Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning screenwriter known for his work on “Milk,” is set to unveil a compelling new docuseries that seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to rock and roll history. Titled “Rock Out,” the four-part series is poised to premiere on the LGBTQ+ streaming platform Revry on Sunday, September 20. The project carries a personal significance for Black, as it was inspired by his late brother, Marcus, a queer punk rock musician who faced considerable challenges in his quest for acceptance.
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“Rock Out” delves into the foundational role that queer musicians and music industry figures have played since the genre’s inception in the 1950s and 1960s. It explores how openly gay artists broke barriers in the music scene over the decades, while behind-the-scenes figures contributed to the genre’s evolution. Through this exploration, Black seeks answers to a painful question once posed by his brother: “Where are the gays like me?” Marcus, who passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 41, struggled to find a community where he felt he truly belonged.
Reflecting on Marcus’s life, Black emphasises how integral music was to his brother’s identity. “Music was my brother’s life. It was the centre of his universe,” he explains. Despite being an avid fan of punk and metal bands like Dead Kennedys and Metallica, Marcus felt alienated in a world where coming out as queer was not commonly accepted. Black recalls trying to introduce his brother to the more mainstream gay community, which gravitated towards pop music, but Marcus yearned for acceptance from his punk rock family, feeling incomplete without it.
During the making of “Rock Out,” Black was motivated by the desire to answer his brother’s inquiries about community and belonging. Initially, the concept for the docuseries stemmed from an article in The New York Times by music critic Jim Farber, which piqued Black’s interest. “I felt quite guilty for not being able to help Marcus at the time,” he admits. The article served as a catalyst for Black to uncover the hidden stories of LGBTQ+ musicians that have shaped the music industry.
Among the prominent figures highlighted in “Rock Out” are music managers like Brian Epstein and Larry Parnes, who were instrumental in launching the careers of iconic British acts, alongside queer musicians such as Elton John and Freddie Mercury. The series stands as a testament to the courage exhibited by those who dared to be themselves, even amidst societal pressures that often demanded conformity.
As Black navigates the punk and metal music landscape, he engages with openly gay musicians like Joseph Genaro of The Dead Milkmen. Their conversations probe the question of acceptance within a genre that has historically been resistant to LGBTQ+ identities. “Is there a place for someone like my brother in this black-painted world?” Black recalls asking, and the answers he received were eye-opening.
Despite the completion of this extensive project, Black grapples with feelings of guilt and unresolved emotions regarding his brother’s struggles. “I thought, ‘Oh, there was an answer there that I could have shared that might have helped my brother survive,’” he reflects. Nevertheless, he recognises the positive outcomes of his endeavours, reinforcing the notion that courage within the music industry can pave the way for future generations.
The significance of “Rock Out” extends beyond its historical context, especially as Black observes the current socio-political climate. “We’re in a time where the pendulum of progress is swinging backwards,” he notes, highlighting the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history and ensuring that these narratives are readily accessible.
He hopes the documentary can inspire individuals who may feel isolated within their own families. “For gay people in particular, we’re not often born into families that look like us,” Black asserts, underscoring the necessity of documented history that acknowledges the triumphs and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In closing, Black expresses his hope that audiences will find a sense of pride and belonging through “Rock Out.” He envisions a future where viewers can connect with the historic contributions of queer individuals in music, stating, “I want them to feel like I have more spaces that I belong in.” With “Rock Out” set to premiere soon, it promises to be a vital exploration of a rich, yet often obscured, legacy within the music industry.