Christian Death is an American deathrock band formed in Los Angeles County, California, in 1979 by Rozz Williams. Williams was eventually joined by guitarist Rikk Agnew of the band Adolescents, with James McGearty on bass guitar and George Belanger on drums. This lineup was responsible for producing the band’s best-known work, their 1982 debut album Only Theatre of Pain, which was highly influential in the development of the style of music known as death rock as well as the American gothic scene. During this time legendary L.A. punk rock photographer Edward Colver befriended the band and shot Christian Death at a dozen of the band’s concerts in the Los Angeles area during a six-month period in 1981 and 1982, as well as photographing Rozz at his family home with the band which was later used for the back cover of Only Theatre of Pain, and a session of iconic images at a cemetery in Pomona.
Cult Epics founder and friend of Rozz Williams, Nico B edited an oversized (12×12”) hardcover book of Ed’s photos capturing those rare and never-before-seen moments, as well as the story of early Christian Death as told by Edward Colver, surviving band members and others through new, exclusive interviews.
In honor of Only Theatre of Pain’s 40th anniversary, in collaboration with Lisa Fancher of Frontier Records, we are offering an exclusive, limited edition box set which includes the hardcover book plus a newly produced, double vinyl gatefold album of OTOP that includes a bonus LP of demos and bonus tracks and a bonus poster. Limited edition of 100 copies (50 left!) signed by Photographer and Band Members on bookplate affixed to the book front endpapers with (acid-free) adhesive. Plus book signature by Nico B (editor).
“There is a wonderful and telling picture of Rozz’s bookshelf.” – Punkglobe
“WOW!” – Anne Carlini
All products in this store actively support the future releases of Cult Epics. All items are original Cult Epics brand.