As a devoted reader and fan of literature and culture, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia when I come across a piece like “Running With the Devil: Essays, Articles & Remembrances” by John Albert. In a world where the internet has made information readily available at our fingertips and cultural commentary is a dime a dozen, it’s a breath of fresh air to encounter a collection of essays penned by an author who lived and breathed the experiences he wrote about.
In the past, writings from music critics, film reviewers, and other cultural commentators were frequently published in the literary world.
Their observations played a crucial role in helping us understand not just the art we appreciated and the artists behind it, but also the eras we inhabited and the familiar locales that felt like home to us.
Based on my personal experiences and observations, I believe that the way culture is shared, spread, and reported on has undergone a significant transformation, and this change may be permanent. In the past, culture was mostly experienced through traditional means such as in-person interactions, books, and television. However, in today’s digital age, social media, blogs, and online communities have made it easier than ever to access and engage with diverse cultures from all over the world.
As a film enthusiast, I must admit that discovering a book like “Running With the Devil: Essays, Articles & Remembrances” by John Albert feels strangely out of place in today’s fast-paced world. It’s as if I stumbled upon an old sailing ship with its Jolly Roger flag flying high – a relic from another era that seems hard to reconcile with the modern landscape.
But John Albert was no ordinary writer.
Last year, when he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 58 due to a heart attack, he left behind an eclectic collection of writings spread across various books, anthologies, literary journals, and alternative weeklies. Inspired by our friendship and my role as his editor, I took it upon myself to compile these gems into one cohesive volume.
Shortly after John’s passing, Donnelly expressed the need to safeguard his literary heritage.
Donnelly reached out to Iris Berry, a mutual acquaintance and co-founder of Punk Hostage Press, regarding the project. Iris was immediately on board.
“John Albert was always enshrouded in an intriguing aura, according to Berry. An elusive allure and captivating presence that defies description. Sadly, he departed from us prematurely.”
An appropriate way to introduce “Running With the Devil” is with an old-fashioned book launch at Wacko Soap Plant from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 30.
A team of renowned underworld figures, comprised of Jesse Albert, Jennifer Finch, Brett Gurewitz, Ben Harper, Keith Morris, Arty Nelson, Jerry Stahl, John Waldman, and Justin Warfield, will collaborate with Berry and Donnelly.
Albert originated from the outskirts of Los Angeles and grew fond of the city in all its forms. He was among the initial members of Christian Death and Bad Religion, two bands with intriguing names that hint towards a spiritual connection or agreement. However, their musical styles were as distinct as night and day.
“He described his experience of uncovering Black Flag and adopting punk rock with flair: ‘My hair is now short, and I can’t help but shatter windows.'”
In the Black Flag article, Berry expressed admiration for how meticulously the author described the shift to punk rock. This transformation significantly influenced those close to him, including his parents and companions. Historically, parents have disapproved of their children’s decisions, but the punk scene was particularly challenging for them, and John conveyed this powerfully.
Albert went beyond being just a past musician and sporadic music writer. In his journey to recovery from addiction, he discovered solace in sports, particularly baseball. He penned down his experiences with this sport in the piece titled “The Wrecking Crew: The Griffith Park Pirates’ True Tale of Gloom.”
In his writing about a diverse group consisting of former addicts, disenchanted musicians, and various eccentrics, he managed to beautifully convey the enchantment of Los Angeles.
“Donnelly described how the man understood Los Angeles in a manner reminiscent of Didion and Eve Babitz. His most compelling topics were his friends and acquaintances, and he possessed a distinct perspective on Los Angeles during that specific era,” is one way to paraphrase the original statement.
Albert’s writing grew more diverse as he gained new interests and experiences. He penned down pieces about surfing, coping with Hepatitis C, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. According to Keith Morris, the frontman for Black Flag and the Circle Jerks, “Albert was an accomplished and knowledgeable rocker, with a passion for various trends and happenings.”
Albert possessed a unique ability to bring attention to topics that had been neglected or sidelined in society. By shining a light on these overlooked aspects, he gave them cultural relevance once again. In contrast to the city’s obsession with hype and trends, Albert found appeal in those who chose to step back, were forgotten by progress, or were discarded by the machine of dreams.
“Donnelly described him as a unique character, a punk-rock version of George Plimpton,” he explained. “Instead of observing life from above like an anthropologist, this person lived it fully and wrote based on personal experience.”
Despite not being known for emotional writing, Albert had a keen sense of humor. His wit, at times biting, was reserved mainly for those closest to him.
“Berry praised John’s exceptional writing abilities,” she remarked. “His memory was remarkable, capturing not just the events but also the emotions and settings. With an effortless transition, he moved between humor and sadness. Indeed, John was a gifted narrator.”
Tragically, Albert’s death before his time denied us the opportunity to read a book he was writing about fatherhood in contemporary Los Angeles. He deeply cherished his son, Ravi, and all profits from the book’s sales will be given to him.
“Publishing ‘Running With the Devil’ by Berry is both an honor and a bitter feeling for me,” he expressed. “I’m thankful to Joe Donnelly for presenting it to me and editing it. However, I wish the circumstances were different. Yet, learning that the book is for his son, Ravi, makes it all worthwhile. In my mother’s words, ‘It’s a truly meritorious act.'”
On Sunday, June 30th from 3 to 7 pm, come meet Iris Berry, Joe Donnelly and their companions at Wacko Soap Plant located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd.
Jim Ruland penned the novels “Make It Stop” and “Corporate Rock Sucks: The History and Demise of SST Records.”
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2024-07-18 20:58