Written by: Emma Thompson

Peter Laughner: The Unbridled Force Behind Cleveland's Alternative Rock Scene

As a guitarist, songwriter, and singer, Peter Laughner left an indelible mark on the music landscape, earning him the reputation as the catalyst behind Cleveland's alternative rock scene in the mid-1970s. With a tumultuous career that spanned various bands, including Rocket From The Tombs and Pere Ubu, Laughner's influence continues to reverberate through the music world today.

A Musical Odyssey

Laughner's musical journey began in his native Bay Village, Ohio, where he formed and fronted several bands, including Mr. Charlie, Cinderella Backstreet, Peter & The Wolves, The Blue Drivers, and Friction. However, it was his work with Rocket From The Tombs and Pere Ubu that cemented his status as a musical visionary.

As a writer, Laughner was heavily influenced by the works of Lester Bangs, and his own writing reflected a similar passion and intensity. He frequently wrote for Creem magazine, offering insightful critiques and reviews that resonated with his contemporaries.

Influences and Idols

Laughner's musical tastes were shaped by a diverse range of influences, from Lou Reed to Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie. Tom Verlaine, lead singer of Television, was another significant influence on Laughner's work. This eclectic mix of styles and sounds would later inform his own unique approach to rock music.

A Career Cut Short

Tragically, Laughner's life was marked by struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1977 due to acute pancreatitis at the age of 24. Lester Bangs, a close friend and fellow writer, penned a poignant eulogy, "Peter Laughner is Dead," in tribute to his fallen comrade.

Contrary to popular belief, Laughner's final days were not marked by despair, but rather a sense of hope and renewal. In a letter written to Cleveland singer Ruby Port on the eve of his death, Laughner expressed his intention to retreat to the Ohio countryside, where he planned to focus on writing new music and regaining his health.

Legacy and Recordings

Although Laughner's studio recordings were limited to the Pere Ubu single sessions, he left behind a treasure trove of lo-fi live, rehearsal, and demo recordings. In 1994, the Tim/Kerr label released "Take the Guitar Player for a Ride," a 15-track LP that showcased Laughner's raw talent and unbridled energy.

Today, Peter Laughner's influence can be heard in the work of countless alternative rock bands, a testament to the enduring power of his music and vision. As a true original, Laughner's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Key Facts and Timeline

• Born on August 22, 1952, in Bay Village, Ohio
• Formed and fronted various bands, including Mr. Charlie, Cinderella Backstreet, Peter & The Wolves, The Blue Drivers, and Friction
• Key contributor to Rocket From The Tombs and Pere Ubu
• Wrote for Creem magazine
• Died on June 22, 1977, due to acute pancreatitis
• Posthumous album release, "Take the Guitar Player for a Ride," in 1994

In the end, Peter Laughner's life was a testament to the transformative power of music, a fleeting glimpse of genius that continues to resonate through the ages.