Tonight for our Sunday Evening Videos we are going to take one more look at the work of our friend, Johnny Rock, who passed away August 4. At Johnny’s memorial service I spoke with his bandmates in Go Van Gogh and they gave me permission to post their videos from back in the day. Go Van Gogh was the most-requested band on the original radio incarnation of Radio Free Charleston, back in 1989/90, and in tonight’s videos you can probably see why. They had great songwriting, charismatic performances and one hell of a sense of humor.

Above you see a compilation of nearly two-and-a-half hours of primo Go Van Gogh. Included are:

“All Over The Road” A document of their tour to Morgantown, WV.
“The Sad Truth” (Excerpt) Part of their mockumentary.
“Live At The Levee: 1991” Half an hour of the band in concert at The Levee (now known as The Boulevard Tavern).
“Coalfinger” What happens with a Southern West Virginia community college Drama department makes a James Bond Movie?
“Live At WVSU” Performing the song, “Stripes with Stains” at West Virginia State University.
“Make The Money” A Comedic Short Film.
“Roll” Music Video.
“Planet of Psychotic Women.” Music Video

Go Van Gogh were: Johnny Rock, Tim Rock, Stephen Beckner and Mark Beckner. Occasionally the band is augmented by Mark Mingrone, Jason Ashworth and Bain Ashworth. The above videos were directed by Tim Rock, Johnny Rock, Stephen Beckner, Melissa Beezley and yours truly.

Below you’ll find the entire half-hour version of “Go Van Gogh: The Sad Truth.” This mockumentary was the brainchild of Tim Rock, and you’ll see the band and friends (including yours truly) perpetrating a mythical history of the rise and fall of Go Van Gogh.

Enjoy the fun times with Go Van Gogh, and learn why Johnny was a real rock star.