Derailroaded

Plot Summary

A shocking and sensitive journey through the thunderstorms of a paranoid-schizophrenic mind, DERAILROADED follows Larry "Wild Man" Fischer's discordant encounters in the music business. Institutionalized at 16 after attacking his mother with a knife, Fischer wandered the mean streets of L.A. singing his unique brand of songs for 10 cents each to passersby. He was discovered by Frank Zappa, with whom he cut his first record album, including the enduring dada rock classic "Merry Go Round." A precursor to punk, Fischer became an underground club and concert favorite, earning him the title of "godfather of outsider music." Over the course of his 40 year career, Fischer has performed constantly, is the first artist ever recorded on Rhino Records, was featured on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," had a top hit in the UK on John Peel's Festive Fifty, was the subject of his own comic book, was a mainstay on the Dr. Demento Show, and even sang a duet with the late Rosemary Clooney. DERAILROADED traces Fischer's life from neglected child to troubled genius through archival footage and personal interviews with family, friends, and industry professionals, including: Frank Zappa, Gail Zappa, Weird Al Yankovic, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, Solomon Burke, Dr. Demento, and Barnes and Barnes. Prepare to be moved, amazed, and repelled, but ultimately come to know what it is like to be profoundly DERAILROADED.