Barbican Screening Schedules Fugs Film in London
The documentary feature Fugs Film! is scheduled to screen at the Barbican in London on October 23, 2026, as part of the Doc’n’Roll film festival, simonwarner.substack.com reported. Director Chuck Smith will appear at the screening to participate in a live Q&A session. The 84-minute production explores the origins, history, and cultural impact of the band through archival footage, live performances, and contemporary interviews.
Lower East Side Roots Shape Band Formation
The history of the Fugs dates back to 1963 on the Lower East Side of New York City, where founding members Tuli Kupferberg and Ed Sanders spent time at Stanley’s Bar at Avenue B and 12th Street. As simonwarner.substack.com reported, the pair conceived the group after hearing the Beatles on a local jukebox, deciding they could write superior lyrics even if they had to figure out the musical arrangements later. They enlisted the folk group the Holy Modal Rounders as a backing band alongside former U.S. Air Force Russian specialist Ken Weaver, who initially played on vegetable crates and cardboard boxes before switching to a standard drum kit.
FBI Director Hoover Denounced the Fugs as Vulgar
During the band’s early residency at the Peace Eye Bookstore, artist Andy Warhol was a regular attendee and sought a musical act to feature in his avant-garde happenings. Because the Fugs were already established and self-managed, Warhol ultimately chose the Velvets instead. The group’s fusion of Beat poetry and rock eventually brought them to Warner Brothers Records and drew the ire of federal authorities. As simonwarner.substack.com reported, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover denounced the group as the filthiest and most vulgar thing the human mind could possibly conceive.
Archive Footage Documents Vietnam Era Unrest
Director Chuck Smith incorporates rare archival footage into the documentary, including scenes of the band’s live performances and their historic attempt to levitate the Pentagon during Vietnam War protests. The production also features an interview with former Fugs bassist Jackie Anderson, who shares her perspective as a young draftee serving under fire in the conflict. Brian Eno praised their legacy, stating that the Fugs made it clear that ANYTHING was POSSIBLE,
as noted by simonwarner.substack.com.
Barbican Centre Screens Fugs Film on October 23
The Doc’n’Roll film festival screening of Fugs Film! takes place at the Barbican Centre in London on October 23, 2026. Director Chuck Smith’s production runs for 84 minutes and includes cinematography by Andy Bowley, with co-production credits shared by Ed Sanders, Ken Weaver, and Myles Aronowitz.