The Legacy of Rozz Williams Came to Life in Pomona
On August 29th, the Fox Theater in Pomona became the meeting grounds for fans everywhere to celebrate the life and legacy of Rozz Williams. Family, Friends, Fans, artists who have been influenced by him. They all came together for Rozz Williams: Romeo’s Distress, a documentary and live tribute concert paying homage to the art Rozz left for the world.
Rozz Williams (Born Roger Alan Painter) was born and raised in Pomona in 1963, and went on to be one of the most beloved and unique figures to come out of the Southern California underground music scene. This show brought Rozz’s story full circle back to its roots, which is what makes the Fox Theater the perfect venue for this occasion.
Rozz, unfortunately, wasn’t there to experience it all. The occasion had an odd energy to it. Not just a documentary screening and a concert. More like a memorial, reunion, and a celebration all in one.
Romeos Distress
Director Nico B personally knew and worked with Rozz on the 1998 short film Pig, directed by Rozz and produced by Nico. The documentary reflects that relationship with interviews with people who genuinely knew him. Family, friends, bandmates, and other collaborators. It moves past the facade that many people see Rozz with since his death to offer genuinely interesting insight into who Rozz was as a person.
The documentary is the biggest treasure trove for anyone who wants to take the time to learn about Rozz.
Romeo’s Distress’ weakest link is the visuals. Where there isn’t enough archival footage to cover some aspects of Rozz’s life, the documentary resorts to silent film clips and random historical reenactment stock footage. While some of the animated pieces work super well and look great, the heavy use of AI generated imagery is without a shadow of a doubt the worst creative choice they could’ve possibly made.
Seeing so much AI in a film about Rozz Williams was honestly appalling.
Rozz’s art was so insanely personal, so having AI so prevalent in a documentary about an artist like Rozz Williams is not the best choice. The worst part is, the documentary itself proves that it isn’t needed at all. A still photo of Rozz, or a drawing he made would’ve been so much more effective.
All that being said, Romeo’s Distress still manages to be the documentary that it needed to be. The one that reveals Rozz Williams as a human being, instead of just a fantastical underground icon.
The Tribute
The performance worked best when viewed for exactly what it's trying to be. A tribute to Rozz Williams and his music.
This wasn’t an attempt to Recreate Christian Death at any specific point. This was a reunion of artists who had a connection to Rozz and his music.
Eva O was about as perfect of a choice as you could hope for with Rozz’s material, specifically Only Theatre of Pain. Her voice still sounds amazing, and she carries the songs without ever sounding like she’s trying to mimic Rozz. She brings her own technique to the stage and her presence is incredible.
Patrik Mata had some of the most haunting vocals of the night with the Catastrophe
Ballet and Ashes Material, and Gitane Demone sounded as good as ever. “Lament” without a doubt was one of the performances that stood out the most from the night.
Rikk Agnew also had a standout performance. Coming out on the stage in a wheelchair, Rikk performed seated, and absolutely nailed it. It was amazing to hear those Only Theatre of Pain riffs played by the people who helped compose them more than 40 years ago.
A pleasant surprise was seeing Kevin Moreno of DECEITS come out to perform “As Evening Falls.” Having a younger musician from the post-punk scene in SoCal get to share the stage with the people who helped influence it was an amazing choice.
The Theater
The Fox Theater lobby had plenty of worthwhile merchandise to offer, from event exclusive T-shirts, event posters signed by Nico B, the Only Theater of Pain 40th anniversary box set, and much more.
Even the concessions got some treatment with the curated menu centered around Rozz and the event. It was a small thing, but everything combined to make the fox feel less like a typical theater screening, and more like a building that was entirely converted for Rozz Williams that night.
End of the night
The final song of the night was “Flowers,” a newly completed song built around Rozz’s archived vocals.
After looking through photographs, memories and songs written decades ago, the night ended with something new. Rozz’s voice returned through a piece of music only recently completed, making “Flowers” feel like the perfect conclusion to the entire event.
Nearly 30 years after his passing, people are still discovering Rozz and his work. His collaborators are still performing his music, and newer artists are pulling inspiration from it.
Rozz never got to see the cult following he gained, but for one night in Pomona, everyone else got to celebrate it for him.
Rozz Williams
November 6th, 1963 - April 1st, 1998
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