About This Footage
The Up's "Together" is a 1971 proto-punk gem, captured in all its raw, unbridled glory. This footage is a rare and precious artifact from the Motor City's fertile underground scene, where MC5 was already making waves with their incendiary sound. The Up, however, remains an enigmatic entity, shrouded in mystery and myth.
At the time of this filming, MC5 was on the cusp of stardom, having just released their debut album "Kick Out the Jams" to critical acclaim. Their fusion of garage rock, psychedelia, and social commentary had already begun to influence a generation of young musicians. Meanwhile, The Up's existence was all but forgotten – a footnote in the annals of Detroit's musical history.
This clip is significant not only because it showcases The Up's unique sound but also because it highlights the fragmented nature of the proto-punk movement. While MC5 was busy crafting their anthem-driven rock 'n' roll, The Up was exploring darker, more experimental territories. Their music was a reflection of the chaos and anarchy that defined the late 1960s counterculture.
The footage itself is a testament to the DIY ethos that characterized the era's underground scene. Shot in a dingy, cramped space, "Together" has the feel of a live performance – raw, unpolished, and utterly captivating. The Up's lead singer, his voice hoarse from years of shouting, bellows out lyrics that are equal parts poetry and primal scream.
What makes this clip truly remarkable is its rarity. With only 4:22 minutes of footage available, "Together" is a tantalizing glimpse into the world of The Up – a world that was all but erased by time and circumstance. Watching this clip, one can't help but feel a sense of loss, knowing that so much of their music has been lost to history.
Despite its brevity, "Together" packs a wallop, conjuring up images of smoke-filled rooms, sweaty crowds, and the raw energy of live performance. It's a time capsule from a bygone era, one that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. The Up may have disappeared into obscurity, but their music lives on – a testament to the enduring power of punk's DIY ethos.
In watching "Together," we're not just witnessing a lost chapter in Detroit's musical history; we're also experiencing the raw, unbridled energy of proto-punk at its most primal. The Up may have been forgotten, but their legacy continues to reverberate through the music world – a reminder that even the most obscure and enigmatic artists can leave an indelible mark on the landscape of rock 'n' roll.
As we gaze upon this grainy, black-and-white footage, we're transported back to a time when music was still a rebellious act – a declaration of independence from the mainstream. The Up's "Together" is more than just a rare clip; it's a window into a world that continues to captivate and inspire us today.
Curated from public records and music databases.
