The Coil Sex Tapes

The “Video Nasties” was a tabloid campaign of moral panic across Britain in the 1980s, barring the sale of obscene images on home video. Softcore snuck by, however, if deemed “educational.” Basilisk Productions, known for their work with Derek Jarman, saw the loophole and roped in experimental music outfit, Coil (Jhon Balance and Peter “Sleazy” Christopherson), to soundtrack two sizzle reels that purport to train viewers about safe sex and sensual massage. Dirty Looks is thrilled to partner with Coil’s stateside label, Dais, to co-present the tapes in their entirety: The Gay Man’s Guide to Safer Sex and Sara Dale’s Sensual Massage: The Stroke of Pleasure, followed by a DJ set from Dais co-founders Ryan Martin + Gibby Miller.

David Lewis, The Gay Man’s Guide to Safer Sex, VHS, 49mins., 1992
David Lewis, Sara Dale’s Sensual Massage: The Stroke of Pleasure, VHS, 43mins., 1992

Few groups in recent history forged as confounding and alchemical a body of work as Coil, the partnership of Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson and John Balance. From album to album and phase to phase their recordings spelunk perplexing depths of esoteric industrial, occult electronics, and drugged poetry, both embodying and alienating parallel currents of their peers. The 1990's in particular were a fertile era for the duo, embracing chance, chaos, and collaboration, enhanced by recent advancements in synthesis and sampling. The bands roster also shifted during this time, including a variety of performers and players - among them Dais Records own Drew McDowall and Thighpaulsandra, who were key members of Coil during the 90s and early aughts until the tragic death of Balance in 2004.

David Lewis was part of the stable at the production company Basilisk, founded by James MacKay. There, he assisted Derek Jarman in directing The Garden (1990) and Blue (1993). He currently works as an editor on British broadcast television programs, including Antiques Roadshow.

Thanks to Tony Carne at Revelation Films, Kevin Hegge, David Lewis, James MacKay and Hatt Merlino. Design by Benjamin Rodgers @opticalsoundexperience