UPDATED! Hellion Vocalist Ann Boleyn Stands Up To Preserve Pasadena History; WASP's Blackie Lawless Sends Statement of Support
By
Sefany Jones,
Contributing Editor
Monday, January 20, 2003 @ 3:06 PM
| Boleyn Joins Slash, David Lee
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Updated: W.A.S.P. Vocalist Blackie Lawless Sends Statement of Support... See Bottom:
Vocalist Ann Boleyn of Hellion wrote the following editorial to the Pasadena Weekly in support of saving the historic Raymond Theater. Also joining Boleyn in the good fight are David Lee Roth and Slash, as well as Blackie Lawless. For more information, please visit Hellion's official web site at Officialhellionsite.freeyellow.com.
"Dear Friends:
"What is culture and what is it worth? I am beginning to wonder as I see
more and more historic builtings replaced by strip malls, parking lots and
other "eye-sores"!
"I moved to Southern Calfornia as a teenager in 1976 to perform with the
all-girl rock group "The Runaways," whose members also included Joan Jett
and Lita Ford. As a teenage musician, part of my job was to find places
where my band could perform. While I know that Pasadena's Raymond Theater's
history preceeded myself by many years, I can tell you first-hand that it
hosted some of the best musical performances of the 1970s and 1980s. Not
only was it one of the most beautiful buildings, it was one of the few
venues large enough to accomodate performers that were too small for the
major arenas and too big for the small clubs. As such, Pasadena's Raymond
Theater has played a major role of the history of southern California's
music scene.
"Over the years I have seen many historical buildings disappear. As a young
adult I get tired of hearing about how topics like "ebonics in schools" or
"illegal immigration" are harming our culture. Instead I ask, what are we
doing by destroying our historic buildings?!
"As an urban resident I regard historic buildings such as the Raymond Theater
with the same respect as a nature lover might regard a park. Over the years
I have seen one theater after another be torn down or converted into part
of
a strip mall. With this in mind, I am urging people who care about out urban
culture and heritage to join in the fight and help save Pasadena's historic
Raymond Theater.
"Sincerely,
"Ann Boleyn
Lead Singer of the rock group "Hellion"
Former DJ with KROQ FM
and Owner of New Renaissance Records
"PS: People interested in lending a hand in this effort should contact
[email protected] or 818-541-9522 or fax: 818-541-9523."
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From W.A.S.P. Leader Blackie Lawless:
“Dear KNAC,
“I am sending my support regarding preservation of The Raymond Theater
(Perkins Palace). W.A.S.P. played The Raymond in 1983 with RATT and Armored Saint. The Raymond became a pivotal venue for us and many other groups that would later go on to international acclaim. The shows that were produced became legendary. This Theater with a capacity of over 2000 was crucial in proving to Major Record Labels that the Bands that played there could succeed on a professional level.
“The show we played was produced by Gina Zamparelli, who is currently leading the effort to preserve the venue from redevelopment to an apartment/retail complex.
“If we lose the Raymond Theater, we lose not only a part of the history and culture of Los Angeles, we lose a venue that played a major part in Southern California's music scene.
“The Los Angeles Superior Court will be making their decision on the fate of The Raymond Theater on February 11th, 2003. I urge musicians who played the venue, fans who attended shows, and the music industry to lend their support.
“It would be a shame to lose this historic landmark and cultural resource to needless redevelopment.”
Sincerely,
Blackie Lawless
W.A.S.P.
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