If you’re aware of Industrial Musicals—an obscure subgenre that basically combines Broadway-style numbers with sales jargon you’re likely to hear in a boardroom—in any capacity, you’ve almost certainly heard of Steve Young. The former Letterman writer’s affinity for this odd musical sect was chronicled in Bathtubs Over Broadway, an acclaimed documentary about Young and his unique hobby.
As one of the world’s most avid Industrial Musical collectors and among the foremost authorities on the subject, Young occasionally treats audiences to some of his favorite pieces during live shows. And you’re in luck, Milwaukee, because he’s coming to town! On Thursday, August 31, join Steve Young and Milwaukee Record—proud media sponsors of the event—in celebrating “The Weird And Wonderful World Of Industrial Musicals” at The Cooperage.
“I’m excited to be screening these strange, ultra-rare treasures for a Milwaukee audience,” Young says. “I’m bringing films that are glimpsed briefly in the documentary, like General Electric’s 1973 Got To Investigate Silicones and American Standard’s legendary 1969 plumbing fixture musical The Bathrooms Are Coming.”
If you wish to take in some altogether amazing media that was almost lost to time and learn more about Industrials from the man himself, you won’t want to miss this event. The show begins at 7 p.m. and advance tickets cost $15. Who knows, maybe he’ll even play a few songs off that Hamm’s album from 1965! We’ll see what we can do.