The Cyberpunk Legacy of RU Sirius
A Journey Through Counterculture, Technology, and Art
Episode 33 of the Mindplex podcast features the legendary RU Sirius, a pivotal figure in the realms of cyber-culture and counterculture. As a co-founder and former editor-in-chief of Mondo 2000 magazine, Sirius has left an indelible mark on the world of technology, psychedelics, and avant-garde culture.
Read More: Mindplex Podcast Episode 33: Cyberpunk Legend RU Sirius
His work with notable personalities like Timothy Leary and his contributions to the cyberpunk genre has made him an icon in these interconnected spheres. This article goes into the highlights of his podcast appearance, exploring his early influences, the creation and impact of Mondo 2000, and his views on the evolution of technology and culture.
Early Influences and the Birth of Mondo 2000
RU Sirius, born Ken Goffman, emerged as a significant voice in the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. He was deeply involved with the Yippies, a radical political group known for their theatrical protests and anti-establishment stance. Sirius recounts his time in the New York chapter of the Yippies during the Chicago Democratic National Convention, a period marked by intense political activism and cultural upheaval.
In the early 1970s, Sirius shifted his focus to music, joining a punk rock band called Party Dogs in Rochester, New York. This period laid the groundwork for his later ventures into the fusion of technology and culture. His most notable contribution came with the creation of Mondo 2000, a magazine that explored the burgeoning world of cyberpunk, technology, and psychedelics. Originally intended to be the cyberpunk edition of Reality Hackers, Mondo 2000 quickly evolved into a unique publication that captured the spirit of the digital revolution.
The Optimism and Evolution of Cyberpunk
One of the key themes discussed in the podcast is the optimistic outlook on technology and artificial intelligence that characterized the early days of cyberpunk. Mondo 2000 published a manifesto in the early 1990s that expressed hope for the potential of AI, the end of artificial scarcity, and other futuristic ideas. Sirius reflects on how this optimism was often met with skepticism by the counterculture community in the San Francisco Bay Area, which was wary of utopian visions.
Over time, the narrative around technology shifted from utopian to dystopian, mirroring the broader cultural and societal changes as the internet and digital technologies became more pervasive. Despite this shift, Sirius remains excited about the possibility that science fiction ideas of the past are now becoming realities, albeit with a mix of both positive and negative implications.
RU Sirius reflects on the early 1990s cyberculture and the publication of Mondo 2000 magazine. He describes a unique community where people from various backgrounds, including tech entrepreneurs and the lowest proletariat, came together to explore nanotechnology, virtual reality, and the internet. The culture was still in its infancy, and parties showcasing virtual reality technology were common, even if the technology itself was not fully developed.
Sirius expresses excitement that the science fiction of the time is now becoming a reality, despite some utopianism turning people off. He also shares fond memories of Mondo 2000 magazine, which was a source of fascination and conversation among its readers. One of his favourite covers features a painting of JFK’s bullet-riddled head, symbolizing the wild psychedelic 1960s emerging from the bullet hole. The cover, painted by Eric White, is a representation of the cultural zeitgeist and the graphics of the time, with Bart Nel serving as the art director.
Notable Figures and Cultural Impact
Sirius discusses the creation of Mondo 2000 magazine, specifically mentioning the involvement of assistant art director Foley and art director Queen Moo in hiring various artists for the publication. They also showcase a rare book called Mondo Vision, which features visuals from the magazine and was published by Cula Press. He then shares the story of how Todd Rundgren, a digital enthusiast and musician, ended up on the cover of the magazine for an issue on virtual reality. He also expresses admiration for the hot covers of the magazine, including one featuring Reese Witherspoon.
Throughout the podcast, Sirius shares anecdotes about his interactions with prominent figures in the cyberculture scene, including Timothy Leary, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop. He recalls how Mondo 2000 became a hub for a diverse community, from tech entrepreneurs to cultural rebels, all drawn together by a shared fascination with emerging technologies and alternative lifestyles.
One memorable cover of Mondo 2000 featured a painting of JFK’s bullet-riddled head, symbolizing the psychedelic 1960s emerging from a dark period in American history. This cover, painted by Eric White, exemplifies the magazine’s blend of provocative art and forward-thinking content. Sirius also discusses the contributions of John Perry Barlow, a significant figure in digital culture, who wrote for Mondo 2000 and became a key player in the cyberpunk movement.
Other notable figures include Rage Against the Machine, Ides of March, and William Gibson. He also shares an anecdote about discovering an article on JFK’s change of heart regarding war, which inspired an issue of High Frontiers. The article was originally published in issue number three of the magazine in 1987.
Sirius discusses the rumours surrounding Mary Pino Meer, a woman who allegedly had affairs with both Timothy Leary and President John F. Kennedy, and smoked marijuana in the White House. He expresses his fascination with this story, which has been confirmed in part, and how it represents a turning point in the psychedelic movement and the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
Sirius also shares a personal anecdote about meeting Timothy Leary and Leonardo DiCaprio and how they bonded over their shared interests. Additionally, he mentions an accompanying piece in which Timothy Leary wrote an article of praise for David Burn’s book about new ways of looking at art in the Internet age.
RU Sirius discusses the exclusivity and sophistication of the culture surrounding the publication of Monda 2000 magazine in the 1990s. Sirius recalls how Timothy Leary, a prominent figure in the counterculture movement, spoke about the idea of sharing and remixing content before Creative Commons was established.
Sirius also shares stories of how big names like Neil Young and David Bowie reached out to the magazine to be featured, which was unusual given the publication’s small circulation. However, an interview with David Bowie did not materialize due to his team cancelling at the last minute, leading to disappointment for the Monda 2000 team. Sirius also touches on the possibility that David Bowie may have thought the magazine was focused on drugs rather than cyberculture.
The Creation of the Cyberpunk Handbook
Sirius and Jude, his collaborators, wrote the Cyberpunk Handbook as both a parody and a serious guide to the cyberpunk world. They incorporated real information alongside humorous fake instructions, creating a unique document that captured the spirit of the times. This blend of satire and genuine insight is emblematic of Sirius’s approach to exploring and critiquing the digital revolution.
Reflections on Drugs, Los Angeles, and Artistic Integrity
In discussing his past, Sirius touches on his stance on drugs and his complex relationship with Los Angeles. While he acknowledges the role of psychedelics in shaping his worldview, he also expresses anxiety about the city’s association with paranoia and the LAPD.
David Krishner conducted the interview with Sirius for Mondo 2000. The issue containing the interview is thought to be number 10 or 14. Blondie’s lead singer, Deborah Harry, inquired about new psychedelics during the interview, but Sirius didn’t have any with him. The interview took place behind closed doors at a Blondie, Talking Heads, and Ramones concert. Allison had known Sirius for a long time, and the interview was probably spontaneous. The conversation also touches on Sirius’s visit to the Mondo residence, which gained notoriety for having an antique bed in the master bedroom.
Advice for the Next Generation
Towards the end of the podcast, Sirius offers advice to today’s artists, creators, and writers. He encourages them to harness the power of AI while maintaining originality and authenticity. Despite concerns about the commercialization of AI-generated tools, Sirius believes that true artists can still create unique and impactful works using these technologies.
Final Thoughts
RU Sirius’s appearance on Episode 33 of the podcast provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of cyberculture, from its optimistic beginnings to its current complexities.
His stories about influential figures, cultural shifts, and the creation of iconic works like Mondo 2000 and the Cyberpunk Handbook highlight his enduring influence on the intersection of technology, psychedelics, and counterculture. As we navigate the digital age, Sirius’s insights remind us of the importance of creativity, skepticism, and the relentless pursuit of new ideas.
Lisa expresses gratitude for having Sirius on the show and reminisces about their discussion of Mondo 2000 history. Sirius is also praised for his excellent columns for Mindplex and his thought-provoking articles, some of which were controversial.
Lisa asks Sirius for advice for today’s generation of artists, creators, and writers, and Sirius encourages them to exploit the medium of AI if they have originality in their minds and souls. He shares that he has collaborated on a song using AI and received great responses. Despite concerns about the commercialization of AI-generated tools, Sirius believes that genuine artists can still create unique works using the technology. Lisa reminds viewers to subscribe and ends the segment.
Links to the issues we discussed in detail on the show:
Party Dogs (RU’s punk band): Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp
I Used To Dance Between The Raindrops (I mentioned it in terms of using AI)
Phriendz: Brag (I Fucked Ted Nugent with his Gun)
MONDO Vanilli — IOU Babe: Bandcamp | Youtube
Love Is The Product | Amazon | The Ballad of Brent Buzzkill
Mondo Issues
- Todd Rundgren — Mondo 2000 Issue #1
- Mondo Issue #6 John Kennedy on LSD
- Issue #3 with Deborah Harry on the cover
- John Perry Barlow — Bill of Rights (from Issue #3)
- Mondo Issue #4 — Skinny Puppy, Brian Eno, D’ Cuckoo, John Perry Barlow interviewing Ted Nelson :)
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