Revenge of the Mekons (2013)

Unraveling the fascinating journey of the dynamic collective known as the Mekons, 'Revenge of the Mekons' paints a vibrant picture of a band that has been the heart and soul of punk ideology, as acclaimed rock critic Greil Marcus puts it. Rising from the ashes of the 1977 British punk scene, the Mekons transformed from a band of socialist art students with no formal musical training into the boisterous, artistic offspring of Hank Williams. Director Joe Angio's spirited documentary delves into the band's unexpected evolution, their embrace of folk and country music, their daring ventures into the world of art, and their persistent bad luck with major record labels. The film features intimate interviews with a diverse array of the band's ardent fans, including renowned author Jonathan Franzen, celebrated film director Mary Harron, and multifaceted comedian/musician Fred Armisen. 'Revenge of the Mekons' is a testament to the band's enduring spirit, as they continue to produce audacious and unpredictable music after four decades, all the while remaining loyal to their punk roots. This riveting narrative captures the essence of the Mekons' journey, revealing how they've managed to straddle the line between mainstream success and the rebellious ethos that defines them.

Revenge of the Mekons is a documentary movie featuring Vito Acconci and directed by Joe Angio.

Revenge of the Mekons is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on OVID.

It is also possible to buy Revenge of the Mekons on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.