Teen Gothic

I was thinking about how I became interested in Goth in the first place. With other music and hobbies throughout my life I can usually point to one or two people being the primary influence. Yet, I am unable to do so with Goth. So I will explain.

I was in highschool in the mid 80s. Denver was still very much a cow town then, yet had a thriving underground punk scene. I know I was drawn to punk in the early 80s as I was always very angry. Going to punk shows and the underage clubs became my passion. By sophomore year I had transformed to full on Goth. However none of my friends were goth, they were punks.

I guess the music was the driving force. It seemed the best dance songs at the clubs were the Goth songs. I remember going nuts for Temple of Love everytime they played it at Rock Island. I loved to dance, mostly because all the girls liked to dance. I enjoyed dancing in the cages with them.

The darker lyrics and melodies of the music appeals to me. Especially the steely guitars of The Sisters of Mercy. I was drawn to the fashion, and the hair. I loved my skull buckles. My over use of hairspray and dye probably caused my baldness.

I still love black. I had some great times back then. I still love the music today. I have my old leather jacket hanging in my closet. Many of my old posters are on the walls of my dressing room. I still wear my earrings. The SOM tattoos still fashon my body.

But for the life of me I can't remember who exactly turned me on to Goth. Maybe your stories will help me remember.