Merle asked me post his band’s tour dates… ALL TOUR DATES ARE CONFIRMED FOR THE 2023 SCUMFUC FAMILY TOUR. LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING GG'S 30TH DEATHAVERSARY WITH OUR SCUMFUC FRIENDS AND FAMILY. IN HONOR OF GG WE WILL BE PLAYING AN ENTIRE SET OF GG SONGS RANGING FROM SCUMFUCS TO SONGS FROM BRUTALITY AND BLOODSHED FOR ALL. THESE WILL BE OUR ONLY U.S. DATES THIS YEAR. MAY 25TH HOWL, FT. MYERS , FL. 26TH BRASS MUG, TAMPA, FL. 27TH. LEVEL 13, ORLANDO, FL. 28TH CURVE, PANAMA CITY, FL. 29TH. SWITCHYARD, HATTIESBURG, MS. 30TH DAY OFF DAY OFF DAY OFF 31ST. BOOM BOOM ROOM, LAFAYETTE, LA. JUNE 1ST. KICK BUTT CAFE, AUSTIN, TX. 2ND. CHEAP STEAKS, DALLAS, TX. 3RD. HI TONE'S, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 4TH. GRAND ROYALE, OKC, OK. 5TH. REVERB LOUNGE, OMAHA, NE. 6TH. LEFTY'S, DES MOINES, IOWA 7TH. HEAVY ANCHOR, ST. LOUIS, MO. 8TH. WILLIS STEELE, GALESBURG, IL. 9TH. REGGIES MUSIC JOINT, CHICAGO, IL. 10TH SMALLS, HAMTRAMCK, MI. 11TH NO CLASS, CLEVELAND, OH. 12TH THE STOOP, COLUMBUS, OH. 13TH DAY OFF DAY OFF DAY OFF 14TH GREEN BEACON GALLERY, GREENSBURG, PA. 15TH SCANDALS LIVE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. 16TH REGGIES 42ND ST. TAVERN, WILMINGTON, N.C. 17TH TROLLEY PUB, SUMMERVILLE, S.C. 18TH BOGGS SOCIAL & SUPPLY, ATLANTA, GA. 19TH ALLY CAT RECORDS, GREENVILLE, N.C. 20TH THE PIRATE SIP BARRR, SALEM, VA. 21ST SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL, NEWPORT, KY. 22ND BUZZBIN, AKRON, OHIO 23RD MOHAWK PLACE, BUFFALO, N.Y. 24TH BUG JAR, ROCHESTER, N.Y. 25TH DUTCH TREAT, FRANCONIA, N.H. EARLY SHOW. 26TH ALCHEMY, PROVIDENCE, R.I. 27TH CAFE NINE, NEW HAVEN, CT. 28TH LUCKY 13 SALOON, BROOKLYN, N.Y. 30 YEAR GG DEATHAVERSARY SHOW. 29TH DINGBATZ, CLIFTON, N.J. 30TH PINO'S, HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. JULY 1ST. ANCHOR ROCK CLUB, ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.
I love how Merle is this aggressive punk rocker who cusses a lot but you can tell he's a super nice dude with a good heart who clearly loves and misses his brother dearly
I heard he's actually a scam artist, he steals hundreds of dollars from his fans for fake memorabilia and then blocks them and bans them from groups when they bring it up.
He's just leeching constantly of his brother who was an edgelord with shitty music. Seriously, they're just douches. It has nothing to do with Punk or RocknRoll.
...but he's still living in the past. That's the problem with people like this, they trash change when that creates growth. He loves living in the past
I have never been a fan of theirs, but I grew up on punk music. I cried when I watch this today. Merle I hope that you have peace in your life brother.
@@eldiablo3794 as I'm sure you're aware, the word legend used in this context is merely a figure of speech. As opposed to its literal meaning it is simply a term of endearance that highlights an individuals positive opinion of the person being described as such. The subjective nature of the use of this word in this manner deems it a valid statement. If the OP was using the word in its literal form then indeed, calling a living breathing person a legend would be invalid but since that isn't the case the OP's comment is absolutely valid and THAT is how he is being rightfully called a legend.
@@benpotaka5893 yup, you may be right. Whether he understands it or not though at least he can be safe in the knowledge that he received the correct answer to his question. I mean, i could have said Merle is a legend because he is said to have walked the earth 2500 years ago and although we are unsure if he ever actually existed word of his army of minotaurs and dragon slaying conquests were passed down by mouth throughout the centuries but that would be an incorrect answer.
It's a shame,he had an idea of him and GG being a self supportive rock n roll band, country band,and DIY record label. G.G. screwed it up for both of them.
Merle is great. Glad you brought him back on. His and GG’s life story is very interesting. Rob Zombie should put Merle in some of his movies, he’s naturally a character.
Rob Zombie isn’t creative enough to write Merle. That guy barely comprehends film making. Todd Phillips got Merle and more importantly GG, as well as the band perfectly
@@Joseph_Tacos i think house of 1000 corpses and all it’s sequels are pretty good but that’s about all he has. Halloween was boring the originals were much better
I don't know how it all happened but back in the mid-80's, Merle sent me a bunch of VHS tapes, which I still have to this day. Glad to see you're still around kicking ass.
@@danielwilson9724 I would absolutely LOVE to see what murder junkies VHS/DVDs you have. I have a TON of videos myself (many I posted on my channel) and would love to see peoples other videos.
This is Rock n Roll and Punk rolled up on one piece of bread. You don't know until you've been there and lived it, Merle lived it and lived his dream with his brother. All love and no regrets. Thanks for another great interview.
Glad you got him back. We all were hoping you would. A band I was in played with The Murder Junkies a few times, and he's always been super nice to me. In fact, as I'd never have expected, the whole band was. Bought a pair of Dino's drumsticks (that were probably in his butt at some point) directly from Merle. He called Dino over and he gave me a big hug. It was really cool.
Damn, mad respect for Merle. His memory is better than mine. I'm a bit younger than he is, and it's such a great blast to hear about all my favorite punk bands. Such great concert memories. Thank you!
I really enjoy the interview style. You seem to be a minimalist in regards to steering the direction of the interview, letting them speak/ramble on through their stories and only interjecting when a break comes to the conversation. Thank you for this. It really sets up the interview with a steady flow and allowing the interviewee to decide how much, what information, and who are involved, etc. The pacing tends to be great. Also by not pushing for certain information or topics most of your interviews it really seems to put them in a comfortable (as much as you can apply that term to some of the interviews) environment where they really open up and speak honestly and sometimes very emotionally on things that sometimes are tucked away to be forgotten. As a viewer I really appreciate this approach as we follow along these rollercoaster life stories. We seem to get a very raw truthfulness, gritty and sometimes gruesome, with seemingly little embellishment within their stories. Thank you.
I hope there is a part 2 to this interview. Merle is a great story teller and has lived a life full of fascinating stories. I could listen to him talk about this stuff for days.
Yeah man, it took 20minutes for me to realize he's not taking breaks tellin! Few good questions from our beloved interviewer. He is giving us a glimpse of punk rock life! AWESOME
Wow, this is the first video by Mark that I ever listened to from start to finish. I'm blonde, wear pink, go to church, you would neverrr in a million years think I know who GG Allan is. He partied a lot In my home town...I absolutely loved loved this interview and can hear Merle forever. He's seems so down to earth and wise! I love how hes not a follower of the crowd. 3am and it made me relaxed enough to go to sleep lol. Thank you! Cant wait for part tomorrow night! 🌙
Merle is a great and unique guy. He deserves a lot of credit for everything he’s been through and the fact that he’s still here today telling his story and doing his own thing.
I don't really know much about this guy or his whole story. Being born in 84 it's a little before my time. I did / do listen to bands like the ramons, sex pistols, etc. But is this guy actually legit? Because he is coming off like he has early onset elzhimers or is kinda maybe totally full of shit...i could just be being a negative doubtful and judgemental prick. It has been one of those days
@@robertjurasin779 Have respect for this man, dude. He and his brother and band mates (living and dead) LIVED. And their music and lifestyle was so off the wall that the word "danger" doesn't even exist in today's extreme music. Much respect to Merle, GG and their dear mother.
@Robert Jurasin I highly recommend watching "Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies". Absolutely crazy documentary that captured all of this stuff on tape.
When Merle starts talking about the day his brother passed away is fucking heartbreaking, man! PLEASE do a part 2. This was fascinating to watch, and I would love to hear more! Incredible.
You can tell that last day of GG’s life and show at the Gas Station still hurts him by how he told the story. There’s anger and sadness in his voice retelling that day.
@@JismIsm-en4kz GG had on Liz's blue jean jacket and some shorts when they hailed a cab.. somebody gave him the shorts to put on over in the corner of some building when the bus was getting 🍾 thrown at it
This interview is just amazing! Merle seems like such a sweet and honest guy! Hearing his stories is magic and you can almost image being there! Just imagining what he went through. Thank you Merle for this interview! I hope we get another with Merle. Thank you for sharing this with us! Love this! 🖤🤘🏼🖤❌🖤
Wow. It’s amazing to hear all these stories from a first-person perspective. Merle is a great storyteller too. I’d love to see a part three to hear even more too!
I could listen to this guy for hours! He’s one of the few last men standing! A true original rock n roll fan / musician and living the lifestyle for real! Great interview Marc! We need more ppl like him! Ps absolutely LOVE his style, what a cool dude 👏🏼
Ive met Merle a few times. Hes actually a really nice guy. One time i was with my mother and i expected it to be kinda awkward but nope they got along and chatted about music and bands for like an hour (theyre both from the same generation) before we left he pulled me aside and said how cool my mom was and how lucky i was to have her. He also gave me some advice about getting a band together and offered to show me some bass guitar tricks in the future. Really kind guy and you could tell how much he loved his brother. He had an entire room dedicated to GG. Merle is as real as it gets. RIP to his mother.
Usually with these SWU interviews I get bored when they start rambling on incoherently, but Merle is just so damn good at keeping your attention. I've known about him and his infamous brother for years. Wild stuff. Merle is such a great storyteller. Can feel the passion in everything he talks about 👏 would love to have him on again!
jesus, ive been a GG fan for years and this paints such a different picture. thank you merle and GG for being who you are and enduring what you had to go through. I want more merle interviews!!!!!
@@magyaradam well part of it is the mystique hes cultivated for himself, being so outrageous; its like the guy on the last interview said its like going to the zoo and being fascinated by the animals. as far as the music goes, he's always done that raw lo fi sound associated with punk rock. its unrefined and unpolished sound is what gives it its charm and his misanthropic lyrics is like a staple of punk rock. its about rebellion and just being a nuisance to the status quo. GG embodied these characteristics so well and took em to scary levels, its almost hard not ot be fascinated or at least curious about the man
Merle recounts real history in an interesting story telling way and tells it through a deep insight into other people's motivations from his early family life up until now. It sounds like both Allin brothers were challenging a lot stuff even when they were kids.
Imposter. "Merle" worked in the supermarket deli and then went to night school to become an accountant. He only had one tattoo until last year.....he will never show you his inner elbow because he has a Merrill Lynch tattoo, which coincidentally is how he thought up his stage name Merle. We used to go for margaritas at tgif's after work. This is a big act, isn't it?
@@ijustneedmyself we did scrapbooking on Tuesdays, and the only thing I ever saw from him that was "punk" was sneaking into see Arthur 2 On The Rocks starring Dudley Moore
Man what an interview! Anybody who’s been homeschooled and lived in the country know what it’s like to not have kids to play with. My childhood was very similar to theirs!
A masterful story teller…this was riveting stuff for all of us older punk rockers wanting to get backstory on GG right from “the source.” If Merle doesn’t already have his own podcast - he absolutely should. Thank you Mark…you’ve raised the bar even higher on your terrific channel with this one!
Merle is such an amazing, positive person despite the world he has been immersed in. I find him so relatable and interesting. You can tell he loved his brother so much, despite what a tough person to love he must have been. The pain of losing GG 30 years ago is still right there in Merle's eyes when he talks about that day in NYC. Great interview!
Merle is a genuinely kind dude. I’ve known his niece (GG’s daughter Nico) since we went to central high school in Manchester, NH (I’m almost 40 now). Merle rarely gets the recognition he deserves. Thanks for having him on.
The way he explains punk rock, “simple, stripped down, and say what you have to say” absolutely true so cool and that’s why I love punk, straight to the point with heavy hitting power chords ripping
It made me think of Nirvana's first album Bleach. 3 chords, raw. Love buzz, About a girl, big cheese, so many people don't appreciate Nirvana's earlier stuff.
Despite his "dangerous" appearence, he is really a nice and polite guy. My wife and me met him at his old house where we buyed some stuff and had a nice chat. My wife had absolutly no idea about Merles and Gg's work and we pulled the car right in front of his house where he allready waited for us waving his hands from his porch. My wife thought we will end in some basement or shit. Afterwards she said, he was one of the friendliest guys she ever met during our trip in cali. This guy deserve defenetly more acknowledge in the muisc scene!
when Mark was like "its a super interesting story." and Merle just wimpered "oh thank you" like all he wanted was someone to respond with empathy and appreciation.
Never a fan of GG or his music but Merle tells some great stories and gives an insight to his brother and the early East coast punk movement. Great interview.
yeah the music sucked I struggle to understand how they got up to such anctics, the tempo to gg's music embarrasses piano miesro's from centuries earlier.
Oh yeah. He’s definitely they type of dude to do that. The few times I saw him with the murder junkies he would always go straight from the stage to having a beer next to whoever the hell was there. He’s always been a good dude.
Met him and Dino here in Michigan at the legendary record store Rock of Ages in 2017! Down to earth dudes and talked and got a pick with both! RIP GG YOU LEGEND! Besides the Jabbers I like GGS stuff the best with The Murder Junkies with Dino and Merle. Brutality and Bloodshed for all is an epic album!
You wanna see Merle smash a guitar upside some gutter punks head for puking on GG's grave? Search on UA-cam:⬇️ "Murder Junkies - Hanging at GG Allins grave 15 year Anniversary"
I almost fell out of my chair when Merle said Dee Dee answered the ad. I had never heard that story before. Dee Dee is among the greatest songwriters of all time. Thanks for getting Merle back on, Mark!
Watch the movie "Hated" it documents this whole time with the murder junkies. One of the greatest documentaries ever made even if you don't know who GG is
Merle i hope you read this - you are badass - it is tough you lost your brother like that, the legendary GG Allin but it was out of your hands and he lived his life how he chose to - both with its good and with its bad. This entire interview is a part of Punk History that you detailed - thank u for taking your time and explaining everything. I have always wondered how things led up to GG's untimely passing - and I havebeen a fan all the way here in Trinidad since I was a kid. GG was and is an icon of the true spirit of Punk - which is so gone nowadays. You and GG both brought to the world that raw reality that I myself am inspired by in my own music. My hat is off to you and surviving your family. All the things you've been through - you have a clear mind and are being yourself - this is a testament actually to being a rockstar that it doesnt always end up 'bad' - and the MUSIC truly can be a part of a very healthy minded person. Your big life lesson toward the end is the ESSENCE of punk - not caring what others say and doing what makes you happy - I am writing a book too and i close it very similarly - in that I wish to live that Free - People underestimate its power - it is far greater medicine than most pharma drugs or street drugs - it's the spirit of punk -
Mark , After seeing all these good reviews I think you hit a light switch here. It would be fantastic if you could keep this going with legendary punk/hardcore bands from the original days. HR from the Bad Brains has been under bad health, that would be an outstanding interview and your numbers would fly thru the roof!!!! Alot of these guys that are still alive but barely would be a great idea!!! Yes" especially guys from the late 70s and 80s that are unsung hero's, from the 1st ~ 20 bands or so. Back when we went to shows with maybe 30 people at dive bars in major city's when we all knew each other and Hardcore/ punk was total tabu.
HR would be an awesome interview! I wouldn't mind seeing one with Henry Rollins, just to see if he's still a dick haha (a great frontman, but a pretentious dick)
An interview with Doc Dart from the Crucifucks would be EPIC! The Crucifucks were a punk outfit from Lansing MI in the late 70’s and early-mid 80’s. Doc was a genuine rebel, the only son of a family banking empire who would reject materialism and his family legacy to front an anti-establishment punk band known as the Crucifucks. The original drummer, Scott Shelly, would later go on to play with Sonic Youth. The Crucifucks composed the familiar riff that Kurt Cobain and Nirvana would later use in “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. For those interested there are a number of uploads on UA-cam of the Crucifucks.
There was a time when Merle put his personal phone number out there, this was before internet. My friend some how got it. We called Merle on 3 way. We got his answering machine and actually talked to him once. Nice guy
What a legend! Thank you for allowing Merel to tell his story. GG obviously needed a massive spotlight to contain his personality, but I always give Merel his respect on how he stood by his brother in music and life through absolute chaos and destruction. A punk rock pioneer. GG and the Murder Junkies won’t ever get recognized by some association like the rock and roll hall of fame but they absolutely belong there.
My best friend and I used to buy bootleg VHS tapes from Merle in the 90s. He put his phone number and address in Murder Junkies tapes and CDs advertising his services. That dude could get anything we wanted. Im talking obscure and crazy shit. He is kind of a walking encyclopedia of underground music. Thru Merle I got to see things like Pungent Stench and The Meatmen and so many others I cant remember.
It's really amazing to hear him tell his story because, to me, GG and Merle were literally legends of absolute mythic proportions. You knew the stories without ever even having heard the music. But you didn't read about them. You knew because you knew. Because these guys created quite possibly the greatest word of mouth network the world has ever seen. As far as them personally, I knew about GG, but Merle seemed almost more dangerous to me because I didn't know as much about him. Listening to him, just the sweet likeable guy that he seems to be makes me chuckle, comparing to how I viewed him years ago....people are so surprising sometimes, and often not at all what you think......it reminds me to keep an open mind and not label people before I know them.
Age mellows everyone. You can only have so much piss and vinegar in you before someone comes along and beats the piss out of you. It's just the law of averages and anyone with any kind of self awareness and desire for self preservation learns eventually that discretion is the better part of Valor.
@@meisteremmgetting married and drinking for many years to the point it almost killed me, mellowed me down. I was a young hot head but I like the calming feeling with middle age.
I met him at a Murder junkies show a few years ago opening for Hank Williams III and they were fantastic. He was so incredibly nice and answered every question signed whatever you had was just super cool. Do you know on the other hand was a very interesting character. Lol If you've ever seen the documentary about Gigi you will know what I'm talking about. But yeah Merle rules. Thank you for having him on your show. That was a lot of fun to hear the history.
@@palmerlp Yeah it was fun. He did his usual shitting and grabbed a few people but he was pretty chilled out in comparison to some shows. We saw him earlier that afternoon hanging out at a takeout near the club and got him to sign a CD, he was like "You fuckers better be at the show tonight". Too bad I didn't have a camera.
Merle's menstrualstache is the greatest thing in men's facial hair fashions since ... well, ever. I caught the Murder Junkies (sadly, without GG) about 15 years ago and was amazed by how nice, friendly, and caring they were as people outside of the show. It's awesome to see them finally getting the attention they have deserved for 40+ years.
I was a bouncer at a show they played in a super small club outside Milwaukee called vnuks. Though GG obviously passed looooooong before, their reputation surely precedes them. It was quite a show and a pure taste of what punk rock was in the 80s. Ill never forget it.
@@carsonlewis7901 Thanks Dude. I went and listened to his first interview. I’m so blown away by his story telling. Hopefully he can get an audible book deal. After finding this channel 4 years ago. I haven’t read or listened to many books. 🥹
@@couchprincess698 watch the live murder junkies shows lol. Regardless if you like or hate the music or not, you can see how insane his brother gg allin was
Hearing him talk about seeing bands and getting excited about being a teenager is so cool. I love telling people about all the bands I saw back in the day.
I've always wanted to like it, but never fully got into it. Some of the songs were great, but a lot of it is just lazy IMO. I look at punk as quasi-music. It's more of a lifestyle than anything.
Merle does a great job of illustrating what GG was about, who he knew, and why he did what he did. "Rock 'n Roll to me has always been about real rebellion and real non-conformity" -GG
Vouching for New York actually looking like 'Taxi Driver' back then and talking about loving the filth of it all. I've watched THAT film so many times, but Merle lived the pure visual aesthetics of that period. Amazing.
New York looked exactly like Taxi Driver. Taxi driver didn’t change anything about the city or use fake sets. All those scenes of driving around talking about “the filth and the scum” were just them actually driving up the streets with a camera. Those were real prostitutes and dealers that were turning away from the camera as it went by.
Love hearing about his time with Thrills opening for the Ramones. Stories told by this man are undoubtedly the best accounts of the most legendary rockstar ever. I've read about the story of GG and am so glad a first hand account from a great orator exists. Thanks Mark & Merle.
It’s crazy how much Merle has aged in the past 6 years since the All In The Family documentary. Have to wonder to what extent his mother’s death impacted him. Glad to see him in seemingly good spirits.
No doubt. He looked so much different the last time I saw him. And that was within the past ten years. Seems like he’s aged tenfold over that time. I hope he’s doing alright.
What an amazing interview. It’s so awesome to hear someone talk about the eras and movements as they lived through them. He’s so sharp with recalling everything bit for bit. I could listen to him talk all day. Everyone focused on all the shock value that GG brought to the punk scene but hearing his brother talk about him being such an amazing person and far as writing and being a good drummer is so cool.
Such an amazing person that liked to sexually and physically assault women…no matter the age. This guys full of shit, and ironically so was his brother but it was just recycled back into his mouth. Lovely humans 🙄.
This is an absolute example of what swu represents. The Allin boys childhood was the utmost epitamy of traumatic with the shit their dad was doing . All things considered I think it’s fair to say Merle turned out great considering what was going on . And with gg it’s not terribly surprising
I'm sitting here in the great north woods of Coos county NH listening to this and while I never got into the punk scene I had heard about GG Merle is an amazing source of information, well spoken and not at all what I expected... Brutally honest without apology in the punk tradition Cheers to the hometown boys!
I will say, in Todd Phillip's Hated movie, the guitar player from The Jabbers says GG was more like Merle until Merle spiked a donut he was eating with LSD. He said GG took his clothes off and ran around their small town smashing shit, and apparently never came to normal.
@@northrndisordr9219 well it's just a story in a movie first, so I don't know if it's true or not, but watching every piece of footage available in my lifetime of GG I will say it certainly didn't help if true, two of the most interesting GG videos are two separate camcorder shot autograph appearances he did at some record stores you can find here on youtube, he's sitting selling merch, signing stuff and taking pictures and he looks completely amped up and uneasy like he might snap at any second, real intense boiling under the surface
My band The Creeps opened up for GG on his last tour.,in Seattle and Portland..epic shows!! GG came to my tattoo shop afterwards and partied with us... I will never forget it. He was hella nice.. gakked out of his mind on speed.. Todd Phillips the producer of The hangover movies was following GG around the whole tour and recording everything he said.. life. Changing times!
Back in the late 80s, GG had played a show..sort of...after the show, we saw Merle sitting by himself at IHOP so we joined him and just let him talk. He's a very cool dude, very level-headed and gregarious.
My old punk band opened for the Murder Junkies almost a decade ago. Merle was was really cool and supportive of younger bands. We even did a GG cover during our set and he loved it. Great memories.
Mine too, he bought us snow cones after the show. We asked if he wanted to party with us but he just wanted to take a nap. So we all took a nap at this little bus stop with our snow cone mustaches. It was probly the best night of my life. And the best NAP of my life!!
Band names? I used to try ‘n find every punk band under the sun from age 12-16. Used to tour with my band ‘Ole Tyme Folk Hero and met some rlly cool bands traveling.
Merle used to come in to Generation Records NYC, where I worked in the 90s and we used to have great conversations similar to his interview here. Merle was always a super guy and now a living legend! Give him another interview, he wasn't done!
I said it on the last video and I'll say it again, this man, his brother, their music, made life a little easier in my youth. Showed me it's cool to not be cool
Merle asked me post his band’s tour dates…
ALL TOUR DATES ARE CONFIRMED FOR THE 2023 SCUMFUC FAMILY TOUR. LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING GG'S 30TH DEATHAVERSARY WITH OUR SCUMFUC FRIENDS AND FAMILY. IN HONOR OF GG WE WILL BE PLAYING AN ENTIRE SET OF GG SONGS RANGING FROM SCUMFUCS TO SONGS FROM BRUTALITY AND BLOODSHED FOR ALL. THESE WILL BE OUR ONLY U.S. DATES THIS YEAR.
MAY
25TH HOWL, FT. MYERS , FL.
26TH BRASS MUG, TAMPA, FL.
27TH. LEVEL 13, ORLANDO, FL.
28TH CURVE, PANAMA CITY, FL.
29TH. SWITCHYARD, HATTIESBURG, MS.
30TH DAY OFF DAY OFF DAY OFF
31ST. BOOM BOOM ROOM, LAFAYETTE, LA.
JUNE
1ST. KICK BUTT CAFE, AUSTIN, TX.
2ND. CHEAP STEAKS, DALLAS, TX.
3RD. HI TONE'S, SAN ANTONIO, TX.
4TH. GRAND ROYALE, OKC, OK.
5TH. REVERB LOUNGE, OMAHA, NE.
6TH. LEFTY'S, DES MOINES, IOWA
7TH. HEAVY ANCHOR, ST. LOUIS, MO.
8TH. WILLIS STEELE, GALESBURG, IL.
9TH. REGGIES MUSIC JOINT, CHICAGO, IL.
10TH SMALLS, HAMTRAMCK, MI.
11TH NO CLASS, CLEVELAND, OH.
12TH THE STOOP, COLUMBUS, OH.
13TH DAY OFF DAY OFF DAY OFF
14TH GREEN BEACON GALLERY, GREENSBURG, PA.
15TH SCANDALS LIVE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.
16TH REGGIES 42ND ST. TAVERN, WILMINGTON, N.C.
17TH TROLLEY PUB, SUMMERVILLE, S.C.
18TH BOGGS SOCIAL & SUPPLY, ATLANTA, GA.
19TH ALLY CAT RECORDS, GREENVILLE, N.C.
20TH THE PIRATE SIP BARRR, SALEM, VA.
21ST SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL, NEWPORT, KY.
22ND BUZZBIN, AKRON, OHIO
23RD MOHAWK PLACE, BUFFALO, N.Y.
24TH BUG JAR, ROCHESTER, N.Y.
25TH DUTCH TREAT, FRANCONIA, N.H. EARLY SHOW.
26TH ALCHEMY, PROVIDENCE, R.I.
27TH CAFE NINE, NEW HAVEN, CT.
28TH LUCKY 13 SALOON, BROOKLYN, N.Y. 30 YEAR GG
DEATHAVERSARY SHOW.
29TH DINGBATZ, CLIFTON, N.J.
30TH PINO'S, HIGHLAND PARK, N.J.
JULY
1ST. ANCHOR ROCK CLUB, ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.
You've excelled yourself. This rivetted me from beginning to the end. One of your very best interviews. Thanks for posting! ♥
Awesome! Me & the Boys will be at Lucky 13 in Brooklyn on June 28th🤘
@@angelasammons Check out 'Anal C*nt', it's got a really beautiful, soulful melody, and the lyrics transported me to Heaven. ♥
hahaha I'm sure he DID ask.... he's SO desperate for attention
Why no northwest shows? No spokane, no seattle?
I love how Merle is this aggressive punk rocker who cusses a lot but you can tell he's a super nice dude with a good heart who clearly loves and misses his brother dearly
Kinda doubt that
@@chrisrobs361 why is that?
@@abitoutside1973 do some research and come up with your own opinion. That's the best I could give you and I shouldn't even be saying that
We’ll all these bands are putting on an act. They’re all dorks from the burbs
I heard he's actually a scam artist, he steals hundreds of dollars from his fans for fake memorabilia and then blocks them and bans them from groups when they bring it up.
With Merle getting up there in age, this video is a straight up piece of history. Thank you.
Absolutely..
Since G.G. is gone and can't obviously interview...so we got the next best thing.....his Older Brother...wow
He’s still-living proof of punk rock history
He's just leeching constantly of his brother who was an edgelord with shitty music. Seriously, they're just douches. It has nothing to do with Punk or RocknRoll.
...but he's still living in the past. That's the problem with people like this, they trash change when that creates growth. He loves living in the past
The sadness he lives from losing his brother is so clear. What a so loving person! Thanks Merle
His brother was a piece of shit animal
Nigga was gonna die young and stupid anyways so get over it
I have never been a fan of theirs, but I grew up on punk music. I cried when I watch this today. Merle I hope that you have peace in your life brother.
@#PrisonForJohnnyDepp creep has been a functioning parasite
@@JJA_88 i cried too. after all, he lost his brother. that sucks.
Please take him up on the offer to tell more stories. This guy has lived a life....
If merle says there is more....you need to have him back... interview this legend while you can.
How exactly is he a legend?
@@eldiablo3794 as I'm sure you're aware, the word legend used in this context is merely a figure of speech. As opposed to its literal meaning it is simply a term of endearance that highlights an individuals positive opinion of the person being described as such. The subjective nature of the use of this word in this manner deems it a valid statement. If the OP was using the word in its literal form then indeed, calling a living breathing person a legend would be invalid but since that isn't the case the OP's comment is absolutely valid and THAT is how he is being rightfully called a legend.
@@jrm1987murphy I think you're reply might be too technically worded for El Diablo or whatever his handle is lol
@@benpotaka5893 yup, you may be right. Whether he understands it or not though at least he can be safe in the knowledge that he received the correct answer to his question. I mean, i could have said Merle is a legend because he is said to have walked the earth 2500 years ago and although we are unsure if he ever actually existed word of his army of minotaurs and dragon slaying conquests were passed down by mouth throughout the centuries but that would be an incorrect answer.
It's a shame,he had an idea of him and GG being a self supportive rock n roll band, country band,and DIY record label. G.G. screwed it up for both of them.
Merle is great. Glad you brought him back on. His and GG’s life story is very interesting. Rob Zombie should put Merle in some of his movies, he’s naturally a character.
💯👍 Like a Skinnier more Fucked up Captain Spaulding 😁
Rob Zombie isn’t creative enough to write Merle. That guy barely comprehends film making. Todd Phillips got Merle and more importantly GG, as well as the band perfectly
Robs music and movies are crap!
@@Joseph_Tacos very true. i'd love to see merle in a gnarly ass movie but rob will never be equipped to do anything good like that hahaha
@@Joseph_Tacos i think house of 1000 corpses and all it’s sequels are pretty good but that’s about all he has. Halloween was boring the originals were much better
If Merle says there is more, WE NEED TO HEAR IT ! One of the best interviews you have ever done...
No we dont
Please keep interviewing Merle as able. The man's a treasure trove of stories and experiences.
Please bring him back! My favorite SWU interview ever, Merle is a legend with endless stories and I just want to hear more.
Wonderful and refreshing to hear a musician talk about the "good old days" with humility and positivity, instead of bitterness and regret.
*@Jesse Stirling* - The good old, bad old days.
facts
You are not familiar with his and his brothers past are you? Oh yeah you weren’t even born yet. Well let me tell you these guys were disgusting
They tied a fan up and put her in the hospital after raping and mutilating her. Let’s not sugar coat it.
@@wholeshebang1 same like the World today, there is no different
My soul needed this. Please don't let this be Merle's last interview
But if it is (knock on wood), it was a fuckin’ good one.
He looks to be in pretty good shape and health for his age and lifestyle
@@sharonrigs7999 Im might be half his age and I'm already half dead. I definitely dont want this dude to disappear. Way cool guy
Glad that it's not, Part 2 up now
He dropped part 2 a week ago!
Merle sounds like a cool, clear thinking dude. He actually has a "healthy" vibe to him. Remarkable considering his history.
I agree, there is good in him for sure.
I dunno 'bout all that, lol
@@kwpp7About all what?
He wasn't into hard drugs and didn't booze too much. He's been pretty healthy
I do know about that and you are wrong.
@@kwpp7
Merle sent me old gg allin flyers back in the 90s, I used to call him and we would talk on the phone!! So damn happy about this interview!! Thanks! ❤
So if I showed up to the show in nj, we will hear a full set?? 😅I was told it would be too dangerous for me to see gg 😂
I don't know how it all happened but back in the mid-80's, Merle sent me a bunch of VHS tapes, which I still have to this day. Glad to see you're still around kicking ass.
I have SOOO MANY GG, Murder Junkies, etc etc VHS tapes of shows, interviews and all that type shit
@@danielwilson9724 I would absolutely LOVE to see what murder junkies VHS/DVDs you have. I have a TON of videos myself (many I posted on my channel) and would love to see peoples other videos.
Ask Malcolm Tent about GG.
You're definitely going to have to bring him back. I could easily watch 5 hours of Merle
Same
Dango... joejack... mmmhhmmm...howdy... ... yo
Agreed!
He’s a surprisingly good storyteller. Can you just imagine if GG survived and was able to do this…
Yes please
I could listen to Merle talk for hours and hours. I just love everything about him can’t wait to see him on here again for a third time!!!
because you love child molestation, read about him before you follow.
This is Rock n Roll and Punk rolled up on one piece of bread. You don't know until you've been there and lived it, Merle lived it and lived his dream with his brother. All love and no regrets. Thanks for another great interview.
Glad you got him back. We all were hoping you would. A band I was in played with The Murder Junkies a few times, and he's always been super nice to me. In fact, as I'd never have expected, the whole band was. Bought a pair of Dino's drumsticks (that were probably in his butt at some point) directly from Merle. He called Dino over and he gave me a big hug. It was really cool.
I recognise that tattoo on his forehead From jonny thunders and The heartbreakers only debut lp
@@waynesilverman3048 oh cool!
Was Dino naked when he hugged you? Lmfao Dino put me onto the lunachicks back in the day! Cool dude.
F****** love those guys
What was your band name?
Damn, mad respect for Merle. His memory is better than mine. I'm a bit younger than he is, and it's such a great blast to hear about all my favorite punk bands. Such great concert memories. Thank you!
Lol. I said that to myself. He's got a great memory.
His memory is fucking fantastic, I've played shows for only 18 years and I couldn't tell you a single fucking date anything happened.
@@johnran6015brain damage
I really enjoy the interview style. You seem to be a minimalist in regards to steering the direction of the interview, letting them speak/ramble on through their stories and only interjecting when a break comes to the conversation. Thank you for this. It really sets up the interview with a steady flow and allowing the interviewee to decide how much, what information, and who are involved, etc. The pacing tends to be great. Also by not pushing for certain information or topics most of your interviews it really seems to put them in a comfortable (as much as you can apply that term to some of the interviews) environment where they really open up and speak honestly and sometimes very emotionally on things that sometimes are tucked away to be forgotten. As a viewer I really appreciate this approach as we follow along these rollercoaster life stories. We seem to get a very raw truthfulness, gritty and sometimes gruesome, with seemingly little embellishment within their stories. Thank you.
Only a few mins in but this is already one of the best episodes you’ve done. Gotta love Merle!
I hope there is a part 2 to this interview. Merle is a great story teller and has lived a life full of fascinating stories. I could listen to him talk about this stuff for days.
He was just getting started, lol. You need a Part 2!!
Me too
Yeah man, it took 20minutes for me to realize he's not taking breaks tellin! Few good questions from our beloved interviewer. He is giving us a glimpse of punk rock life! AWESOME
I hope there is a part 2 as well
You really should do a part 2 to this interview
a part two is undoubtedly needed! this video felt like fifteen minutes! amazing.
Wow, this is the first video by Mark that I ever listened to from start to finish. I'm blonde, wear pink, go to church, you would neverrr in a million years think I know who GG Allan is. He partied a lot In my home town...I absolutely loved loved this interview and can hear Merle forever. He's seems so down to earth and wise! I love how hes not a follower of the crowd. 3am and it made me relaxed enough to go to sleep lol.
Thank you! Cant wait for part tomorrow night! 🌙
Merle is a great and unique guy. He deserves a lot of credit for everything he’s been through and the fact that he’s still here today telling his story and doing his own thing.
He worshipped bob dole. They met during merle's golf phase. I think Merle was working at Merrill lynch at the time.
@@seltonk5136 yes I remember Merle was his running mate in the 1996 presidential election
I don't really know much about this guy or his whole story. Being born in 84 it's a little before my time. I did / do listen to bands like the ramons, sex pistols, etc. But is this guy actually legit? Because he is coming off like he has early onset elzhimers or is kinda maybe totally full of shit...i could just be being a negative doubtful and judgemental prick. It has been one of those days
@@robertjurasin779
Have respect for this man, dude.
He and his brother and band mates (living and dead) LIVED. And their music and lifestyle was so off the wall that the word "danger" doesn't even exist in today's extreme music.
Much respect to Merle, GG and their dear mother.
@Robert Jurasin I highly recommend watching "Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies". Absolutely crazy documentary that captured all of this stuff on tape.
When Merle starts talking about the day his brother passed away is fucking heartbreaking, man! PLEASE do a part 2. This was fascinating to watch, and I would love to hear more! Incredible.
THIS is part 2
Theres a video from after the show somewhere on youtube of GG allin and a mob following him through the street after his last show.
Watch the documentary Hated: GG allin and the murder junkies.
It's a pretty good insight into this 'colourful character ' 👍
@@RamblinVan
It's part of the documentary 'hated'. But I'm sure you can find just that portion on UA-cam.
Have you seen the video of his last night alive? It’s insane!
Love seeing the shine Merle deserves. Been a huge fan of him since a kid
Same here
GG and Merle are absolute legends. Say what you want about GG, but you can’t deny the passion for art and anti authoritarian influence
If you love GG, you can rep that by punking Merle at any opportunity. Merle is a wet fart of a human and GG and his friends hated him
I’m glad you idolize a rapist and pedophile
Definitely going to need a part 2, I could listen to Merle talk for hours.
I can eat a peach for hours
Agreed
You must have a very sad life.
@@CannibalisticSlit Not the fruit, I take it? Hmm😆
Apparently this IS the part 2, lol.
You can tell that last day of GG’s life and show at the Gas Station still hurts him by how he told the story. There’s anger and sadness in his voice retelling that day.
Yea - I was there - GG tryin to hail a cab covered in blood & half naked - CLASSIC afternoon !!!
@@JismIsm-en4kz GG had on Liz's blue jean jacket and some shorts when they hailed a cab.. somebody gave him the shorts to put on over in the corner of some building when the bus was getting 🍾 thrown at it
Yesssss!! Sooo happy to see Merle back!! What a FASCINATING interview, Such a LEGEND!! This was AWESOME!!!!! Please have him back!
You made me laugh.
You're just as impatient as I am.
Merle is back today.
We're already screaming about him coming back 😁
This interview is just amazing! Merle seems like such a sweet and honest guy! Hearing his stories is magic and you can almost image being there! Just imagining what he went through. Thank you Merle for this interview! I hope we get another with Merle. Thank you for sharing this with us! Love this! 🖤🤘🏼🖤❌🖤
How is it magic hearing stories about a rapist, pedophile and eating your own excrement?
Wow. It’s amazing to hear all these stories from a first-person perspective. Merle is a great storyteller too. I’d love to see a part three to hear even more too!
I could listen to this guy for hours! He’s one of the few last men standing! A true original rock n roll fan / musician and living the lifestyle for real! Great interview Marc! We need more ppl like him! Ps absolutely LOVE his style, what a cool dude 👏🏼
Fr Merle is fucking amazing
Right?! His style is so badass, I could only dream of marrying a man with his finesse.
@@darla4042 lol have fun with that
@@IndiaNumberOneCoubtry ummm, ok, your point is? You can f!ck off over there....all the way over there.
Merle is such a good dude.. everytime I've met him he's been so damn nice! A real punk rock legend! Rip gg
Ive met Merle a few times. Hes actually a really nice guy. One time i was with my mother and i expected it to be kinda awkward but nope they got along and chatted about music and bands for like an hour (theyre both from the same generation) before we left he pulled me aside and said how cool my mom was and how lucky i was to have her. He also gave me some advice about getting a band together and offered to show me some bass guitar tricks in the future. Really kind guy and you could tell how much he loved his brother. He had an entire room dedicated to GG. Merle is as real as it gets. RIP to his mother.
Usually with these SWU interviews I get bored when they start rambling on incoherently, but Merle is just so damn good at keeping your attention. I've known about him and his infamous brother for years. Wild stuff. Merle is such a great storyteller. Can feel the passion in everything he talks about 👏 would love to have him on again!
jesus, ive been a GG fan for years and this paints such a different picture. thank you merle and GG for being who you are and enduring what you had to go through. I want more merle interviews!!!!!
Seriously! I'm so stoked on this interview
What makes you a fan of him? Honest question.
I wonder if their dad was in WWII? Sounds like their dad had some deep seeded issues.
@@magyaradam well part of it is the mystique hes cultivated for himself, being so outrageous; its like the guy on the last interview said its like going to the zoo and being fascinated by the animals.
as far as the music goes, he's always done that raw lo fi sound associated with punk rock. its unrefined and unpolished sound is what gives it its charm and his misanthropic lyrics is like a staple of punk rock. its about rebellion and just being a nuisance to the status quo. GG embodied these characteristics so well and took em to scary levels, its almost hard not ot be fascinated or at least curious about the man
Merle recounts real history in an interesting story telling way and tells it through a deep insight into other people's motivations from his early family life up until now. It sounds like both Allin brothers were challenging a lot stuff even when they were kids.
Imposter. "Merle" worked in the supermarket deli and then went to night school to become an accountant. He only had one tattoo until last year.....he will never show you his inner elbow because he has a Merrill Lynch tattoo, which coincidentally is how he thought up his stage name Merle. We used to go for margaritas at tgif's after work. This is a big act, isn't it?
@@seltonk5136 🤔 So the old photos of him with tattoos are fake? Lol
@@ijustneedmyself we did scrapbooking on Tuesdays, and the only thing I ever saw from him that was "punk" was sneaking into see Arthur 2 On The Rocks starring Dudley Moore
@@seltonk5136 🤣🤣🤣
@@seltonk5136 you’re a dork with one simple search I found videos of him from years ago covered in tattoos so I’m not sure what you’re on about
Man what an interview! Anybody who’s been homeschooled and lived in the country know what it’s like to not have kids to play with. My childhood was very similar to theirs!
“There is more, maybe another time” YES! Bring him back on again please 😭. He’s great
A masterful story teller…this was riveting stuff for all of us older punk rockers wanting to get backstory on GG right from “the source.” If Merle doesn’t already have his own podcast - he absolutely should. Thank you Mark…you’ve raised the bar even higher on your terrific channel with this one!
Merle is such an amazing, positive person despite the world he has been immersed in. I find him so relatable and interesting. You can tell he loved his brother so much, despite what a tough person to love he must have been. The pain of losing GG 30 years ago is still right there in Merle's eyes when he talks about that day in NYC. Great interview!
You are spot on about that!!
Merle is a genuinely kind dude.
I’ve known his niece (GG’s daughter Nico) since we went to central high school in Manchester, NH (I’m almost 40 now).
Merle rarely gets the recognition he deserves. Thanks for having him on.
The way he explains punk rock, “simple, stripped down, and say what you have to say” absolutely true so cool and that’s why I love punk, straight to the point with heavy hitting power chords ripping
It made me think of Nirvana's first album Bleach. 3 chords, raw. Love buzz, About a girl, big cheese, so many people don't appreciate Nirvana's earlier stuff.
@@tazmanianchic9425 gay
@@tazmanianchic9425 it's great
@@californiapoontappa lol that's what I was thinking. Nirvana was never punk in any shape or form. Fucking casuals 😂
Thank you Mark for listening to the fans!!! We all needed a Merle follow-up!!!!
Despite his "dangerous" appearence, he is really a nice and polite guy. My wife and me met him at his old house where we buyed some stuff and had a nice chat.
My wife had absolutly no idea about Merles and Gg's work and we pulled the car right in front of his house where he allready waited for us waving his hands from his porch. My wife thought we will end in some basement or shit. Afterwards she said, he was one of the friendliest guys she ever met during our trip in cali.
This guy deserve defenetly more acknowledge in the muisc scene!
when Mark was like "its a super interesting story." and Merle just wimpered "oh thank you" like all he wanted was someone to respond with empathy and appreciation.
He does a great job of getting back on track with the story he loves to tell… Legend!
GG Allin makes Marilyn Manson look like Hanson
those early manson shows were pretty wild too. nothing comes close to GG though
@@valentinelovesyou_.38 I saw them on the 'Portrait ' Tour, way crazier than after they became really popular.
Manson has nothing on G.G.!!!
@@valentinelovesyou_.38Marilyn Manson is poser shit
He copied everything from
William Ross of Christian death
Fact
Never a fan of GG or his music but Merle tells some great stories and gives an insight to his brother and the early East coast punk movement. Great interview.
I'm with you there.
@@M60gunner1971 . And I'm here too. Am glad I never got a chance to sée GG perform up close !
Yeah. I can admit it. I was afraid to go to one of his shows. I do not feel bad about that. Lol.
yeah the music sucked I struggle to understand how they got up to such anctics, the tempo to gg's music embarrasses piano miesro's from centuries earlier.
absolutely insane that Dino the naked drummer is still alive
Love Merle. Always open to talk. I bought some GG memorabilia & sent him a note & he sent me a lengthy note back. Great guy who treats his fans well!
Oh yeah. He’s definitely they type of dude to do that.
The few times I saw him with the murder junkies he would always go straight from the stage to having a beer next to whoever the hell was there.
He’s always been a good dude.
Met him and Dino here in Michigan at the legendary record store Rock of Ages in 2017! Down to earth dudes and talked and got a pick with both! RIP GG YOU LEGEND! Besides the Jabbers I like GGS stuff the best with The Murder Junkies with Dino and Merle. Brutality and Bloodshed for all is an epic album!
Great job getting Merle back in. He's a legend and a sweetheart.
You wanna see Merle smash a guitar upside some gutter punks head for puking on GG's grave?
Search on UA-cam:⬇️
"Murder Junkies - Hanging at GG Allins grave 15 year Anniversary"
I almost fell out of my chair when Merle said Dee Dee answered the ad. I had never heard that story before. Dee Dee is among the greatest songwriters of all time. Thanks for getting Merle back on, Mark!
Watch the movie "Hated" it documents this whole time with the murder junkies. One of the greatest documentaries ever made even if you don't know who GG is
There is actually some demo songs with Dee Dee out there in the world. I had a cd as a kid called Res-Erected that had 2-3 of the songs on it
You can find footage of the rehersals with Dee Dee on here
They interview Dee Dee about it in the hated documentary.
@@stonecreekspeedshop2566 video of Dee Dee in a kilt playing bite it you scum with them
Merle i hope you read this - you are badass - it is tough you lost your brother like that, the legendary GG Allin but it was out of your hands and he lived his life how he chose to - both with its good and with its bad. This entire interview is a part of Punk History that you detailed - thank u for taking your time and explaining everything. I have always wondered how things led up to GG's untimely passing - and I havebeen a fan all the way here in Trinidad since I was a kid. GG was and is an icon of the true spirit of Punk - which is so gone nowadays.
You and GG both brought to the world that raw reality that I myself am inspired by in my own music. My hat is off to you and surviving your family. All the things you've been through - you have a clear mind and are being yourself - this is a testament actually to being a rockstar that it doesnt always end up 'bad' - and the MUSIC truly can be a part of a very healthy minded person. Your big life lesson toward the end is the ESSENCE of punk - not caring what others say and doing what makes you happy - I am writing a book too and i close it very similarly - in that I wish to live that Free - People underestimate its power - it is far greater medicine than most pharma drugs or street drugs - it's the spirit of punk -
Mark ,
After seeing all these good reviews I think you hit a light switch here. It would be fantastic if you could keep this going with legendary punk/hardcore bands from the original days. HR from the Bad Brains has been under bad health, that would be an outstanding interview and your numbers would fly thru the roof!!!! Alot of these guys that are still alive but barely would be a great idea!!! Yes" especially guys from the late 70s and 80s that are unsung hero's, from the 1st ~ 20 bands or so. Back when we went to shows with maybe 30 people at dive bars in major city's when we all knew each other and Hardcore/ punk was total tabu.
that would be awesome yep
HR would be an awesome interview! I wouldn't mind seeing one with Henry Rollins, just to see if he's still a dick haha (a great frontman, but a pretentious dick)
An interview with Doc Dart from the Crucifucks would be EPIC! The Crucifucks were a punk outfit from Lansing MI in the late 70’s and early-mid 80’s. Doc was a genuine rebel, the only son of a family banking empire who would reject materialism and his family legacy to front an anti-establishment punk band known as the Crucifucks. The original drummer, Scott Shelly, would later go on to play with Sonic Youth. The Crucifucks composed the familiar riff that Kurt Cobain and Nirvana would later use in “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. For those interested there are a number of uploads on UA-cam of the Crucifucks.
YES GET HR!!
Good call!
One of the most compelling guests you've ever had on Mark. I hope we see him back for more. I feel like that was just the tip of the iceberg
Love Merle , this interview shows how much he loved and still misses his younger brother
There was a time when Merle put his personal phone number out there, this was before internet. My friend some how got it. We called Merle on 3 way. We got his answering machine and actually talked to him once. Nice guy
The same time when you could also find it in a phone book? Everyone had a public number back then unless you paid to have it not listed.
It’s so nice to hear a well articulated account of the Punk scene from an insider.
What a legend! Thank you for allowing Merel to tell his story. GG obviously needed a massive spotlight to contain his personality, but I always give Merel his respect on how he stood by his brother in music and life through absolute chaos and destruction. A punk rock pioneer. GG and the Murder Junkies won’t ever get recognized by some association like the rock and roll hall of fame but they absolutely belong there.
Yeah to bad the venues in the basement didn’t have more than 60 watt bulbs
My best friend and I used to buy bootleg VHS tapes from Merle in the 90s. He put his phone number and address in Murder Junkies tapes and CDs advertising his services. That dude could get anything we wanted. Im talking obscure and crazy shit. He is kind of a walking encyclopedia of underground music. Thru Merle I got to see things like Pungent Stench and The Meatmen and so many others I cant remember.
He used to film a TON of bands at cbgbs in the early 90s
It's really amazing to hear him tell his story because, to me, GG and Merle were literally legends of absolute mythic proportions. You knew the stories without ever even having heard the music. But you didn't read about them. You knew because you knew. Because these guys created quite possibly the greatest word of mouth network the world has ever seen.
As far as them personally, I knew about GG, but Merle seemed almost more dangerous to me because I didn't know as much about him. Listening to him, just the sweet likeable guy that he seems to be makes me chuckle, comparing to how I viewed him years ago....people are so surprising sometimes, and often not at all what you think......it reminds me to keep an open mind and not label people before I know them.
Don’t be fooled. This dude is equally a POS. Don’t forget they drugged and raped kids and whatnot.
I completely agree
Crazy how mellow and down-to-earth Merle is. I didn't quite expect that. Awesome interview.
Age mellows everyone.
You can only have so much piss and vinegar in you before someone comes along and beats the piss out of you.
It's just the law of averages and anyone with any kind of self awareness and desire for self preservation learns eventually that discretion is the better part of Valor.
@@meisteremm Well said my friend. 🙏
@@meisteremmgetting married and drinking for many years to the point it almost killed me, mellowed me down. I was a young hot head but I like the calming feeling with middle age.
I met him at a Murder junkies show a few years ago opening for Hank Williams III and they were fantastic. He was so incredibly nice and answered every question signed whatever you had was just super cool. Do you know on the other hand was a very interesting character. Lol If you've ever seen the documentary about Gigi you will know what I'm talking about. But yeah Merle rules. Thank you for having him on your show. That was a lot of fun to hear the history.
It should say Dino. I did speak to text without proofreading
NO performer has EVER been as dangerous as GG. His shows were full-on dangerous
Travis Scott
I saw a GG show in New Jersey that actually lasted like 30 minutes, I felt honored to be there.
@@zippymufo9765that’s pretty long for a GG show lol
@@palmerlp Yeah it was fun. He did his usual shitting and grabbed a few people but he was pretty chilled out in comparison to some shows. We saw him earlier that afternoon hanging out at a takeout near the club and got him to sign a CD, he was like "You fuckers better be at the show tonight". Too bad I didn't have a camera.
more disgusting than dangerous hahna
Looks like he ate a lot of pomegranate
I always loved GG Allin’s cover of “Carmelita”. He really nailed it.
I loved his version too.
yes!!
Yes! And His cover of Pick Me up on your way down is also great!
That's my least favorite song
I like his covers of Hank Jr like scumf** tradition and F women I've never had
Merle's menstrualstache is the greatest thing in men's facial hair fashions since ... well, ever. I caught the Murder Junkies (sadly, without GG) about 15 years ago and was amazed by how nice, friendly, and caring they were as people outside of the show. It's awesome to see them finally getting the attention they have deserved for 40+ years.
Greater than his Hitler stache? Dude and his brother were straight up rapists
I noticed the red beard and just thought nothing of it until I read the comment about menstrualstache. Perfect!
I saw the murder junkies in my town with Merle around the same time
To bad I can't post pictures I have one autographed by Merle with Hank the 3rd with him at GG's grave.
Love this guy. So clear and sensitive. What a history of life.
I was a bouncer at a show they played in a super small club outside Milwaukee called vnuks. Though GG obviously passed looooooong before, their reputation surely precedes them. It was quite a show and a pure taste of what punk rock was in the 80s. Ill never forget it.
I could listen to Merle all day. Great interview.
Same. I don’t know who this guy is. But I’m floored. Stopped everything and Just listened.
@@couchprincess698 look up the documentary “Hated” type that in with GG Allin and you’ll find it. Might provide some context for you.
@@carsonlewis7901 Thanks Dude.
I went and listened to his first interview. I’m so blown away by his story telling. Hopefully he can get an audible book deal. After finding this channel 4 years ago. I haven’t read or listened to many books. 🥹
@@couchprincess698 watch the live murder junkies shows lol. Regardless if you like or hate the music or not, you can see how insane his brother gg allin was
I preferred to listens to the crazy brother that this guy that just witnessed his brother
Hearing him talk about seeing bands and getting excited about being a teenager is so cool. I love telling people about all the bands I saw back in the day.
Who did you see?
I've never been much of a fan of punk rock, but I can appreciate it and thoroughly enjoyed this interview... One of the best so far!
I've always wanted to like it, but never fully got into it. Some of the songs were great, but a lot of it is just lazy IMO. I look at punk as quasi-music. It's more of a lifestyle than anything.
I used to hang out and play with bands at clubs where they played. Merle is the coolest guy.
YES! A Merle interview, his brother was a complete nutcase and legend.
Nah, he just knew how to put on a good show🤘
@@J0SHUAKANE LOL! Yeah, he put on great shows, as long as you weren't actually there getting poo hucked at you!
Legend ? I thought he was lame and shock value compared to Bobby soxx
Yes Merle is so normal....
@Dagaz Alexis Kyle A dead lady sells things?
Merle does a great job of illustrating what GG was about, who he knew, and why he did what he did. "Rock 'n Roll to me has always been about real rebellion and real non-conformity" -GG
Vouching for New York actually looking like 'Taxi Driver' back then and talking about loving the filth of it all. I've watched THAT film so many times, but Merle lived the pure visual aesthetics of that period. Amazing.
The bands he opened for. Lordy me...& traveling around in a Bread Truck.
Is he wearing an Ed Gein T-Shirt?
New York looked exactly like Taxi Driver. Taxi driver didn’t change anything about the city or use fake sets. All those scenes of driving around talking about “the filth and the scum” were just them actually driving up the streets with a camera. Those were real prostitutes and dealers that were turning away from the camera as it went by.
@@phillipcooke500 he is a huge collector of serial killer paraphilia... He was friends with John Wayne Gacey...
@@phillipcooke500 seems to be the case
What a cool dude. Man, Merle and GG did create something timeless. I love the stuff to be honest.
Super stoked to see this finally released! Thanks for sitting down with Merle and doing the interview Mark.
Solid interview, I really enjoyed this one. Merle seems like a very down to earth, humble guy. He's been around the block a few times.
"There is more yaknow... but maybe another time?" Yes. Yes to more, that was so absorbing and brilliant. Love Merle and love this channel!
Love hearing about his time with Thrills opening for the Ramones. Stories told by this man are undoubtedly the best accounts of the most legendary rockstar ever. I've read about the story of GG and am so glad a first hand account from a great orator exists. Thanks Mark & Merle.
It’s crazy how much Merle has aged in the past 6 years since the All In The Family documentary. Have to wonder to what extent his mother’s death impacted him. Glad to see him in seemingly good spirits.
I'd say the doc was shot maybe two or three years before the release date. He seems sharp though.
Well, he dyed his beard black for years, so maybe he just stopped. People tend to look older when having grey hair.
No doubt.
He looked so much different the last time I saw him. And that was within the past ten years.
Seems like he’s aged tenfold over that time.
I hope he’s doing alright.
@@youcanthandlethetruth8873 I'm weirdo I guess because I always think gray hair suits people for their age and looks good
Wild that he’s basically my moms age
Great life lesson at the end. Much respect to Merle still living the punk rock life after all these years
Great to see a follow up interview, Merle is a fascinating man
fascinating is a good description
Hey, your the dude that made the really good video on GG. Love your channel dude
What an amazing interview. It’s so awesome to hear someone talk about the eras and movements as they lived through them. He’s so sharp with recalling everything bit for bit. I could listen to him talk all day. Everyone focused on all the shock value that GG brought to the punk scene but hearing his brother talk about him being such an amazing person and far as writing and being a good drummer is so cool.
Such an amazing person that liked to sexually and physically assault women…no matter the age. This guys full of shit, and ironically so was his brother but it was just recycled back into his mouth. Lovely humans 🙄.
GG was a great drummer, there's footage of him sitting in for another band on drums.. I'm blanking on dudes name from the other band
This is an absolute example of what swu represents. The Allin boys childhood was the utmost epitamy of traumatic with the shit their dad was doing . All things considered I think it’s fair to say Merle turned out great considering what was going on . And with gg it’s not terribly surprising
Ish happens, don't it!?😂🎉😢😅
I'm sitting here in the great north woods of Coos county NH listening to this and while I never got into the punk scene I had heard about GG
Merle is an amazing source of information, well spoken and not at all what I expected...
Brutally honest without apology
in the punk tradition
Cheers to the hometown boys!
I will say, in Todd Phillip's Hated movie, the guitar player from The Jabbers says GG was more like Merle until Merle spiked a donut he was eating with LSD. He said GG took his clothes off and ran around their small town smashing shit, and apparently never came to normal.
@@johnran6015 so Merle gave gg acid? Opening up hisdeep rooted subconscious problems ?
@@northrndisordr9219 well it's just a story in a movie first, so I don't know if it's true or not, but watching every piece of footage available in my lifetime of GG I will say it certainly didn't help if true, two of the most interesting GG videos are two separate camcorder shot autograph appearances he did at some record stores you can find here on youtube, he's sitting selling merch, signing stuff and taking pictures and he looks completely amped up and uneasy like he might snap at any second, real intense boiling under the surface
My band The Creeps opened up for GG on his last tour.,in Seattle and Portland..epic shows!! GG came to my tattoo shop afterwards and partied with us... I will never forget it. He was hella nice.. gakked out of his mind on speed.. Todd Phillips the producer of The hangover movies was following GG around the whole tour and recording everything he said.. life. Changing times!
Awesome to hear him mention the Dead Boys. Very underrated band
This one was INCREDIBLE. Back in my punk days GG Allin was the stuff of legend. Hearing his story from beginning to end was truly illuminating.
There's a good doc on YT called GG Allin All In The Family that shows a lot of good stuff, too. They even feature Dino
I didn’t know it was legend hearing stories about a rapist and pedophile
“There is more, ya know.” I am really interested in another part on what Merle’s been up to since 2000. Really needed to let him continue.
Back in the late 80s, GG had played a show..sort of...after the show, we saw Merle sitting by himself at IHOP so we joined him and just let him talk. He's a very cool dude, very level-headed and gregarious.
If there was ever someone to have a few beers with and hear stories from, it's this man!
Ikr, they broke the van and they needed a new van and Hertz said "no more vans". Exciting stuff.
My old punk band opened for the Murder Junkies almost a decade ago. Merle was was really cool and supportive of younger bands. We even did a GG cover during our set and he loved it. Great memories.
Mine too, he bought us snow cones after the show. We asked if he wanted to party with us but he just wanted to take a nap. So we all took a nap at this little bus stop with our snow cone mustaches. It was probly the best night of my life. And the best NAP of my life!!
Band names? I used to try ‘n find every punk band under the sun from age 12-16. Used to tour with my band ‘Ole Tyme Folk Hero and met some rlly cool bands traveling.
@@jiujitsu94 Don't be jealous, little ❄️
Not adding to your story just here to say whoop whoop praise XUL
What's the name of your band?,Jason
The contrast between Merle and GG.
Merle is a such a kind soul despite everything he went through in life.
Merle used to come in to Generation Records NYC, where I worked in the 90s and we used to have great conversations similar to his interview here. Merle was always a super guy and now a living legend! Give him another interview, he wasn't done!
I own every Murder Junkies album and Merle even signed them, he is a really cool fuckin' dude. I hope to see them playing in Canada one day.
I said it on the last video and I'll say it again, this man, his brother, their music, made life a little easier in my youth. Showed me it's cool to not be cool