>Ah… Wendy O. Williams.
https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/smash-the-control-machine/Content
April 21, 2016MUSIC » MUSIC FEATURES
-Smash the control machine
By Roman Divezur
If you understand the line, "Posers get lost," then no further explanation is necessary. Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics, the band of changing musicians created around the singer by radical anti-artist Rod Swenson, decided that merely singing against the status quo wasn't good enough. They backed up the music with deeds: demolishing cars, smashing TV sets, chain sawing guitars, and stepping over the edge at any given chance. Other acts may have attempted to come close, but Williams, during her evolving career as "Queen of Punk," "Queen of Shock Rock," and "High Priestess of Metal," pushed it harder than anyone. She proved to be one of the most authentic performers in rock history.
The Plasmatics exploded out of the New York City scene, and by 1979 it was one of the biggest drawing bands at CBGB. After numerous EPs, the debut album, "New Hope for the Wretched" was released in 1980 – Williams followed it up with several studio releases during the 80's as part of the Plasmatics and as a solo act. But while the records were classics, the live performances were revolutionary. The controlled chaos of a Wendy O. Williams show distanced itself from the rest and not unexpectedly incurred the wrath of the mainstream establishment.
It was pushback from the mainstream along with not wanting to compromise her beliefs about art that caused Williams to retire from music in 1988. She moved to Connecticut with Swenson, her long-time companion, and became a state-licensed animal rehabilitator. Williams' death in 1998 caused shock waves and sadness among her friends and fans. It is undeniable that Williams challenged the establishment in ways that have not been seen before or since. And the influence can still be felt today.
Wendy O. Williams will be inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, April 24, with a tribute performance led by Plasmatics guitarist Wes Beech and Cheri Currie, former lead singer of The Runaways.
Beech and Plasmatics drummer TC Tolliver will also do an in-store record signing on Saturday, April 23, at the Record Archive, from noon to 1 p.m. For more info, go to recordarchive.com.