An Interview with Jon Langford
The music and artwork of Jon Langford, founder of the legendary punk rock band The Mekons and Bloodshot Records recording artist, was the inspiration for our latest production, All the Fame of Lofty Deeds (written by rock journalist Mark Guarino). We recently sat down with Jon to ask him a few questions about music, his inspiration for Lofty Deeds, and what it’s like to see his work translated to the stage.
What is your favorite thing about living and working in Chicago?
Having the mental and physical space to do the things I want to do, in an atmosphere of support and cooperation that provides a defiant antidote to the brutal and conventional “me-first ambition” you find in other cities.
When did you become interested in writing and performing country music?
There seemed to be a lot of parallels between punk and country – a willingness to face the world head on and a simplicity of form that allows anyone in.
What was the inspiration behind the Lofty Deeds character?
An old phrase I found on a 17th century Dutch vanitas etching: “All the fame of lofty deeds must perish like a dream.” There was also an old flyer for local Chicago C&W legends the Sundowners, which advertised guest artists like Shorty Cunningham and Lefty Hamlett. Suddenly Lofty Deeds was an old washed up honky-tonk singer looking back at his life through his records, radio shows, posters and promo shots.
What’s it like seeing your music and artwork transformed into a stage show?
I’m really flattered that the House chose to perform this work. I think of all the things I’ve done, Lofty really lends itself to live theater. The original CD was described as a “honky-tonk Ziggy Stardust” and you can’t get much more theatrical than Dave can you?!
Why should people come see All the Fame of Lofty Deeds?
My initial idea for the show was pretty stately and grim but Mark Guarino’s script takes it into wild absurdist territory. We want people to feel that they really are the audience at some crazed old hillbilly Barn Dance, to sing and shout along and brace themselves for some weird thrills and spills…
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