Christian Death original members reunite for Nico B film screening

On April 18, The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles hosts the premiere of Rozz Williams: Romeo’s Distress, a documentary directed by Nico B. The screening precedes a musical performance by former members of Christian Death, coinciding with the project’s development over the last decade.

The documentary serves as a chronological successor to the 1998 short film Pig, a silent surrealist horror work co-directed by Nico B and Rozz Williams. Williams died by suicide before the completion of the soundtrack for Pig. Nico B, who founded Cult Epics in Amsterdam in 1991, previously collaborated with Williams and Gitane Demone on the 1995 album Dream Home Heartache. His previous publications regarding the artist include The Art of Rozz Williams: From Christian Death to Death and Christian Death – Only Theatre of Pain: Photography by Edward Colver.

The scheduled performance features a lineup of Rikk Agnew (guitar), James McGearty (bass), and David Glass (drums). Vocal duties are assigned to Eva O, Gitane Demone, and Patrik Mata of Kommunity FK. The setlist draws from the three albums recorded during Williams‘ tenure with the group: Only Theatre Of Pain (1982), Catastrophe Ballet (1984), and Ashes (1985).

Rozz Williams (born Roger Alan Painter, 1963–1998) established Christian Death in Southern California, later forming Shadow Project with Eva O and the industrial unit Premature Ejaculation. While Only Theatre of Pain is frequently cited in the context of American deathrock, Williams later distanced himself from the gothic subculture, moving into cabaret, spoken word, and hard rock with projects such as Daucus Karota, Heltir, and EXP. In 1995, he recorded with Gitane Demone following her departure from the Valor Kand-led version of Christian Death. Williams died on April 1, 1998, in West Hollywood at the age of 34.

The event is organized by Cult Epics. Tickets are available starting today, with VIP options including a meet-and-greet and a silkscreened film poster.

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