A life that turned into one big punk performance
Содержание
Wendy Orlin Williams - an American singer who rose to fame as a shock rock queen! Williams is mostly known as the scandalous lead singer of a punk band ! "Plasmatics.": insane energy, high theatricality, as well as a frank defiant look - all this played a huge role in the formation of the image and the loud name of the singer. Practically naked, she smashed TV sets to pieces with a sledgehammer, and cut the guitar like a pie with a chainsaw. Such crazy antics shocked the nation, but today it is a huge part of musical history that should not be silenced!
The early years, the beginning of the journey
Wendy O Williams is known as one of the most colourful and scandalous vocalists in history. In the middle of 80-х she was enjoying the pinnacle of her career, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
The rocker was born in 1949 year in Rochester. As a child, Wendy was very modest and gentle. Teachers and classmates remembered her as a shy girl with a quiet voice. Williams made her stage debut at the age of seven, as part of the "Howdy Doody Show".
Rebellious temperament Wendy broke out during the transitional age: in the 16 years old she ran away from home and hitchhiked to Colorado. Williams had to work hard to support herself: she worked as a waitress, dancer and even sold souvenirs. At the same time, she was in constant trouble with the law. First Wendy was arrested for sunbathing nude on the beach, then she was caught stealing merchandise several times.
Having travelled a long way and gained life experience, in the second half of the 70-х Williams has made it to New Yorkwhere she met Rod Swenson. He was engaged in the production of spicy shows in which the future star took part. Subsequently, he would become not only her career support, but also the only close person at the end of her life.
Madness on stage
В 1977-м a group was formed "Plasmatics.". Williams joined at the time of its founding. It is worth noting that the band borrowed a lot from the popular of those years "Kiss." и "Alice Cooper". The young team made their debut on stage "CBGB." - one of New York's most popular clubs, frequented by the cream of society such as Andy Warhol, Malcolm McClaren. and others.
https://youtu.be/KQ4E0OpPH4U
"Plasmatics." were rapidly waning in popularity, and Wendy was their main weapon: with a colourful Mohawk on her head, she went on stage almost completely naked, smashing instruments and TV sets with sledgehammers and chainsaws. She once blew up "Cadillac."and during one performance, she fired a shotgun!
Some were shocked by this, while others admired such originality and strong-willed temperament of the soloist.
A solo journey
Williams took her first solo steps in 1982: together with Lemmy Kilmister of "Motörhead." the rebel rocker has recorded a record that includes the track "Stand By Your Man".
It was followed by an album "WOW."which was produced by Gene Simmons of "Kiss.". In the mid-'80s, Wendy released an EP "F-k'N'Roll.".
Personal life
Until his death, the only person Wendy was ever close to Rod Swenson. The couple often got into trouble and had trouble with the law, but after years they settled down. When Williams' popularity waned, they settled in the small town of Storrs, Connecticut. Wendy She started to lead an active lifestyle and sometimes even sold healthy food in a local shop. None of the customers could have imagined that 10 years ago this woman was running around bare-chested and smashing TV sets.
End of story
Eventually a quiet lifestyle led Williams to a deep depression. At some point, the woman declared that she could not see the future. The ex-rocker tried to end her life twice, but both times she miraculously survived. However, the third time she still managed to do it....
Swenson found the body Wendy in the woods near their home. The woman shot herself. In order not to shock people, she put a bag over her head and left a farewell letter. At the time of her death, she was only 48 years old.
Interesting facts
- Williams switched to a healthier lifestyle with the onset of the 80-х: she gave up tobacco, alcohol and illicit substances. Instead, Wendy started swimming and jogging. She was also a wildlife activist and a vegetarian.
- Wendy Orlin Williams made history as the first woman to appear on national television with a Mohawk on her head!
- On the show. "Plasmatics." They were often banned: they were equated with activities that were dangerous to human life.
- In addition to music, Williams tried her hand as a film actress. She appeared in the film "Correctional Facility Girls" (1986)as well as several comedies and television series including. "The New Adventures of Beans Baxter".
