in an era that seems magical to us today, when you could see live such legendary bands as The Gun Club and Specimen (with whom she became friends). After learning to play bass, at an audition she met what was still Pompeii 99, who were preparing for their first tour with Rozz Williams in what would become the second line-up of Christian Death. Constance describes her fascination with Rozz Williams, a fragile person who is easy to get attached to, how difficult life on the road is and the problems the band has on their European tour. He faithfully describes the gigs they played and the difficult times they had together. Although we won’t give away any of the story, the book ends with Constance talking about her new band, the Spikedrivers, and her attempt to heal the wound created during this time.
The book has a great variety of graphic documentation that shows what a shocking image they had and also features some interesting interviews, with Constance herself, Valor and Rozz and even Yann Farcy, owner of the label L’Invitation au Suicide. Black Box reads like a novel and is highly recommended for any fan of the fathers of deathrock and dark music in general.
