Armand Schaubroeck, a former inmate who spent time in Elmira State Reformatory, turned his experiences into art by creating a rock opera about his time in prison. He convinced Andy Warhol to collaborate on the project, resulting in the debut album from Armand Schaubroeck Steals: A Lot of People Would Like to See Armand Schaubroeck … Dead. The album, recently reissued for its 50th anniversary, is a raw and gritty depiction of the harsh realities of incarceration.
Schaubroeck’s music career continued with albums like I Came to Visit; But Decided to Stay and Ratfucker, which explored themes of decay and dysfunction. Simultaneously, he built a successful business selling guitars out of his mum’s basement, eventually creating the iconic House of Guitars in Rochester, New York. As the shop celebrates its 60th year, Schaubroeck reflects on his past and the impact of his music.
Despite the scandalous content of his music, including themes of depravity and moral decay, Schaubroeck’s storytelling and dark humor resonated with fans and earned him a cult following. His unique blend of music, poetry, and performance art positioned him as a proto-punk provocateur. Today, at 80 years old, Schaubroeck looks back on his life with a mix of nostalgia and contemplation, acknowledging the authenticity and impact of his work.
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