New Music Documentary 'Dead City Punx' to Premiere in April

The film, executive produced by Zack de la Rocha, charts the band's illegal outdoor shows and clashes with authorities.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new music documentary called 'Dead City Punx' is set to premiere on April 16 in Los Angeles. The film, executive produced by Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha, chronicles the band Dead City Punx and their massive illegal outdoor concerts that featured fireworks, fistfights, bonfires, and graffiti, pitting them against the LAPD, LAFD, and the mayor. The documentary aims to explore the meaning of DIY and punk rock.

Why it matters

The film promises to shine a light on the underground music scene in Los Angeles, highlighting the tensions between the city's authorities and the punk rock community. As a Zack de la Rocha-produced project, it also has the potential to draw more mainstream attention to the punk ethos and DIY culture.

The details

According to the official synopsis, 'Dead City Punx' charts the band's 'massive illegal outdoor shows' that were 'full of fireworks, fistfights, bonfires and graffiti' and 'pit them against the LAPD, Lafd and the mayor, ultimately resuscitating LA's music scene while forcing the viewer to question what DIY and punk really means.' The documentary is executive produced by Roger Gastman, Joseph Pattisall, and Zack de la Rocha.

  • The film will premiere on April 16, 2026 in Los Angeles at the Regent Theater.
  • The next day, there will be a gallery opening at Beyond the Streets.

The players

Zack de la Rocha

The lead vocalist of the band Rage Against the Machine, who is an executive producer on the 'Dead City Punx' documentary.

Roger Gastman

An executive producer on the 'Dead City Punx' documentary.

Joseph Pattisall

An executive producer on the 'Dead City Punx' documentary.

Dead City Punx

The band featured in the documentary, known for their massive illegal outdoor concerts in Los Angeles.

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which clashed with the band Dead City Punx over their illegal outdoor shows.

LAFD

The Los Angeles Fire Department, which also clashed with the band Dead City Punx over their illegal outdoor shows.

The Mayor of Los Angeles

The mayor of Los Angeles, who was involved in the clashes between the authorities and the band Dead City Punx.

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What’s next

The film will premiere on April 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, and the next day there will be a gallery opening at Beyond the Streets.

The takeaway

This documentary promises to provide a raw and unfiltered look at the underground punk rock scene in Los Angeles, exploring the tensions between the DIY ethos of the music community and the authorities tasked with maintaining order in the city. As a Zack de la Rocha-produced project, it has the potential to bring more mainstream attention to the punk rock subculture and the ongoing debate around what it means to be 'punk' in the modern era.