Michael Alig was born in April 29th 1966 in the town of South Bend, Indiana. In the late 80s Alig moved to New York, began promoting parties and proclaimed that he was the original club kid. He and his friend James St. James created lavish costumes for themselves and attended club parties with their fellow club goers.
In 1996 Alig was convicted of the murder a fellow friend and drug dealer, "Angel" aka Andre Melenedez. The two disputed over a drug dept. That is the short version.
I first learned of Michael Alig in 2003 when I was working in a bookstore. I remember re-stocking books in the True Crime section as I came across the book Party Monster: A Fabulous But True Story of Murder in Clubland. The book was written by Alig's then friend James St. James.
The book was originally titled Disco Bloodbath but was later changed to coincide with the adapted motion picture film. I was eager to see the film and not only because the book is so well written but because the book cover featured notable actors. I recognized Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone) as Michael Alig, Wilder Valderama (That 70s Show) as Dj Keoki and Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life, Rent) as Angel.
As I watched the film I was joyed to see other notable actors, all who did a splendid job. Seth Green as James St. James, (if you ask me if was Green who stole the show in this film) Chloe Sevigny as Gitsie, Natasha Lyonne as Brooke, Marilyn Manson as Christina, Dylan McDermott as Peter Gaiten and John Stamos as talk show host.
Party Monster Trailer
After having watched the film I learned that a documentary existed. Party Monster: The Shockumentary was released in 1999 and was screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998.
After having watched Party Monster the movie, I found it very interesting to see the real people behind the portrayed characters.
Below is the trailer for Party Monster: The Shockumentary. Fair warning. If you do not wish to witness naked bodies and drug use, stay clear of this trailer.
Party Monster: The Shockumentary Trailer
So, yes the story is fascinating. I cannot dispute that. My issue is that Alig is highly revered despite his act of murder.
The way it went down is this. Alig and his friend and club goer, Robert "Freeze" Riggs murdered Angel Melendez after an argument over a long-standing drug debt. According to Riggs he hit Melendez three times on the head. Alig then grabbed a pillow and attempted to smother him Melendez. Melendez was unconscious and Alig injected Melendez with Drano cleaning liquid. Alig also poured Drano down Melendez's throat and duct-taped his mouth closed. Alig and Riggs didn't know what to do with the body so they put it in a bath tub filled with ice in order to keep it from rotting. After a few days the body began to smell. Alig injected himself with heroin and then cut the legs off the corpse, put them in a garbage bag, then stuffed the rest in a box. The corpse was then thrown into the Hudson River.
According to the Michael Alig blog, Alig is scheduled for release this November and a new documentary about Alig has been made. The release date is unknown however, Glory Daze: The Life and Times of Michael Alig, not only rehashes the events but also reveals recent interview footage of Alig in prison. To watch the trailer click here.
In addition to Alig's documentary, another important documentary film entitled Limelight is scheduled to screen in limited theaters tomorrow, September 23rd. The film tells the story of Peter Gatien and his New York club Limelight. Alig is featured in the film as well as others who have a history with Limelight.
Limelight - Documentary Trailer
Alig's release begs the obvious question - is fourteen years of lock-up enough? Has Alig reformed? Alig presented himself as a self-absorbed individual. In the motion picture film Party Monster, the notion that Alig and others were superficial and attention seeking was of mention. Is Alig still?
I whole heartedly believe that people can reform. Whether Alig has reformed, we may never know. The upcoming documentary may give us some insight however, a film is just a film. I relish documentary films but I acknowledge that an hour and a half to two hour film is merely a glimpse into the life of another.
Alig has a huge following. While this is by no means shocking, it causes me to scratch my head. By following I am not referring to those interested in his story as I am, but those who support him in a way that disregards his actions. The Michael Alig blog features a calendar which marks which days Alig is available for visits inside the Southport Correctional Facility in Pine City, New York. An address is available for those who would like to write Alig. According to the website Alig will write back.
The author of the blogsite, Lovepurple, asks for magazines and other reading material to be sent to the prison as well as thoughts and prayers. At one point positive thoughts to be sent Alig's way were request as the air conditioning in Alig's cell was no longer working during a 100 degree heatwave.
Lovepurple claims to be a friend if Alig's. This person met Alig through written letters and personal visits. Lovepurple reports that they provide Alig with emotional support, food, and art supplies. Lovepurple has specified that Alig has never asked for money or other donations however, Alig does receive many comforts from friends and aquaintences.
I do not doubt that prison is a terrible place to be. I do not doubt that Alig has struggled and has had plenty of time to think about his life and the life he took.
Michael Alig and James St. James
Being that Alig has taken advantage of every opportunity to speak about his life as a Club Kid and the fabulousness that is he, I do not doubt that we will hear more from Alig upon his release.
Yes, Alig's story is fascinating but I find Alig the person to be even more so. A man who was capable of murder. Is he still?
Angel may you rest in peace.
Andre "Angel" Melendez May 1, 1971 - March 17, 1996
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