Hit So Hard: The Life & Near Death Story of Patty Schemel
April 22nd, 2012 by chocko
Last week, we saw the documentary titled, Hit So Hard which tells the story of Patty Schemel, the drummer of the infamous band, HOLE. It is a brutally honest and cautionary tale of Patty’s meteoric rise to “rockstar” fame while struggling with the demons of alcoholism and addiction. Most of the movie features behind-the-scenes video footage Patty shot from 1992 – 1998 while touring the world with one of the biggest bands of the grunge era. You’ll see it all, from the backstage shenanigans to the sweaty moshpits of the early nineties. Most of Patty’s belongings from that era were lost but miraculously her videotapes survived. After watching the film, you will be amazed that Patty survived as well.
The film is crammed with many intriguing stories: Patty’s struggles as a gay teenager seeking acceptance and love, Patty’s passion for punk rock music and drums and her close friendships with Kurt Cobain (he steals the scene in every clip he’s in!) and founding member of Hole, Kristen Pfaff (who unfortunately died from a drug overdose 2 months after Cobain’s suicide). There is a part of the movie that tells the story of the recording of Celebrity Skin (Hole’s third album) – a shocking and eye-opening glimpse at the evil ways of the music business. The film also features recent interviews of family, people who know Patty including her former band mates: Eric Erlandson (guitarist), Melissa Auf Der Maur (bassist who replaced Pfaff) and Courtney Love (lead vocalist).
Courtney is also a big part of the film and despite her negative public image, there is a human side to her that shines through in the movie. In a big sister sort of way, it is Courtney that helps and provides the push that Patty needed to recover from her drug addiction after becoming a homeless crack addict on the streets, desperate for the next high.
I enjoyed the film a lot and definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to get a DVD release of this, hopefully with lots of extras and commentaries!
After the opening screening at Cinema Village in NYC, Patty on drums, Eric Erlandson on guitar and James McNew of Yo La Tengo on bass rocked out and performed a song by The Wipers, “Over The Edge” with James on vocals. Miss Guy of NYC glam rockers, The Toilet Boys, provided the vocals on “Celebrity Skin” and “Violet” with the help of an overenthusiastic audience member who provided the yelling during the memorable chorus. Sia dazzled the crowd with her rendition of “Miss World” after calling out Courtney…was she in the crowd?
Melissa Auf Der Maur made a surprise appearance, coming all the way from Hudson, New York where she recently opened an art space, Basilica Hudson. Gotta say it…looking great for being a new mom! She joined her old crew for an instrumental of “Use Once & Destroy” and capped the night off with Sebadoh’s “Brand New Love.” Check out the videos below!
Tags: cinema village, courtney love, hit so hard, melissa auf der maur, movie, new york city, nyc, patty schemel, review, screening
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