The Gits

The Gits from 2005 is a documentary film that chronicles the life and career of the punk rock band The Gits. The film is directed by Kerri O'Kane and produced by actress and musician Joan Jett.

The Gits were formed in Ohio in the late 1980s by singer Mia Zapata, guitarist Joe Spleen, drummer Steve Moriarty, and bassist Matt Dresdner. They quickly gained a following in the Pacific Northwest punk rock scene and released their debut album, Frenching the Bully, in 1992.

However, in 1993, Mia Zapata was brutally raped and murdered in Seattle. Her death shocked the band's fans and the music community, but the rest of the band decided to continue playing together in her memory. They released another album, Enter: The Conquering Chicken, in 1994.

The film includes interviews with Joe Spleen, Steve Moriarty, and Matt Dresdner, as well as footage of their performances and studio recordings. It also features interviews with friends and family members of Zapata, as well as other musicians who were part of the punk scene at the time.

The documentary explores the impact of Zapata's death on the band and her loved ones, as well as the ways in which the music community rallied around them in the aftermath. The film also delves into the investigation and trial of Zapata's killer, and the emotional toll it took on those involved.

Throughout the film, The Gits' music is showcased as a powerful expression of their punk rock ethos, which was rooted in individualism, anti-authoritarianism, and the DIY ethos. The band's members talk about their influences, their aspirations, and their commitment to social justice issues, including feminism and LGBTQ rights.

The Gits from 2005 is a moving tribute to a band that was cut short by tragedy, but whose legacy endures. It is a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and heal, even in the face of the most profound loss. The documentary is a must-see for fans of punk rock, independent music, and anyone who has been touched by the transformative power of music.