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Lester BangsAmerican journalist, music critic
Date of Birth: 13.12.1948
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Lester Bangs
Early LifeLester Bangs, born Leslie Conway Bangs, was an American journalist and music critic. He was born in 1948 in Escondido, California. His mother, Norma, was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, and young Lester often accompanied her as they went door to door, trying to convince people of the impending apocalypse. His father, a heavy drinker, passed away when Lester was very young. Bangs was influenced by the Beatnik movement and was drawn to underground culture.
Career
Bangs published his first article in the magazine "Rolling Stone soliciting" in 1969. It was a scathing review of the album "Kick Out the Jams" by the Detroit proto-punk band MC5. It was Bangs who coined the term "punk rock," for which he is most remembered today. His articles became increasingly professional over time, as he transformed from a simple rock music enthusiast to a sharp and sarcastic professional critic. He became known for his love of musicians like Lou Reed, Velvet Underground, and Stooges. Despite his expertise, Bangs' reviews were often so venomous that he himself faced criticism. He was eventually fired from "Rolling Stone soliciting" in 1973 for his disrespectful attitude toward musicians. He then joined the Detroit magazine "Creem," where he worked for a considerable period. He also wrote for other publications such as "The Village Voice," "Penthouse," "Playboy," "New Musical Express," and several others.
Personality and Legacy
Those who knew Lester described him as intelligent, bitter, rude, and eccentric. He often clashed with others, caused scandals, and found it difficult to compromise. However, his opinions, as a true rock music connoisseur, were highly valued, and his reviews would often influence the work of the musicians themselves. He was even hailed as the "greatest rock writer in the world." Despite his dreams of becoming a "real" writer and penning a serious novel, Bangs remained a journalist throughout his life. He was known to spend his time with people who looked down on him. Bangs was also known for his loneliness and his inability to maintain long-lasting relationships with women. While he had a small army of fans who wrote him letters, they were mostly provincial, and he wished to be friends with musicians and like-minded people. Like his father, Bangs struggled with alcoholism and abused tranquilizers, which ultimately cost him his life.
Death
In April 1982, Bangs contracted the flu. Living alone, with his mother having passed away by then, he took Darvon, a painkiller, and felt even worse. Instead of seeking medical help, he took more Darvon, and his heart stopped. At the time, music by the English band "The Human League" was playing in his apartment. Bangs was only 33 years old.
Music Career
It is known that Bangs also tried his hand at music. He played in a band called "Birdland" and in 1980, he collaborated with the punk rock band "Delinquents" on their album "Jook Savages on the Brazos."
