The movie Empire Records has developed into something of a cult classic over the last two decades. Responsible for one of the most memorable scenes of the movie, GWAR will be performing at Empire Records parties to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie’s release.
Growing up in the mid-90s, there are two aspects of the generation that stick with me the most. The first is the movies that defined the decade and serve as time capsules into what it was like back then. The second is the music. The best thing about the movie Empire Records is that it manages to combine the two. Nothing sticks out more from the movie than Ethan Embry’s character Mark eating some brownies with “special ingredients” and imagining himself in a GWAR music video he was watching on TV being sacrificed to a giant space monster. This scene, which for all intents and purposes is a throwaway gag that doesn’t add anything to the story other than confirming that Marc likes to party, is representative of everything that was weird and great about the 90s alternative scene. In hindsight, it manages to capture the essence of the era all in the span of a scene that lasts just a couple minutes.
Twenty years later, the movie still holds a place in all of our hearts and reminds us how far we’ve come culturally. That said, we mustn’t dwell, not on Rex Manning Day. Instead the Rough Trade in NYC will be hosting a series of Rex Manning Day events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie on April 8-10. Headlining the events GWAR will be making a “live cinematic appearance.” The band will be performing at three of the events, which have been presented by BBQ Films.
Brooklyn Vegan reported on the show also indicating that a set list of bands and DJs are booked to play including:
April 8
Arms
DJ Adventures
April 9
Charly Bliss
Locksley
The Falling Birds
DJ LeahV
DJ Vacations
April 10
The Mosers
Born Cages
In addition to being a beacon of 90s music and culture, Empire Records brought to the mainstream the essence of the independent record store. Leah, director of BBQ Films elaborates:
“EMPIRE RECORDS embodies the spirit of independent music, and we simply couldn’t tell that story without having live music and DJs at our event. We’re proud to include all these bands and artists.”
The addition of GWAR is the cherry on top and is not only appropriate but almost mandatory to throw a Rex Manning Day party right.
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