Ep549: Dave Markey & The Secret Lives of Bill Bartell

Filmmaker Dave Markey discusses his documentary "The Secret Lives of Bill Bartell", the punk scene's most fascinating, mysterious, and surprisingly influential behind-the-scenes figure. Stream it now  |  Order the Blu-Ray Topics Include: Dave Markey has a large record collection but stopped buying recently. Vinyl prices have skyrocketed — once cheap records now cost thousands. Dave bought records directly from band members at punk shows. Ian MacKaye sold Dave a first press Minor Threat 7". Dave bought Minutemen and Descendents EPs from D-Boon for a dollar. Dave made the Bill Bartell documentary for people who don't know him. Bill Bartell was unknowable — different things to different people. Dave tried making this film in the 90s; Bill refused to cooperate. The film was made ten years after Bill passed away. Bill Bartell faked backstage passes to get into arena rock shows. Bill named the Iron Maiden live EP Maiden Japan. Bill gave Steve Harris his outfit, worn in the "Run to the Hills" video. Bill saw no distinction between the Scorpions, the Germs, and the Beatles. Bill would tell artists exactly what he thought — no filter whatsoever. Bill told Steve Perry he was responsible for the worst night of his life. Bill told Beck "I don't like you" upon their very first meeting. Bill tried out as guitarist for Public Image Ltd in 1981. Kiss circulated photos of Bill to security: do not let him in. Bill befriended Sean Lennon, which led to a friendship with Yoko Ono. Bill's 1988 Beatlefest noise performance nearly caused a riot. Bill talked Kiss manager Bill Aucoin into discovering Generation X. That connection indirectly launched Billy Idol's massive solo career. Billy Idol himself didn't know Bill Bartell's role until recently. Bill gave Kurt Cobain Os Mutantes tapes, reviving the band's career. Pat Smear and Drew Barrymore were sought for the film but unavailable. Dave's band Painted Willie did Black Flag's final tour in 1986. Dave preferred Painted Willie's early Spinhead Records releases over SST output. The Bill Bartell documentary and Love Dolls films are now on Criterion Channel. Bill Bartell's Flying V guitar now hangs in the Punk Rock Museum, Las Vegas. Bill's money, connections, and secrets largely died with him — still a mystery. High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide