R.I.P. Tuli Kupferberg

[Sonic Youth]

He was soooo cool. And unique. (Didn't realize he was that old, though.)

I think it's partly because with the beard you never really saw his face. But remember, he was pretty old back then. In 1965, he was 41 years old, and in the rock scene that's grandpapa status, especially among hippie bands (although they were more 50s-era beatniks than hippies).

If anyone knows The Fugs at all, they know them by "Boobs A Lot" courtesy of Dr. Demento:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPVgKoruWdA&feature=related

Die-hard Coen Brothers fans who sat through the end-credit scroll of "Burn After Reading" heard a live version of "CIA MAN" (Fuckin' A, man!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3V98lnJX1k&feature=related

And my favorite, "Kill for Peace".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7VQVzMR4Rs

And here's Tuli's Youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tulifuli

I liked them because they were smarter than the average prostest music composer. They know well enough to make their songs fun. R.I.P. Tuli.

[Damien]

He was soooo cool. And unique. (Didn't realize he was that old, though.)

[Sonic Youth]

Brace yourself, Damien. (I'm guessing you were a fan.)

Rest In Peace and Boobs A Lot, Tuli.


Tuli Kupferberg, Fugs Singer and Beat Poet, Dead at 86
Posted on Jul 12th 2010 5:30PM by Michael D. Ayers



Tuli Kupferberg, a member of the Fugs and a staple of the New York City "beat" scene, has passed away at age 86, according to the New York Times. Kupferberg was the vocalist and percussionist for the '60s folk-rock band, who were known for the outspoken, anti-war stances and satire-drenched songs. The band's recording history spanned over four decades, with their final album, 'Be Free: The Fugs Final CD (Part 2),' seeing its release this past February.

Over the years, Kupferberg was also a prolific poet, publishing anti-war material as well as publishing early works of Allan Ginsberg. It's believe that Kupferberg was an inspiration for a character in Ginsberg's most famous work, 'Howl.' [He was the one who jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and survived... not even one free beer.]

Kupferberg slowed down his production of music and writing in the last 15 years, but was still active in getting his message out there with postings of interview snippets, videos and archival material to his YouTube channel.

For the last two years, Kupferberg's health has been in decline. He's suffered two strokes, with one in April 2009 leaving his vision severely impaired. But it's not to say his influence wasn't felt within the more modern generations -- in January 2010, a benefit for Kupferberg was held featuring Sonic Youth, Lou Reed and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye, in an effort to help out with his mounting medical bills.

Kupferberg is survived by his wife, Sylvia Topp, and their three children.



Edited By Sonic Youth on 1278974118