40 Years Ago, Ministry’s Al Jourgensen Was Finding Himself. Chicago Talk Show Caught A Glimpse Of Those Beginnings.

Jul 24, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By James Currie

THE WAY BACK MACHINE.

Back in 1984, 40 years ago, local talk show host Phil Donahue did a special episode about Punk Rockers and just how different they are. In this episode, they talked to parents of punk rock teens, music journalists, local punks and someone we all know and love, albeit from a different time, Ministry’s @weareministry’s Al Jourgensen.

This was during the “With Sympathy” era of Ministry just months after its release. Al, as we all know, was in a different phase of his life and career that did not resemble what we know today at all. Something he shunned off for decades until recently.

Here are some clip stills from that episode featuring a cast of characters from the Chicago punk scene as well as some avid fans and confused parents. And of course, Al in his pink floral kimono and white slacks. (possibly on loan from his first wife, also in the audience, Patty).

No matter, Al has always proved to be the coolest guy on the block, or in this case, set, and his changes throughout the years old solidify his raised middle finger to the world carving his own path of individuality.