Boy Howdy! The Story of Creem Magazine attempts to capture the wild, irreverent, and occasionally dangerous life and times of the assorted weirdos, freaks, and artists who, despite their worst efforts, somehow managed to produce "America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine" for two decades only occasionally missing a downbeat. Based in Detroit, Creem suffered from little of the starstruck ass-licking and elitism that began to permeate many its coastal-based competitors during this period. Instead, Creem shot from the hip, lampooning all with equal abandon, while maintaining the insight and integrity that were hallmarks of the publication. This approach endeared the mag to readers and performers alike, many of whom made it a point to visit the Creem offices whenever possible. Although much of that early chutzpah was gone by the mid-80s, the magazine soldiered on in its original format until 1989.
Notable alum include Lester Bangs, who would later refer to Detroit as, "rock's only hope," Dave Marsh, Robert Christgau, Nick Tosches, Cameron Crowe, and Chuck Eddy among many others. The "Boy Howdy" icon was designed by R. Crumb.
Helmed by director Scott Crawford (Salad Days) and produced by JJ Kramer (the son of magazine founder Barry Kramer), Boy Howdy!'s next stop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, at the Fillmore in Detroit where it will open the 2019 FREEP Film Festival.--AW
