Murder City Devils – Contant Lovers – at The Music Box – Hollywood, CA
April 30, 2010
As the sun was setting in Hollywood, our crew found ourselves standing 5th in line out front of the Fonda. While we were standing there, it was apparent by the company we kept that we were in for a show of epic per portions. There were people from all over California and all walks over life waiting in line.We ran into a guy who wanted to start a band, he was looking for a hardcore radical style violinist, and the dude was serious. The same guy went on to tell some of the others standing around us how people scam the medical marijuana thing. And since this show sold out practically as soon as the tickets went on sale, you could hear all kinds of people telling stories of how they got their tickets.
Shortly after 8 o'clock they started letting people in. And after a quick non-intrusive frisk, we were in as well. Upon entering the Theatre we were pleasantly surprised by the new renovations. The overall facelift included new suede seating, a VIP lounge, and new bathrooms in the balcony, and a new mural covered the walls of the whole Theatre. Very classy updates!
Opening up the show was Constant Lovers. The first song they did may have just been too eclectic and it seemed that a lot of people were not that into it. At that point you were left not really knowing what to expect and wondering if this would be a good time to go babysit the bar. Then when the second song kicked in more people were feeling it and the attention to the band grew. What could be best describe as an industrial sound that was centered around percussion instruments. All of this was thrust with vocals that were reminiscent of a demented Offspring pattern. At various parts in the set, both rhythm and lead guitars as well as bass all take up drum sticks and beat in a synchronized form. The one exception is that the bass player uses rubber maracas as drum sticks which made for a very unique twist and sound. As each song kept trucking, this band just kept growing on the audience, and each song took the previous one to a new level. They are certainly a band that we would recommend you go see if you like a clean rhythm with heavy drums.
During the intermission, the venue really started to look like it was sold out. People were packing into the Theatre, the beers were flowing, and everywhere you could hear the fans talking about which MCD song they wanted to hear. I found my self hunkered down in front of the barricade in the best spot to get awesome photos, when the security informed me to get as many pictures as I could right away, because I may only get one song in the press area. They must have known from last years show, that the place was about to go nuts. After what seemed an eternity, one of the photogs next to me started to grow inpatient because the band was late. She broke down and screamed out."I can't take it anymore, the anticipation is killing me!" She took the words right outta my mouth. And as every moment passed you could feel the energy building in the crowd.
Finally you could hear the electric organ as the curtains started to rise. The crowd started cheering and erupted into utter chaos as Murder City Devils started to play. The first two songs left you saying, HOLY SHIT! That was intense! There was serious pit thrashing even during the slow songs, and when they started to play "Idol Hands", the floor was completely outta control! Spencer Moody said," Just because your a stupid man doesn't make you a bad man, and just because you wrote a stupid song doesn't mean you wrote a bad song." Then MCD broke into the song "Johnny Thunders" It was getting hot and no one had any intention of slowing down.
The crowd fed off the energy of the band like ravenous dogs. It was very clear from the stage performance that this band was not just going through the motions, Murder City Devils came to play and play hard. At one point Spencer Moody jumped into the crowd and grabbed a hat from someones head that he wore the remainder of the show. Right after 11 o'clock the MCD exited the stage, leaving the fans pounding on the floor and chanting in unison for more. The whole building shook, and after a 5 minute break, MCD came out and played a 2 song encore. Once the show was over and the band exited the stage, Spencer Moody said "Thank you, thank you very much, we're The Murder City Devils. I don't know why we do it, but I'd like to think we don't do it for nothin'." Then he through the mic down an casually walked off stage. What an exit! This show was stiff kick in the teeth.
-J. Moncrief-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
The Adicts – at The Beachcomber – Cleethorpes, UK
April 30, 2010
After a mammoth 8 and a half hours train journey I arrived at the sea-side resort of Cleethorpes. On first inspection I thought I had arrived at a ghost town, nobody seemed to be around and most of the attractions at the sea-front seemed to be closed. I headed to the venue which was inside a caravan park, weird place for a venue but apparently has been a host to many acts over the years. I met up with Pete and the guys at sound check. As they headed off for something to eat I helped out on the merchandise stall which I would do over the next four shows, it was fun and was a pleasure to help out.
As “Ode to Joy” was played on the speakers the band came on in their traditional all white clothes and started to play. They were joined on stage by Monkey in his usual attire - black and white leopard print trouser, multi coloured jacket with lots of ribbons hanging from it, a big hat and face painted, with a pack of cards in hand which are thrown at the crowd as we hear the first chords of “Joker on the Pack” and the crowd sing along. “Tango” is up next and the theatrics begin as Monkey waves his umbrella and lots of confetti, ribbon and glitter are strewn all over the fans at the front.
New tracks from the Life Goes On album are played “Tune In”, “Spank Me” and “Life Goes On” all sound much faster live than the recordings. At one point a fan comes around the barrier and stands in front of Monkey who plays his baldhead like bongos. Also played and sung by Scruff is “I am Yours” which Pete tells me has not been played before.
The crowd enjoyed themselves but not the most energetic crowd I’ve seen.
It is the first night of the tour so the band are getting in to their stride, we have Monkey, Pete Dee, Kid Dee, Scruff and Shahen are the line up for the Tour this year. Pete is playing through the pain barrier after his recent injury and my hat goes off to him, before and after he is sore but once on stage he is totally focused.
-Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
We Were Feared – Showing at the Newport Beach Film Festival – Newport Beach, CA
April 27, 2010
There were two screenings of the new documentary on the legendary Cuckoo's Nest at the Newport Beach Film Festival, one on April 25th and the other on the 27th. Some friends and I were able to make it on the second night. There were four of us with only three voucher tickets, so we left three hours before the movie started to make sure we could get one more ticket. Once we arrived, we waited in line with others, only to find out that the movie was sold out.
About a half hour later a ton of people showed up and waited in line for We Were Feared. My friends and I, along with a number of other people, had to wait in the rush line. The rush line was for people who didn't have tickets or had voucher tickets. So first they'd let in all the people with the actual movie tickets in, and then turn to the rush line and let people in first come first serve. Finally we were able to buy another ticket and exchange our vouchers for real tickets. After being seated, one of the ushers walked to the front by the screen to inform us that it was the second sold out screening of We Were Feared.
After the usher was finished the lights dimmed and the movie started. I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't seen it, so I'll briefly describe it without killing it. They pretty much covered everything from start to finish. The documentary talked about the birth of the venue, and how the owner, Jerry Roach, allowed Punk bands to play. It covers how slam dancing started and how it eventually turned to violence. It even told us the actual story about Pat Brown. What was really cool was seeing pictures and live footage of bands like Circle Jerks, T.S.O.L., and Black Flag playing at the Cuckoo's Nest. There were guests in the movie, including bands and people who were there all the time, telling their stories and sharing memories, and also feelings about the scene nowadays. After the 90 minute film, everyone clapped because it truly was an awesome film. The usher returned towards the front and announced that now a group question and answer part was going to take place. He welcomed Jerry Roach to join him at the front along with some others.
Members of the audience got their questions answered from the man who had seen it all. It was a really cool night overall. Young or old, I highly suggest seeing this documentary. It can bring back memories or give the young ones, like me, a feel for what it was like before we were born.
-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
5 Minutes Of Fame for the week of April 25, 2010
April 25, 2010
5 Minutes Of Fame is the newest feature at Big Wheel and its purpose is to present short news snippets in a quick and efficient manner. Ideally this will be a way to get out a wealth of interesting information out in a way that takes less than five minutes to read. If you have any news that you would like to be considered for inclusion in 5 Minutes we encourage you to submit them HERE. Look for a new edition here every Sunday.
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TKO Records are teaming up with young gun label Flat Black Records to reissue several records from the Poison Idea catalog. The first release will be an "Early Years" record which will include a ton of great rarities.
Total Abuse, who were formerly on Deranged Records have just released an L.P. called "Mutt."
Bad Religion will be making their free download live album available on May 18. It will feature songs recorded from their recent long string of shows at the House Of Blues.
Off With Their Heads just signed a deal with Epitaph Records.
Thrash Metal veterans Hirax recently put out a new L.P. and 7" package called "El Rostro De La Muerte"
Killing Joke have announced the new release date for their 13th studio album; "XIII: Feast of Fools". The album, originally set to be released this summer in time for US and UK tour dates has been pushed back to September 6. UK tour dates have been rescheduled for October, but no official word yet on when US tour dates will be happening.
UK Oi! group the Warriors have been forced to cancel their May East Coast tour dates due to circumstances beyond their control. The band apologizes to their fans, but are working on scheduling a full US tour for this fall, which is good news for those of us in the West. The Warriors are made up of members of The Last Resort.
Fuck You Fest has been announced for May 2 in San Diego at the Tower Bar (home of the Pabst Smear). The lineup includes Pressure Point, Rat City Riot, Madhouse Disciples and more.
*** If you want to join our staff and make an impact on the music scene - Contact us HERE
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Get all the latest show previews HERE Win a pair of tickets to some upcoming shows HERE
Music play list for the week ending April 25, 2010 HERE
Get all the latest coverage NEW content here
Some of the shows coming up this week are: The full show listing can be viewed HERE
Mon- Apr 26, 2010 Pussy Cow w/ with Shat LaBrie's Glendale, CA
Mon- Apr 26, 2010 Cat Party w/ Charles Mansion Avalon Bar Costa Mesa, CA
Tue- Apr 27, 2010 Bobot Adrenaline w/ The Crazy Squeeze The Redwood Bar Los Angeles, CA
Wed- Apr 28, 2010 The Briggs w/ Chaser and Sex n Violence Dragonfly Los Angeles, CA
Fri- Apr 30, 2010 The Slackers El Rey Theater Los Angeles, CA
Fri- Apr 30, 2010 The Murder City Devils The Music Box at Fonda Theater Hollywood, CA
Fri- Apr 30, 2010 No Bunny w/ Younger Lovers & Endemics 924 Gilman Street Berkeley, CA
Fri- Apr 30, 2010 Sloka W/ Broken Bottles, Fork Tailed Devils Slide Bar Fullerton, CA
Sat- May 01, 2010 The Slackers w/ See Spot, Debonnaires Glass House Pomona, CA
Sat- May 01, 2010 Avi Buffalo w/ others The Troubadour Hollywood, CA
Sat- May 01, 2010 Circle Jerks w/ 7 Seconds, Municipal Waste The Fox Theater Pomona, CA
Sat- May 01, 2010 AJ Rafael w/ Jesse Barrera & He's Not Gay! Chain Reaction Anaheim, CA
Sat- May 01, 2010 Disguster w/ Yeastie Boys, Plan 9 from Anaheim Doll Hut Anaheim, CA
Sun- May 02, 2010 Scars on Broadway The Troubadour Hollywood, CA
Sun- May 02, 2010 Off! -Featuring Keith Morris 6th St. Warehouse Los Angeles, CA
If you would like to have us consider listing a show you know of - email us.
Stay up to date with all the shows going on with one of the top show listings out there.
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Get all the past weeks 5 Minutes of Fame HERE
Music play list for the week ending April 25, 2010
April 25, 2010
Top 25 - In no particular order -
Joan Jett - Fetish
NOFX - Dinosaurs Will Die
Left Alone - One
Rain On the Parade - Forgiven
Trial - For The Kids
Laurel Aitken - It's Too Late
The Donnas - Play My Game
Dead Kennedys - The Prey
Chron Gen - Clouded Eyes
Evil Empire - Family
Red Store Bums - Badfish
Ramones - Stregth to Endure
Articles Of Faith - Street Fight
The Inoculators - Moped
Greenday - Warning
Operation Ivy - Bombshell
The Adicts - What Am I To Do
Beach Boys - All Summer Long
Beck - Jackass
Sick of it All - Death or Jail
Municipal Waste - The Thing
No More Saints - You're No Saint
Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough
The Broadsiders - Take Back the Streets
The Wombats - Lets Dance to Joy Division
The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.
Download the above songs HERE at the iTunes Music Store
Message of the week:
I'd rather not have anything than be a liar.
-Alicia Keys
Get the albums that these songs are on HERE
Koffin Kats – The Scoundrels – Dead City Saints – Ends In Tragedy – The Slicks – at The Bunkhouse – Las Vegas, NV
April 24, 2010
What can I say about this gig that the word INSANITY does not cover? An incredible line up at The Bunkhouse! We start off with El Paso Texas band "The Slicks" with Their blend, of Punk, Rockabilly sound these guys were a great way to start off an evening of pure Insanity. They kicked Ass through their hard set and the crowd was totally into what was going to be a great night of Punk, Rockabilly, Psychobilly, and Rock n' Roll. I knew I was in for treat after watching these guys play, I don't know how the night could have gotten any better but it did. you can check The Slicks and all of these bands out on My Space. I highly recommend them all.
The band from Phoenix "Dead City Saints" followed with their 3 piece Rockabilly, Metal sound. And using the stand up bass. What an awesome and unique sound these 3 guys have. They put on a very tight set and by now the crowd was growing anxious. Watching these guys play you knew the party was just getting started. Hats off to these guys they just plain rocked the house!
Next we have the Albuquerque based band "Ends In Tragedy." The only tragedy here was that their set was to short. These guys just played good old Hard ROCK !!!! and rock they did. Heavy hitting guitar and drums, fronted by incredible vocals and guitar playing, lead vocalist EZ IAN who also sings lead vocals for Koffin Kats. But that will come up later. These bands are all on tour and it would be a Tragedy to miss any of them.
4th band of the night is a local band "The Scoundrels" with sexy diva Bianca on lead vocals this local band is a crowd favorite. I have covered them before and once again they never disappoint me. With Jomar KICKING ASS and taking no Prisoners on his Drum kit. Steve on guitar, and Antonio on the stand up bass, you can't go wrong with this line-up. They have a great Rockabilly sound. when in Vegas be sure to check this band out. Another guarantee of a great band and a Good Time. By now it's almost 1:00 A.M. and The Bunkhouse was ready for headliners.
Koffin Kats
Vic Victor on stand up Bass and Guitar, EZ Ian on lead vocals and stand up bass, and E Balls on drums and vocals. From the first chord of the first song it was utter "KOFFIN KAT KAOS" with their psychobilly sound it was enter the stage area at your own risk! And I mean literally It was a hard lesson for one girl who got Slammed onto the stage and broke her finger !! OUCH. And it just got crazier as their set proceeded. I myself entered at my own risk and paid the price as well, while taking my photos i was to close to the PIT, and got slammed to the ground and bashed my ribs into their sound Monitor. Besides having sore ribs I made it out o.k. And so did my camera Luckily. Vic played that stand up bass like Jimi Hendrix played his Guitar. Behind his back in front of him you name it he played it that way.
What was truly amazing during one of their songs Vic and EZ switched instruments right in the middle of a song, what a great transition. These guys are multi talented and very ass kicking musicians. They said they came to Las Vegas to party, and Party they did. I believe they played for roughly 90 minutes, and the place was packed right up until the very end. They are currently on tour and I highly Recommend them. Despite broken bones bruised ribs Everybody at The Bunkhouse had Great time. Remember check all these bands out on MySpace.
Bob Mandoki
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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