HR Of Bad Brains' Eccentric Life Revealed In Documentary, Finding Joseph I

Paul "HR" Hudson is the voice of hardcore pioneers Bad Brains, one of the most influential bands to rise out of American hardcore in the 80s. Bad Brains harnessed the power of punk rock, reggae, jazz-fusion, metal, and funk and moulded them a wild but focused sound centered around their Rastafarian faith, and HR's PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) creed was a beacon of light in a punk scene not known for its positivity. It's impossible to understate their importance in the context of American underground rock music.

Documentary Finding Joseph I chronicles the life, career and struggles of the man himself. It's been a long time in the works (first trailers appeared over four years ago!) but it's finally getting some time in cinemas (dates below) and is appearing on DVD on November the 3rd.

Finding Joseph I trailer

Fairly billed as a complex documentary about a complex man, the film focuses on his creativity and artistry as well as his uphill battle with his mental health. In it, HR's friends and fellow musicians share their stories and firsthand experiences with the sometimes unpredictable singer and HR's own interviews find him digging surprisingly deep to discuss his life, philosophies, and career. 

Directed By James Lathos and produced by Small Axe Films, Finding Joseph I features never-before-seen archival footage, photography, and exclusive interviews with HR, Earl Hudson (Bad Brains/Brother), Ras Michael, Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat/Fugazi), members of Sublime, Deftones, Fishbone, Cro-Mags, The Wailers, Living Colour and more.

Deftones featuring HR - Right Brigade (Bad Brains)
Rams Head Live Baltimore Md. 10/26/2012

Screening dates:

10/12 & 14 - Seattle @ Grand Illusion
10/17 & 18 - New Orleans @ Zeitgeist Arts Center
10/28 - Los Angeles @ Regent Theater ***HR and Lathos in attendance***
10/18 - London @ Komedia Picturehouse Brighton
10/19 - London @ Tramshed Cinema - Cardiff
10/21 & 22 - Switzerland @ Lausanne Underground Film & Music Festival 2017
10/22 - Washington D.C. @ Lincoln Theater
10/26 - Chicago @ Brew View
10/27 - Barcelona @ IN-EDIT Festival
11/25 - Philadelphia @ PhilaMOCA
TBD - Brooklyn @ Nitehawk Cinema