Armand Schaubroeck, a former inmate of Elmira State Reformatory, has reissued his debut album, A Lot of People Would Like to See Armand Schaubroeck … Dead, for its 50th anniversary. The album is a raw depiction of his experiences in the prison system, narrating the harsh realities of his incarceration through a mix of rock and blues music and spoken-word scenes. This album marked the beginning of Schaubroeck’s career as a proto-punk provocateur, with subsequent albums like I Came to Visit; But Decided to Stay and Ratfucker further exploring themes of depravity and moral decay.
Aside from his music career, Schaubroeck also built a successful business selling guitars out of his basement, which eventually became the renowned House of Guitars in Rochester. The shop has hosted rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, featuring impressive memorabilia on its walls. Schaubroeck, now 80 years old, reflects on his past and the impact of his music, acknowledging that his debut album was an authentic portrayal of the harsh reality of prison life.
Despite being tempted by Andy Warhol to turn his album into a musical or film, Schaubroeck ultimately chose to focus on his music and business instead. His albums, particularly Ratfucker, have been controversial for their explicit and dark themes, drawing on his experiences and observations of human depravity. As House of Guitars celebrates its 60th anniversary, Schaubroeck’s legacy as a musician, businessman, and former inmate continues to be celebrated by fans and artists alike.
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