"Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk" is a book written by Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil. First published in 1996, the book is a comprehensive and candid oral history of the punk rock movement that emerged in the 1970s.
The authors, Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil, conducted extensive interviews with musicians, artists, managers, fans, and other key figures who were part of the punk scene in New York City and beyond. Through these interviews, the book captures the raw and chaotic energy of the era, shedding light on the cultural, musical, and social forces that gave rise to punk rock.
"Please Kill Me" covers the period from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, tracing the evolution of punk from its roots in garage rock and protopunk to its explosion as a subculture that challenged established norms and conventions. The book delves into the lives and experiences of iconic figures like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Johnny Ramone, and others, while also discussing the venues, fanzines, and scenes that defined the movement.
The oral history format of the book allows the voices of those who lived through the punk era to tell the story in their own words. It provides a raw and unfiltered view of the music, drugs, fashion, rebellion, and camaraderie that characterized the punk scene. The book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the movement, including drug abuse, violence, and the challenges faced by many of its participants.
"Please Kill Me" is known for its gritty, no-holds-barred approach to recounting the history of punk. It has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to capture the spirit and ethos of the era. The book is considered an essential read for anyone interested in the history of punk rock and its cultural significance.
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