Bouncing Souls – Bayside – Broadway Calls – at The El Rey Theater – Los Angeles, CA

Halloween in Hollywood is huge. The word huge seems small when describing the world-wide known carnival that happens annually down in West Hollywood, along with all the other parties and festivities going on in the area. However, hundreds of dressed-up and dressed-down fans spent their Halloween on probably one of the best events in Hollywood- The Bouncing Souls show. Not only was this an amazing show due to the fact it was Halloween, but the Souls were celebrating their 20th year together as a band.

Before I even entered the venue, I could see few people waiting enthusiastically and proudly showing off some of their costumes in line. For a few minutes, my mind was rattling thinking that no one was going to be in the Halloween spirit, and not come in costume, but when I stepped inside the El Rey, I was mistaken. People left and right were dressed up, as zombies, pizza, flapper girls, astronauts, Indians, and even the restroom attendants were dressed up as Shrek and Princess Fiona. One of the events going as part of the Halloween celebration was a costume contest, where they had categories for Scariest, Most Original, Best Homemade, and "Good Job", and the contest would take place before the Souls hit the stage.

The first band to perform where a band called Broadway Calls. Broadway Calls is a pop-punk band from Oregon, and are signed on Side One Dummy Records. The band came out dressed as babies, with diapers, bonnets, and over-sized pacifiers. As hard as it seems to get serious while dressed as a baby, the group played their set with energy from beginning to end. It's somewhat hard to find a pop-punk band that's infectious vocals and melodies don't clash together, and Broadway Calls defeated that challenge. Each member of the band (Ty Vaughn, Matt Koeing, and Josh Baird) added their own uniqueness to their sound and overall vibe, and making all members complement each other.

The next band on the list was Bayside. The once small-sized crowd became a medium-sized crowd, due to the popularity of this band. The group's alternative rock sound was somewhat generic to the genre, however, they still performed a great set. They had catchy tunes, with honest and deep lyrics, and tons of playful, energetic, and almost metal-like guitar riffs. Their performance consisted of fast and straight-forward songs, that made you want to sing along.

After Bayside was done, the people who entered the costume contest made their way onto the stage around 9:15PM to be judged, and hopefully win a prize. The crowd decided who would win, based on the amount of cheers and applause received when each person was presented. The first category was "Scariest", which an elaborate "Trick or Treat" voo-doo looking doll won. After "Scariest" was "Best Homemade", and the prize went to a man dressed as money with eyes from the infamous, and somewhat creepy, Geico commercial. "Most Original" went to a woman dressed as the lady from the Progressive commercials, wearing bold red lipstick and her hair in an up-do. Although she won the category, she had some competition with a man wearing a shirt that read "NANCY KERRIGAN" and had crutches and bandages around his knee. The costume contest was not only a fun event to incorporate Halloween into the show, but it was a sign that the Bouncing Souls would soon take the stage.

Around 9:30ish, the curtain opened to reveal The Bouncing Souls. Greg Attonito and Bryan Keinlen has both dressed up, Greg as a zombie priest, and Bryan as a zombie Buddhist. The stage was decorated with spider webs, candles, and pumpkins donning their infamous cross bone broken heart. They started out by playing "Fight to Live", a perfect song to get the crowd excited and fired up. Throughout the night, they played "Lean on Sheena", "Hopeless Romantic", and two of my personal favorites, "Cracked" and "Kate is Great" both from their self-titled album.

They continuously threw out candy for the audience to catch, like SweetTarts and mini Jawbreakers. At one point, Greg picked up an acoustic guitar and performed a brand-new song appropriate to Halloween, titled "Ghosts on the Boardwalk". The band also performed a new song, (which was not acoustic) called "Gasoline", which the crowd enjoyed a great deal. The Souls also performed "East Coast! Fuck You!", which was dedicated to the baseball team, The New York Yankees. The pit became insane, with people tripping and carrying each other when they sang "True Believers", one of their most popular songs. One surprise towards the end of the night, was the lead singer of Alkaline Trio, Matt Skiba, came out during the encore and started getting "touchy-feely" with guitarist Pete Steinkopf, making the crowd go nuts with laughter and applause.

At the end of the night, everyone was satisfied, whether it was winning the costume contest, eating too much candy, or just seeing one of Punk’s most legendary bands, The Bouncing Souls. The Souls have come a long way from playing in garages to selling out venues, and their fun, whimsical, and energetic shows are one of the core reasons they have reason to celebrate 20 years as a band.
 

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

Skalloween at The Lemon Tree – Aberdeen, UK

Now in its 5th year Skalloween gets better and better, Started by local band Aka-ska who cover many Ska tunes. Many people get dressed up to dance to their favourite Ska tunes. Pama International had an early slot as they had to get on there way as they have a support slot on the current Specials tour.

Pama are a good old fashioned reggae/dub lovers rock type of band, with Finny on vocals with a soulful voice and Sean on keyboards, they make you want to dance all night, they played a couple of tracks of the new album “Happenstance” and “dub a dance”.

In 2006, the band became the first new band in 30 years to sign to the legendary Trojan Records.

Aka- ska were up next all dressed as characters from Kill Bill (they have a different theme each year) and they sing songs from Madness, the Specials, Bad Manners and they always hand out gifts the best dressed costume, even though they only sing cover versions, they are one of the best supported bands in Aberdeen and their cover of Dexys Midnight runners “Geno” is awesome.
 
 

 

-Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

 

Tiger Army – 45 Grave – Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows – at The Grove – Anaheim, CA

There’s nothing better than going to a show during the Halloween weekend. It’s different from going to any other show during the year.  People dress up however they want and it's not a problem. On Friday October 30th, Tiger Army, 45 Grave, and Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows were set to play at the Grove of Anaheim. This was the third night of Octoberflame but the first night in Orange County. As I entered the venue I noticed people already buying merchandise from each of the bands and already wearing their new shirts.

More and more people were coming inside as the show was about to get started.

Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows were up first.  They’re an all girl band from Australia. As they began their set people worked their way towards the stage to give their attention to the band.  Not only was their music amazing but they knew how to keep your attention.   Their songs were dark and started off kind of slow but then crept up on you with a harder sound. Each member had their own unique style of playing their instrument and even added facial expressions showing how much effort they put into performing.  People in the crowd already loved what they were hearing but their interest in the band grew when they covered “Freedom of Choice” from Devo.  They ended their set with a song called “Mad At You” and left the crowd wanting to hear more.

Up next was 45 Grave. The venue had filled up much more just in time to see them start. Almost immediately a small pit broke out when they began their first song. 45 Grave fit perfectly with the Halloween theme not only with their music but with their appearance as well.  It was easy to spot the big 45 Grave fans because they were dressed up and right in the middle of the pit.  Some people even had their faces painted. They performed songs like “Evil and “Party Time”. For their last song, their drummer put on a mask that made him look kind of creepy but also funny. Before leaving the stage, Dinah Cancer had said “Thank you for letting us entertain you and have Happy Halloween”. 45 Grave was the perfect band to have played that night. They really gave off a spooky vibe and made it feel like it was Halloween.

The venue was now filled up and everyone was anxiously waiting for Tiger Army.  While waiting, music from Misfits, Johnny Cash, the Cramps, TSOL, and many more were playing in the background.  The lights dimmed and everyone cheered and clapped with excitement knowing Tiger Army was about to start.  They came out and began playing “Prelude: Signal Return”.  Just as fists were raised in the air, everyone shouted, “Tiger Army Never Dies!”  A pit erupted instantly on both the bottom and second floor of the venue.  They went straight into “Afterworld”.  The floor was packed and people were still determined to squeeze their way through the tight crowd just to be closer and be a part of the fun. Nick let us know that his mom was there that night. He told her he loved her and then dedicated a slow and sweet song to her called “Through The Darkness”. Tiger Army went from playing new songs to very old songs and fast songs to slow songs.  It was the perfect mix.  They even played songs that have never been played live and it was cool knowing we were the first crowd to hear it. Just as I thought it couldn’t get any better than this, they announced that for the next two songs they wanted to see one of the biggest circle pits ever. They played “Nocturnal” and “FTW” and Tiger Army got what they asked for.

They took a short break and when they came out there were different members. It was the Nick 13 Solo. They played own of their own songs and also a Tiger Army song, “Cupid’s Victim”, and made it their own style. After taking another break, Tiger Army came out to play their last two songs. Once again, they asked for another huge circle pit for these songs.  They began playing “Never Die” and so many people ran straight into the pit making it as big as they could.  People were falling and picking each other up.  This continued when they played their last song, “Annabel Lee”. Before ending the songs, Nick 13 introduced each of the members. The drummer played a drum solo that was so intense it made my arms hurt just by watching him play. The bassist played a solo as well and I was amazed. They ended the song and people were tired, sweaty, but had a look of satisfaction on their faces. Before they were even outside, people were already discussing how much fun they in the pit, how well Tiger Army played, and how they wished it hadn’t ended.
 

 

-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

 

Sham 69 – at Cafe Drummonds – Aberdeen, UK – October 30, 2009

Sham 69 came to Drummonds with Jimmy Pursey and what was on every ones mind was what would it be like. As soon as the intro began the placed erupted, old skins, old Punks and new Punks all united for the great music about to be delivered. With co founder Dave Parsons the only original member and with Tim V on vocals with his menacing attitude it was night to remember.





“Hurry up harry” “Questions and answers” “That’s life” all had the crowd jumping about wildly and even had one fan get on stage to sing with Tim.

Dave then dedicated the next song to Joe Strummer and they did their version of “white riot”. They ended with “Angels with dirty faces” and Borstal breakout” and everyone was shout for “Hersham Boys” which was duly played to the best reception of the evening. A great night to start the tour.
 

 

-Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

 

Roar Tour featuring Athlete – at The Warehouse – Aberdeen, UK

The Roar (rock against racism) tour aims to challenge racist behaviour and promote the benefits of living in a diverse Scotland. Racists attitude and behaviour have a negative effect on our country, so it is up to us all to stand up and speak out against discrimination. Make Scotland a country free from prejudice.




Tickets for these events are guests only and you have to win them on radio shows competitions etc. Tonight's guests were Athlete an English rock/indie band formed in 2002.  Who have a new album out and performed a couple of tracks from it, but it was old favourites  “El Salvador” and  “Wires” that pleased the crowd most.

All night the message was promoted, no racism in music or any walks of life, and the friendly relaxed atmosphere and the handing out of free t-shirts, I think the message came across.

 

 

-Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

 

How the internet started – Without Al Gore

 40 years ago today was the genesis to what we know as the internet today. The following is an excerpt from the article HERE. "To tell the story of how it happened, you have to start with the context in which it happened. A communication revolution was taking place — but it was happening over the telephone. Telephones were for communicating, while computers were built to process information — to do things like payroll and number-crunching. The IBM 1401, a computer system about the size of a two-car garage, could process about as much information as your cell phone — your ratty old cell phone from the 1980s, that is."

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