On their first date they went to a little known, down and dirty music venue on the Bowery with the letters “CBGB’” printed on the awning. On the stage inside, four dudes with black leather jackets played three-chord melodies at 200 mph. Standing amongst just a handful of people, they fell in love with this band and, by way of a spiritual-musical menage-a-trois, with each other.

The band was, of course, the now legendary Ramones, the most influential punk rock band of all time, and the couple, Dennis and Lois.

The following week Dennis and Lois got into a beat up station wagon and traveled hundreds of miles to go see the Ramones play at a pizzeria in Pittsburgh. Joey Ramone was so freaked out to see them there in the sparse crowd, that he said over the microphone, “Wow…no one has ever gone more than three blocks to see us.”

This was the moment Dennis and Lois became accepted as part of the Ramones inner circle, and the start of a 40-year journey that would become the stuff of legend. Many more bands and thousands of sleepless miles later, Dennis and Lois have come to epitomize the punk rock ethos.

The Happy Mondays would immortalize them in song. SPIN Magazine published a comic strip celebrating their “Rocking War Stories.” They’ve been to over 10,000 gigs and now into their sixties continue to serially attend shows, sometimes spanning the globe and spending every last dollar they have just to be in the house at certain concerts they deem important to a favorite artist.

Some would call them fans, some might call them “super fans,” but to their friends, a veritable who’s who of the most significant and iconic punk and indie rock performers of the last four decades, they are simply known as ‘Dennis and Lois’ the coolest couple around.

DENNIS AND LOIS is a documentary about two quirky New York City characters who came together over their fervent fanhood of fringe bands in the 70’s, fell in love, and embarked on a lifelong quest, fueled by love and gratitude, to selflessly serve the creators of the music they believe keeps them alive. If you’re in a band and you see them turn up a second time to one of your shows prepare yourself for a very long ride. They seem to have that effect.

DENNIS AND LOIS will change the way you look at going out to see music forever.

 

Dennis and Lois at one of the Ramones shows in the 1970's!
Dennis and Lois at one of the Ramones shows in the 1970’s!

 

 

There are bands, there are fans, and then there’s Dennis and Lois.

 

 

 

I met Dennis and Lois seven years ago at Mekons‘ show and knew immediately that I wanted to make a film about these two unique people and their incredible journey. Many road trips and lots of footage later, the project is finally coming close to reality.

Director Chris Cassidy with Dennis and Lois
Director Chris Cassidy with Dennis and Lois

 

Until this point, I have funded this project entirely on my own. In order to get the film completed, I am asking for support from music lovers, film buffs, and anyone else interested in seeing the story of this unique couple reach a wider audience.

 

 

Merch Booth Pack: For the FANS of the SUPERFANS! Pick up your swag!
Merch Booth Pack: For the FANS of the SUPERFANS! Pick up your swag!

 

LIMITED EDITION PRINT #3: The Bands Collage ($150)
LIMITED EDITION PRINT #3: The Bands Collage ($150)

 

LIMITED EDITION PRINT #4: The Backstory of Dennis and Lois ($150) - Not Final Art
LIMITED EDITION PRINT #4: The Backstory of Dennis and Lois ($150) – Not Final Art

 

Vintage 1970's Ramones shirts from Dennis and Lois!
Vintage 1970’s Ramones shirts from Dennis and Lois!

 

Custom Lego's of Dennis and Lois used in the film!
Custom Lego’s of Dennis and Lois used in the film!

 

Customized bobble heads of DENNIS AND LOIS used in the film!
Customized bobble heads of DENNIS AND LOIS used in the film!

How You Can Help

1. Back the Project: Kickstarter is all or nothing – if we don’t make our goal, we get nothing.

2. Spread the Word: Even if you can’t donate, sharing the link with your family and friends does a world of difference in getting more people to contribute.

3. Follow Us Online: Be sure to check out our official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for more information including behind the scenes photos, clips, and anecdotes!

4. Connect With Us: If you have any questions (or would like to contact us for press), send us an e-mail at denlo.kickstarter@gmail.com!

 

Risks and challenges

We’re committed to reaching our completion date. But, as we’ve learned, things happen that you never see coming—and that can slow your roll at times. We see the biggest potential stumbling block being the music licensing of what needs to be a loud, fist-pumping, rowdy soundtrack. However, our team of licensing pros are good at what they do, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to pull off what promises to be the biggest single expense of our production budget.

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BIG CHIEF THANX TO PAULA ORNOT