Comments on: Supermasochistic Bob has Cystic Fibrosis

By: Magdalena Kamenev

Magdalena Kamenev — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:48:51 +0000

Back in L.A. in the early 90s, when the LA Weekly had powerful mojo and the city was littered with performance artists and slam poets from Watts to Topanga Canyon, I would read about Super Bob Flannagan and his exploits. When I saw Sick, it was a blessing. His courage and joy were a wonder to behold. Thank you for reminding us all of his life and his talent.

By: Mer

Mer — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:38:34 +0000

He really was an incredible guy. As heartbreaking as portions of Sick were, I’m so glad Flanagan was strong enough let them document him.

Speaking of strong– does anyone know how Sarah Doucette (the 17 year old girl with CF who requested to meet Flanagan through the Make A Wish foundation) is doing? I know there was a 15 min documentary made about her in 2003 that can be seen on the Sick DVD, but I haven’t watched it, or heard anything more about her since…

By: Comorbid

Comorbid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:56:07 +0000

To this day he inspires me. Wonderful man that he was.

By: Red Scharlach

Red Scharlach — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:13:09 +0000

Nadya: Here’s the Godflesh video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flMcgcYNyBg

Also stars his partner, Sheree Rose.

By: Nadi

Nadi — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:49:57 +0000

I remember seeing sick in a class last year and it completely won me over.
Bob Flanagan was such an inspiring person.
<3

By: Nadya

Nadya — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:26:11 +0000

There are some interesting comments on YouTube for this video, also. For example: “I am 23 and have recieved a double lung transplant…. I LOVE YOUR OUTLOOK! YES S N M we need it.. needles, knives, and oxygen cord whips.. ;) oi…. lol”

@badluckshadow13 @Red Scharlach: His bits in the “Happiness in Slavery” video are phenomenal. When I first saw them, I was a teen, wondering if he was an actor or what his story was… he made an impression on me then. I discovered his persona sometime later, and made the connection after the fact.

@Jessica HAHAHA! I would’ve loved to see the look on your dad’s face. I’m sure it was priceless. Yes, I think this is definitely deserving of the “Better than Coffee” tag. Actually, Mer’s “Posession” post had a better than coffee effect on me too. Nothing like a psychotic, oozing meltdown to start your day!

By: Nadi

Nadi — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:12:28 +0000

I <3 Bob Flanagan!!

By: badluckshadow13

badluckshadow13 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:37:50 +0000

@Red Scharlach
The NIN video was how I discovered Mr. Flanagan

By: Red Scharlach

Red Scharlach — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:15:32 +0000

He was also in a NIN and Godflesh video!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:01:55 +0000

I dunno, but for this particular morning, that seems waaaay better than coffee (esp. with blood sausage chaser!) Mer, can it be nominated for that tag?? ;)

Whenever I see Mr. Flanagan, I’m brought back to the night I discovered him…I committed a MAJOR (and now that I think of it, completely inexplicable) faux-pas, bringing my Dad to see SICK: The Life & Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist (1997). I still blush when I think of it…