Insted – Betrayed – Retaliate – Downpresser – at Megasound Studios – Ventua, CA

Ever since hearing that Insted were playing reunion shows again I was on board. From the get go my old college roommate, the Pos, and I planned on going together since we had seen Insted in Rhode Island on their 2004 reunion tour and were blown away. I met up with the Pos in the morning to get brunch at Eat Well in Glendale, California before we picked up our friend, Old School Tim, who at the ripe age of forty six was attending his first straight edge hardcore show.



When we got to the venue we were a half hour early and there were a few other people hanging out outside, but it was looking pretty dead. Pos and Tim played some game which involved throwing pebbles on the curb of a sidewalk. After the doors opened we went in and scoped out the scene. Megasound is primarily a recording studio rather than a concert venue and the room where the bands were playing were tiny. To say this show was going to be intimate was an understatement.

We caught bits and pieces of Downpresser and Retaliate's sets and they seemed to be putting a lot of heart into what they were doing. It had been a few years since I had seen Betrayed and they were sounding great. Their sound is similar to Dag Nasty, Verbal Assault or Bold's later, more melodic material. Vocalist, Aram Arslanian had a lot to say about living a positive lifestyle and committing to beliefs. At a few points during the set the stage banter may have gone a little into overkill but he seemed very sincere and most of what he had to say was meaningful. His voice sounded great and he kept things lively by jumping around and running in place. By the time their set was done I was left wondering why I hadn't appreciated Betrayed more when I had seen them in the past.

When Insted took stage Kevin made a comment about how some of the most memorable shows the band ever played were smaller shows and how he was hoping that this show would be memorable too. They opened with "Tell Me" and immediately I felt like a little kid at an amusement park. While there weren't a whole lot of people at the show everyone looked completely stoked and people were defying gravity, jumping across the dance floor. The band returned the same enthusiasm, performing like they were still teenagers.

"Feel Their Pain," a song about vegetarianism was the next big highlight of Insted's set and tons of kids of all ages were singing along to the chorus. "Live and Let Live" also sounded awesome with its signature Orange County Hardcore intro and more epic singalongs ensued. The band played more memorable songs like "Unite," "Get The Most," "Proud Youth," and "Good Things." I was having so much fun that I had to keep reminding myself to take a few pictures (note the lack of action shots as I was too busy participating). "We'll Make The Difference" is the quintessential West Coast hardcore unity anthem with its rumbling drums provided by the mighty Steve Insted (see Carry Nation for more of his skills) and refraining chant of "You and me- We'll make the difference!" The audience ate this song up and it was followed with the band's cover of 7 Seconds' "Young Til I Die." Just before the last refrain of the song Kev gave me the microphone and told me to finish off the song. I was more than happy to do the job.

Insted had successfully lived up to their legacy and somehow seeing them this time around topped the first time I had seen them in 2004. Even Old School Tim was impressed and talked about how much fun he had at his first straight edge show. I left looking forward to their upcoming performance at Lisk Fest and hoping that maybe eventually they'll decide to play even more shows.
 

 

-Ditch-
Big Wheel Asst. Editor

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

 

Vans Warped Tour 2009 Compilation

Missed this year's Warped Tour line-up? Couldn't find a ride, the boss couldn't give you the day off, or you were too low on feds to afford the concert? No worries! While you can't re-enact the experience of Warped Tour, you can compensate for it by giving the Vans Warped Tour 2009 Compilation a chance. Released through SideOneDummy Records, the compilation album includes the headlining and even some of the smaller bands that played this year's Warped Tour.
 
Among the big names on the album include: NOFX, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Underoath, Anti-Flag, Chiodos, Voodoo Glowskulls and many more. The compilation album even includes an unreleased track from the "Coaster" recording sessions by NOFX. The album is made up of two discs, providing you with a total of 51 bands and songs to enjoy.
 
The Vans Warped Tour 2009 Compilation album will deliver you with a wide range of musical genres to choose from. Whether you're into Ska, Punk Rock, Metalcore, or Pop Rock, the compilation album provides to all musical tastes. If you missed the tour this year, take a listen to the album, and even if you didn't miss it, the album will serve as a great reminder of what a blast the tour was.

 

-Stephanie M.-
Senior staff reporter
Big Wheel Online Magazine

 

VANS Warped Tour – at Home Depot Center – Carson, CA – August 23, 2009

The final stop for the 2009 Vans 15th anniversary Warped Tour was situated at the Home Depot Center in the city of Carson. The Carson show included a few of the same acts that Warped Tour’s first show in Pomona did, but the line-up was noticeably different. The concert opened its doors early before noon, and the crowd’s excitement could be felt all around as many rushed to figure out which Read more

 
 

 
 

VANS Warped Tour – at 10 Seaside Park – Ventura, CA – June 28, 2009

The Warped Tour in the last few  years hasn’t had the strongest punk presence. When I saw the line up for this year, I was amazed at the prospect of having so many great Punk bands sharing one event! TSOL, Fear, Flipper, The Dickies, Guttermouth, Bad Religion, NOFX, and Thrice. Read more

 
 

 
 

 
 

VANS Warped Tour – at The Pomona Fairplex – Pomona, CA

The first day of the Vans 15th Anniversary Warped Tour began in the hot city of Pomona, at the Pomona Fairplex. When my party and I arrived at eleven, the entrance was packed with cars, all eager for the day’s festivities. Early arrivals enjoyed small tailgate parties in the parking lot, of food and drink before actually entering the event. Read more

 

Music play list for the week ending August 30, 2009

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Bad Religion - Los Angeles is Burning
Have Heart - Armed With a Mind
Stab City - Worm
Bouncing Souls - Serenity
Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party
Fugazi - Repeater
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Christine
Municipal Waste - Media Skeptic
T.S.O.L - Abolish Government
The Distillers - Beat Your Heart Out
Led Zeppelin - Black Dog
The Abandoned - Killed By Faith
Clit 45 - Fight Back
DEVO - Through Being Cool
The Specials - Rat Race
Tsunami Bomb - Safety Song
The Cure - Spiderman
H20 - Everready
Chelsea - I'm On Fire
The Weirdos - We Got The Neutron Bomb
X - The World's A Mess, It's In My Kiss
Bad Brains - Big Takeover
Fallujah 71 - Waiting On World War III
Bouncing Souls - Kate is Great
Dizzy Gillespie - Walk on the Wild Side

The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.

Message of the week:
LOOSERS focus on what they are going through
... whereas WINNERS focus on where they are going to

 

This weeks playlist brought to you by: TKO Records

 If you would like to sponsor our weekly playlist - Contact us

 

 

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Shows and events calendar for Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, California and states all over the United States and the world. Complete and extended listing covering Punk, Indie, Rock, Psychobilly and more.

Vegas Rocks Magazine 5 Year Anniversary Show – Featuring The Adicts – at The Premier Night Club – Las Vegas, NV

With The Adicts all back in the states for a round of shows that included many dates on the VANS Warped Tour, part of their schedule brought them out to Las Vegas. This show was the 5 year anniversary celebration for Vegas Rocks Magazine. The night started out with a huge bang! An awesome 3 piece heavy metal trio. The only drag about having so many bands on the bill is that they were limited to their stage time. The first trio played about 15 minutes and I wish they had played longer they were extremely good.

One of my favorite performers was Control The Chaos. They smoked!!  Hardcore metal. In between sets Sally Steele was giving away prizes like autographed issues of her magazine with signatures by the likes of Motley Crue, Dee Snider of twisted Sister, but she did save the best for last,  an autographed guitar signed By all the Members of The Adicts! Unfortunately I didn't win the guitar.

Also playing from Sweden was Vains of Jenna, another Rock/Metal band. I found it interesting that all the opening bands were mostly all Heavy Metal, and being on the bill with The Adicts well it was to me,  Lets introduce the 1980's to THE ADICTS. An all star line up with Vinnie Paul from Pantera on Drums, Dario Larina on smoking lead guitar. He is known for playing with Lizzy Borden.

He came on stage playing The Star Spangled Banner. His introduction to me was quite an intro, he was said to be better than Jimi Hendrix . Don't get me wrong, Dario is Damn good !!!,  but you just can't compare him or anybody to Jimi Hendrix ...that is my opinion. We all know what is said about opinions.

It is now 12:00 midnight,  and here come The Boys from England, "THE ADICTS" and we all know what to expect from these rockers, They started out with Joker In The Pack, which got this crowd totally rockin !!!!

They played for about an hour or so and played all their hits like Viva la Revolution, Chinese Takeaway, "Fuck It Up" which is my personal favorite. Out came the streamers, Beach Balls, glitter and all the props the Adicts are known for.

I have seen them many times and I am never disappointed with their Live stage show. I ran into an ultimate Adicts fan, he has this incredible tattoo on his forearm Joker In The Pack -Take a look at the photo of it in the photo gallery, it is really cool.

To sum up the evening IT WAS JUST AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT OF MUSIC!! From the heavy metal bands to The Adicts. What more could a person ask for? 6 hours of pure Rock and Roll. I was drained after it was all said and done. I give this event 5 Stars, and a thumbs up.

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

This show featured: The Adicts - Vains Of Jenna - Left Standing - John Zito and Electric Church - Protest - Strikt-9 - Heavy Honey - New City Skyline - Control The Chaos - With special guests Vinnie Paul of Pantera, Dario Larina, and Lez Warner of The Cult
 

 

Bob Mandoki
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

Wizard Festival – at New Deer – Aberdeen shire, Scotland – August 28-29 2009

The Wizard festival started in 2007 for only 2000 people. Now in its third year it has gone from strength to strength and now attracts over 4000 punters. A short drive from Aberdeen, Wizard provides a much needed festival in the North East of Scotland. Most festival goers are local to Grampian and there is definitely a community spirit about the whole weekend, attracting all ages from little toddlers to teenagers to middle aged and pensioners. OK so there weren't as many pensioners being represented but there were a few!

On arrival we were ushered into an already muddy car park. It was refreshing to go to a festival with free parking. With wellies at the ready we set off to the camping area to pitch up. Tents were evenly spaced with lots of room around them but this did make it harder for late arrivals to find a spot to pitch if they were in a big group.

The weather on the Friday had been particularly bad and apparently it was touch and go for a while as to whether the festival would go ahead. Luckily the rain cleared up and the festival opened to punters at around 6pm. Unfortunately this did mean that a few bands (including King Voodoo) lost their slots to play.

This year there were four stages as opposed to just three last year. The Voodoo stage was the main tent, Freedom was a dance tent, Banshee an acoustic and blues tent and in the evening the ‘Wee Wizards’ tent became the Sunset stage.

As well as the music stages there was plenty to do including a bar, fun fair, stalls, kids area, bucking bronco and seating areas to chill in.

The Friday kicked off with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who went down a storm. Bagpipes with attitude in a rock style. Ewan Macgregor has had them play for him and they are asked to play all over the world.

The Beat played their usual set including “Ranking full stop” which got people skanking and filled the main tent, Roger and his son Ranking junior put a lot of energy into the show.

I managed to catch some of Son’s O the Soil when they played the Sunset Stage filling in for someone else. I was told this was different to their normal sound as they don't normally play an acoustic set. Their sound was lovely, mellow and lively in one, with excellent musical talent. I unfortunately missed their Saturday spot but I heard that they were fantastic.

Idlewild proved they were still going strong as they belted out hits and got the crowd jumping. Even though I didn't really know their music I found it a great gig and all were smiling. Though I couldn't help thinking that the lead singer looked like a character from Lost!

Headlining on Friday were the Levellers and the crowd packed into the Voodoo tent. We were right down the front and even though fans were jumping around going wild there was still a friendly atmosphere to the gig. The Levellers played a fantastic set, full of energy and banter. The classics came out like ‘One Way’ and ‘Beautiful Day’.

The bands finished up at midnight and punters either went home or headed to the campsite. Despite the pouring rain the campsite was buzzing with people chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. The wind picked up and tried to blow a few people away, but come morning everyone was still raring to go!

Kicking off the main stage on Saturday were Celtallica. This was a group of mostly teenagers who showed off their talents with a Celtic style covering some rock songs.

One of my favourite ska bands, Bombskare, played on the main stage Saturday afternoon. Even though they has just driven over from Ullapool and were playing another gig in Inverness that night, the 10 piece band gave it their all and were unbelievable lively. Punters were dancing away and feeding off the band’s energy.

The Cuban Brothers really had the crowd going in the early evening with their usual comedy capers and fantastic breakdancing. It seems that they are a hit with teenagers as the front of the crowd were all excitable youths loving the show. Looking further back there were people of many ages enjoying it too with what looked like shocked but amused grins on their faces! If you haven't seen the Cuban Brothers before you might be confused by the description of them – a rapping, stripping, breakdancing ensemble! They are very good at what they do with gasps of amazement and guffaws of laughter a common occurrence. I'm sure they were many people’s highlights of the weekend!

Counterfeit Cash filled the little Banshee stage and we joined in the fun from just outside of it. Their sound was great and very much like the original Cash and his band.

Classic Punk rockers the Buzzcocks went down well with all ages. Pete Shelley was quite laid back bur Steve Diggle was running about all over playing his guitar like true rock star. The band were on form and the crowd sang along to “ever fallen in Love” and finished with their classic “orgasm addict” then Steve threw his guitar to side of the stage for his roadie to catch and then banged the microphone to the ground.

Set list was:
Boredom - Fast cars - I don't mind - Autonomy - Get your own - Whatever happened to - Sixteen again - Girl from the chain store - Sick city - Mad mad Judy - Why can't I touch it - I don't know what to do - You say you don't  love me - Noise annoys - Breakdown - Love you more - Promises - What do I get - Harmony in my head - Oh shit - Ever fallen in love - Orgasm addict

Headlining the Saturday night were the Charlatans. Not a favourite of mine I went along anyway to check them out. Unfortunately they weren't great, and even my die hard Charlatan fan friend didn't think much of them! However the crowd stayed for the show and I heard quite a few people saying they enjoyed it so it may just have been us. In my opinion they just seemed a little slow compared to some of the lively acts from the afternoon. Also over the weekend Bruce Watson (of the skids) played a duet with his son and LA band Proud Mary and many more.

 

 

Words by Dod and Sally M

-Photos; Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

Joe’s Garage – PSA – do a barge show at a park and got away with it!

So when most people think of a show they think of a few things, a stage, a bar and a dance floor right? Well with the lack of all age venues in Orange County, we decided to change the way people think of shows. Days and weeks went in to planning this one night, we scoped it out and made sure everything is safe and ready to go. Friday night during the TSOL, Joe's Garage show hatched the final plan to play a show in the park, with no stage, no bar and no dance floor.

All we needed was a willing crowd and a willing band to make this a success and of course the cooperation from the Police Department. So Saturday night comes and we get word that a good amount of people are going! Joe's Garage and PSA are said to play, but during the time before the show three members PSA dropped out but the show must go on and Joe's Garage is still excited to play.

The plan is for everyone to meet a local diner, then its off to the spot we are going to play. So at 12:30 everyone meets up and there seems to be a pretty large crowd gathering and we all head over as planned. We get there and set up the drums and everything else but there's a small delay for a few more kids to show up. Its about 1:10 its now or never. Joe's Garage rips in to Zombie Attack and the crowd isn’t sure if they should dance or look out for passing cars.

Then the pit erupts after the first verse and everyone is in the pit having a good time, with fences to bounce off of and good music to fuel the fire and there's a feeling of pure excitement in the air for the rest of the night. With about 5 songs under our belts everyone is starting to feel nice and comfortable in our new venue.

Joe's Garage played every song they knew and threw in some classic covers of Regan Youth, G.G. Allin and even a little Free Bird. Their set was awesome, Joey's vocals were exciting and energetic and I couldn’t keep my eye off of him waiting to see what he would next. After they are done there's word that PSA might play a little.

With 2/5th of PSA at the show they decided to play few songs. With a guest vocals by anyone who knew any of the songs. They played a few covers and a few original's and they got their fill of playing at our new venue. So after playing for a hour and a half everyone splits. So the show was a total success and it went on without a hitch and everyone is excited to see if we can have more shows there in the future.

For future show info check out

Joe's Garage
www.myspace.com/joesgarage666

P.S.A.
www.myspace.com/publicserviceannouncementmusic


 

Dead Man Photo
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

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