Wendy Orlean Williams (May 28, 1949 - April 6, 1998)

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The lead singer of the Plasmatics was known for her shocking stage antics, such as blowing up stage equipment, chain sawing guitars, and simulating sex onstage wearing only shaving cream. Despite her radical stage performances and appearance, she was a devout vegetarian and animal rights activist. Her many careers included: crocheting string bikinis, actress, making and selling jewelry, macrobiotic chef, working in a natural foods coop, stripper, and sex show performer.  The latter is where she met her husband of 22 years, Rod Swenson, who was her promoter. Swenson helped her launch her music career at CBGS's in 1978. 

Wendy first attempted suicide in 1993 by plunging a knife into her chest, which ended up getting stuck in her sternum.  In 1997 she had a second attempt by overdosing on ephedrine. She succeeded on her third attempt at the age of 48 years of age due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the woods by her and Swenson's home in Connecticut.  According to Swenson,  "Wendy's act was not an irrational-in-the-moment act", as she had been talking about ending her life for close to 4 years. In her suicide note left for Swenson, she stated, "I don't believe that people should take their own lives without deep and thoughtful reflection over a considerable period of time. I do believe strongly, however, that the right to do so is one of the most fundamental rights that anyone in a free society should have. For me, much of the world makes no sense, but my feelings about what I am doing ring loud and clear to an inner ear and place where there is no self, only calm."








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