Cover photo by Edward Colver
Today marks 22 years since Rozz Williams (Roger Allen Painter) departed the world. He has influenced many people and is near and dear to many around the world. Every year around his birthday (November 6th) and his death anniversary today people have Rozz nights in honor of Rozz. Many know him from his band “Christian Death”. But he also had other projects like “EXP”, “Premature Ejaculation” and “The Shadow Project” just to name a few. He is what we call California Deathrock. One of the pioneers of our Deathrock music in California. Many of us who live in Los Angeles or California are deemed lucky at times by others due to the fact that we live here and get the chance to be surrounded by and listen to music made by Rozz’s closest friends and former band members. It’s honestly harder every time I write about Rozz. I was too young to ever know him or go to his shows. However being close to people that worked with him or knew him- I always worry about whether or not I wrote enough or too much about Rozz. I find it easier to say the truth- Simply put; Rozz is loved by many people and continues to influence generation after generations of musicians and artists. That his music has meant and means a lot to many- that it has helped people with their emotional problems. That Rozz somehow understood pain- which led them to understand their own pain- which led them to heal or make life a little better.
This is what I decided would be the best to write about Rozz this year- because it is fact.
A Vampirefreaks Los Angeles staff member has written this next part. Through her perspective of Rozz - ”I wanted to say - Rozz inspired many people from different cultures and backgrounds. People use his music to create new friendships and make connections. Rozz Williams legacy will continue to live on in California through many generations.” -Freda
Normally in California and around the world we pay tribute with a Rozz night/ceremony. However due to the pandemic we are currently in - there are no events. Here is a look at what California did last year.
Now enjoy the videos here and photos. Post your favorite photo or song from Rozz Williams if you’d like. We also encourage you to share your thought on Rozz if you’re a fan and his music or art has ever helped you.
https://youtu.be/cGtcGi7BITg
https://youtu.be/oR0-02NYxl4
https://youtu.be/2y0yKR32I3c
https://youtu.be/GH3mk5igHhM
https://youtu.be/08LyQ3Mttsg
https://youtu.be/bo9MW0a-eTM
https://youtu.be/pfijvZTNczo
Some photos by Edward Colver and Iggy.
”Forget me not, or I’ll forget myself” - Rozz Williams