Rock's '70s Nihilism Echoes in Today's Music Scene

David Hare's 1975 play, "Teeth 'n' Smiles," originally set in 1969, is experiencing a West End revival, starring artist Self Esteem. The play chronicles a hippie band's implosion amidst drugs, alcohol, and violence, a narrative that Hare initially believed was too tied to its mid-70s era of disillusionment.

However, Self Esteem, also contributing music and lyrics, finds the play's depiction of the music industry's "mundanity and weirdness" and lack of care for performers remarkably current. She likens the era's disillusionment to her own, feeling a sense of loss for past ideals in light of modern music industry pressures like TikTok and AI.

The play, which premiered to acclaim with Helen Mirren in the lead role, was inspired by Hare's experiences, including a Manfred Mann concert and his time with a touring theatre company. He also reflects on the 60s counterculture, appreciating its challenge to rigid society but questioning its revolutionary potential.

"Teeth 'n' Smiles" is also noted for its prescient hints of the punk movement, with song titles and a nihilistic destruction theme echoing future trends. The band's manager, Saraffian, shares striking similarities with Malcolm McLaren, manager of the Sex Pistols, in his image and disruptive intent.

Despite the play's challenging nature and Hare's uncertainty about its reception, Taylor embraces its discomforting aspects. She finds inspiration in the character of Maggie, the band's clear-eyed vocalist, whose thirst for experience offers a model for resilience against industry pressures and personal compromises.