Band Butthole Surfers Reunite for First Show in Eight Years
The highly anticipated official documentary of the Butthole Surfers, titled “The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt,” finally premiered on the West Coast at Beyond Fest in the historic Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. The film’s first showing, which was accompanied by a Q&A session featuring director Tom Stern and the band members, showcased the wild and chaotic journey that has defined the iconic group consisting of Gibby Haynes, Paul Leary, King Coffey, and Jeff Pinkus.
Following the screening, an unexpected Butthole Surfers reunion took place last night, marking their first performance in eight years since October 2017. Despite the brief nine-minute renditions of classics like “Cherub,” “The Colored FBI Guy,” and “The Shah Sleeps in Lee Harvey’s Grave,” the show was everything fans could have hoped for: a rebellious and energetic display of screeching feedback, distorted loops, and powerful vocals through megaphones.
The filmmaker behind the documentary, Tom Stern, has been closely connected to the Butthole Surfers since 1986 when he started capturing their performances at CBGB’s as a film student. Stern emphasized that the documentary, created in collaboration with the band, represents the culmination of his longstanding relationship with the group. He stated, “This movie will be the culmination of my close relationship with the Butthole Surfers… It’s a story I’m uniquely capable of telling because of the trust the band and I have built over the years.”
When the documentary was initially announced in June 2024, Stern made it clear that it would not be a mere tribute but rather a comprehensive exploration of the group’s legacy – the good, the bad, the bizarre, and everything in between. With a wealth of unique, unbelievable, and emotionally charged stories at hand, Stern aimed to create a film that would be irreverent, funny, sincere, and heartfelt. By combining archival footage, animation, and commentary from music legends like Dave Grohl, Dean Ween, Henry Rollins, and the late Steve Albini, Stern sought to provide an insightful glimpse into the extraordinary lives of these post-punk rock icons.
For more information about “The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt,” fans can visit the official website at buttholesurfersmovie.com.
In conclusion, the Butthole Surfers’ documentary premiere and subsequent reunion performance have reignited excitement among fans and critics alike, showcasing the enduring impact and artistic legacy of this boundary-pushing group.