By Sharon Oliver
Contributing Writer
BOSTON – Waltham filmmaker Vincent Straggas’ new film “Life on the Other Planet” is not your typical rockumentary. Although Boston is home to juggernaut groups like Aerosmith, Boston, the Cars and the J. Geils Band, Straggas’ focus is more on the lesser-known talent from Boston’s rock scene during the mid-70s to mid-80s. He was also not afraid of bringing the former adult entertainment district known as the “Combat Zone” in the forefront as part of the aura of the times.
As Straggas explained to The Boston Globe, “You really had to know the grittiness of the city to understand where this attitude of this music came from.”
Interviews and archival footage
The documentary showcases interviews and archival footage, featuring artists like The Atlantics, John Butcher Axis, Willie Alexander, DMZ, The Neighborhoods, Girls Night Out, The Lyres, Robin Lane, Mission of Burma, Human Sexual Response, the Modern Lovers, the Nervous Eaters and many more.
“Life on the Other Planet” takes care to not be ordinary and goes down a road less traveled, which includes the “Bosstown Sound” 1960s marketing campaign by MGM Records to draw attention to Boston’s psychedelic rock bands.
The filmmaker told WBUR’s Sharon Brody, “It really was about a time that defined the local music scene that hit between 1974 and really up to 1985-86 and it also encompasses Boston. Boston at that time wasn’t as clean and beautiful. It had a lot of troubles. There were a lot of seedy places that bands were able to play in, and it was a time of not so much innocence, but it had a purity to it.”
Debut at local theater
The film made its debut at the Regent Theatre in Arlington on October 24, with a live performance by the Nervous Eaters. Those who were present had much to say about it.
Mark Steele wrote on Facebook:
“Last night Ruthie and I went to see ‘Life on the Other Planet,’ a film produced, shot and edited by my friend Vincent Straggas. I helped in the finishing of it and have seen it 30 times or more but last night was special. The evening opened with a live set by The Nervous Eaters and they were followed by the film. The Regent Theater in Arlington was filled to capacity. Before the film started the audience was buzzing. During the film they applauded and laughed and sang along. It was a true pleasure to assist Vinny with this project and to work alongside of him. He has created a document that will last a long, long time.”
Steele later added, “We are planning one for The Cabot in Beverly but no date yet. I’ll let you know.”
Brad Hallen added:
“What a night last night!!! Sold out crowd at The Regent Theatre for the premiere of Vincent Straggas film ‘Life on the Other Planet.’ Thanks to everyone who came and supported him and The Eaters had a blast playing for you all as well.
“They turned away so many people at the door last night (over a hundred I heard) that they booked another showing November 19 and the people that couldn’t get in bought tickets for that showing. The film is basically about the music scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s but just as much about the city of Boston in general at that time. Congratulations to Vin and everyone involved.”
“Life on the Other Planet” gives a clear portrait of what Boston and its rock music was like back then. Vincent Straggas is an Emmy-Award winning producer and writer whose public-broadcasting achievements range from studio directing and post-production editing for such series as “Masterpiece Theatre,” “Mystery!,” “Evening at the Pops,” “Degrassi High,” “Zoom, “and “Where in the and World is Carmen Sandiego?”
For information about future screenings, go to https://www.lifeontheotherplanet.com.
RELATED CONTENT:
Paradise Rock Club is one of Boston’s most storied music venues
Boston’s legendary rock club ‘The Rat’ is still remembered fondly
With a single song, Jonathan Richman left an indelible mark on rock music
