Digging the Vein

On a relentless Los Angeles summer day, a man walks barefoot over broken glass and melting tarmac to meet his connection, praying his line of credit will be extended to one more balloon of heroin. He's alone, penniless, wrecked by violent withdrawals, and last night he robbed a crack dealer before abandoning his apartment. Welcome to Hollywood, and welcome to Digging the Vein. Tony O'Neill's debut is based on his own experiences as an addict and side-man to acts as diverse as the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Kenickie, and Marc Almond. Through the eyes of his anonymous narrator, see what few tourists ever will: the needle exchanges, methadone clinics, short let motels, and scoring spots beneath the wings of the City of Los Angeles.