Ministry – at Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA
June 21, 2012
What can be said about last nights Ministry concert (the bands first LA appearance in over 4 years) is nothing short of complete total awesomeness with a major hint of brutality. With a semi new line up and a new album under their belts (Relapse) uncle Al Jourgensen and co. are without a doubt back and stronger than ever, and still the loudest band on the planet.
Their set last night proved that at 53 years old and 30 odd years into Ministry Al can still find new ways to make a performance more than just a concert, but a full on audio and visual experience like no other. With a giant video screen set up behind the band and a nifty light show; Ministry are putting on what can also seem like an anti political rally set to breakneck speed industrial metal.
Much like their classic music videos, their projections are mashed up scenes of old and current war footage showcasing the brutality of the worlds out of control governments, it’s a perfect fit to their politically inspired anthems and it gets the crowd riled up much like it was intended for.
Despite keyboard difficulties early into the bands set, Ministry is well prepared and ready for this reunion tour and not hinting at running through the motions at all. The band appear like cowboys from hell on LSD preaching an anti Bush message to a crowd of rabid bull dogs (it’s alright to still hate the bastard almost 4 years after his term ended). Some of their newer material touched up on the death of Osama Bin Laden as well as the occupy movement and the current state of America since the economic collapse of just a few years ago.
There wasn’t a chain linked fence set up in front of the stage this go around, but had there been I’m sure the Los Angeles crowd would have pulled it down like they did at the House of Blues show in April 2008. Al’s microphone stand has been redesigned for this tour as well, no more is the cattle skull from hell, but a design that appears inspired by the wings of a hellish demon on ecstasy with l.e.d. lights. Al’s stage outfit is even updated for this tour and rather badass, the dude does not look his age or dress down, he’s still gnarly as ever and could show performers half his age how its done properly!
Much of Ministry’s current set is made up of tracks off albums from the last decade with a hand full coming from Relapse (which go over like classics, the songs are solid pieces of work of industrial strength steel) and an encore of long time fan favorites that absolutely had the energy to detonate an atomic bomb over downtown Los Angeles.
Unlike their farewell tour, last night saw no unnecessary sped up classic rock covers or guest appearances by dudes from static x. Instead the band offered just full on insanity at its best and made the crowd react the same way until the very last note of the closing track Thieves. I can’t think of any other bands I’ve seen to have a reunion tour more satisfying (set list wise especially) and over all more awesome than a supposed farewell tour, but Ministry have done just that. They’re back and they’re fucking gonna destroy your city when they come through on tour this year, so make sure to catch them, it’s a show worth seeing as many times as you possibly can.
Set list
Ghoul Diggers (roadhouse blues during the bridge)
No W - Rio Grande Blood - Senor Peligro - Lies Lies Lies - 99 Percenters - Watch Yourself -
Life Is Good - Waiting - Worthless - Relapse - The Last Sucker - Khyber Pass - Encore -
Psalm 69 - N.W.O. - Just One Fix - Thieves
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Rebellion Presents: Cock Sparrer and Infa Riot – at The Melkweg – Amsterdam, Holland
June 17, 2012
Being put on by the Rebellion crew this promised to be an exciting event. Fans convened in the Leidseplein bars beforehand, many having travelled great distances to see the show. On before Cock Sparrer were Infa Riot. Newly reformed they put on a good show, with front man Lee Wilson riling up the crowd. They belted out high energy songswhich kept the crowd going most popular was “Riot Riot” and “You ain't seen nothing yet”
Before coming on stage you could feel the room tingling with excitement over Cock Sparrer. As soon as they stepped on stage to the sirens going everyone roared and they smashed out their first song, Riot Squad. Fans sang along with big grins on their faces and the mosh pit was bouncing.
Tune after tune was played satisfying everyone. Taken ‘em All had everyone screaming out lyrics, and Argy Bargy was an obvious hit with the crowd. The boys were clearly enjoying themselves on stage and even 40 years on are still giving it their all.
The set went by too quickly but memorable songs were Where Are They Now and Because You’re Young. Cock Sparrer finished up with the favourite England Belongs To Me and We’re Coming Back. Sweaty, hot and smiling fans stalked out of the venue to enjoy more of the Dutch beers.
The rest of the night was spent hanging out in Murphys bar in the square. Good beers, good company, and what a fantastic gig that was!
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Dod and Sally Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondents
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Ink N Iron Festival – at The Queen Mary- Long Beach, CA
June 9, 2012
A gloomy overcast morning was our setting for the second day of this years Ink N Iron Festival, coming to you from a beautiful Queen Mary in Long Beach CA.The Ink N Iron festival has been melding the worlds of Tattoos, Custom Cars, Music and every thing in between annually for the last 9 yrs. Tens of Thousands of people will cross the turnstiles this weekend ranging from your Punk and Skinheads to car buffs to tattoo junkies all of which drink and play in wonderful harmony with one another.
The Ink n Iron festival crams a week long worth of events into 3 days, enough to sooth the pallets of any die hard fans and provide a day long list of anticipation. For the Custom car and Psychobilly fan there was everything imaginable on the docks of the Queen Mary, Gorgeous vintage cars sat parked alongside custom creations all along the dock, Entrances and parking lots. The Dome showcased the more unique of these beauties and hosted the Wildly popular Motorama Car Show throughout the weekend. Now, for the Tattoo enthusiasts the smell of fresh ink and the sound of a collective buzz emanating from the bowels of the ship riddled your body and senses with goosebumps no doubt, Over 100 of the worlds best tattoo artist converged on the Queen Mary, spread across three floors, any style or idea possibly conceived in the human brain could found on that ship.
More of a fan of tattoo art or you just couldn't afford a piece? Don't fret, this weekends festival showcased numerous tattoo contests, including separate contests for "Best Portrait Color", "Best Arm/Leg Sleeve", Best Black And Grey(SM/LG)" and Best Portrait Black And Grey". How about Vintage clothing? you fancy a clutch purse or smashing bow tie and vest? you got it. Along side the cars on the dock and artist on the ship you can pick up everything from a polka dot dress and matching flower/ heels combo to the best smelling hair pomade from Japan. Ink n Iron provide some of the most talented and creative small business owners selling their goods and services. Want to look good for the Betties and Byrds strutting their stuff on the pier? be sure to stop by the 2nd floor of the ship and get a clean cut and shave from the boys at "Hawleywoods Barbershop and Shaving Parlor" I know i enjoyed the old school approach to looking clean and smart.
Sit back, relax and sip your martini because its time for the the sizzling Girls to take the stage. Found on the Queen Mary in what I'm sure is haunted, The Grand Salon hosted several classy performances. In between the lovely ladies pole dancing exhibit were several blue grass, country and rockabilly artist to enjoy, culminating in the Pleasure Portal Cabaret that enticed man and women alike. Maybe you drove all the way out to Long Beach just to see a movie and nothing more? Yes even you my friend were well taken care of. On the greens of the dock movie buffs could sit and try his luck at putting his arm around his number one gal in the backseat of a Chrysler at the Tiki Drive in stage.
As you can already imagine it was damn near impossible to be everywhere at the same time so lets focus on the crown jewel of the event The Main Stage. Calling all Punks, Skins, Rudeboys and Greasers, listen up because this is why you should have been here. Starting a little behind schedule the days main stage saw its first act around noon-ish, Dividing the days fun like a yummy Funnel cake (a smell so tasty and rich marinaded the main stage crowd just yards away) genres were portioned out in sections.
The first part saw acts like The Mission Creeps and Rezurex who warmed things up, followed by the three brothers in Calabrese (Jimmy,David and Bobby). Calabrese take a fun and energetic approach to performing and are a definite watch, like they say " Were not the next Misfits, were the First Calabrese".
Following the Boys Calabrese were the Legendary Guana Batz. What felt like a mini Psychobilly show The Guana Batz performed to a packed 3:00pm crowed . In what I'm sure is the highlight of the day to a very many, The Guana Batz played fan favorite after fan favorite in what seemed to be the re-occurring theme of the festival along with a slacked approach to following the set list. Ending on "King Wreck" fans went on their way very very happy.
Rudeboy!,RudeGirl! Skinhead! come out and put on your dancing shoes, now its our turn to converge on the dock and stomp the afternoon away. This slice of the funnel cake brought us a sweet sweet serving of the The Aggrolites and The Slackers. LA's finest, The Aggrolites and their Dirty reggae sound with infectious harmony and soulful vocals took over the main stage first. Wasting no time the Aggrolites heavy organ, sharp snare and fat bass lines lured a very large portion of the previous bands crowds back to see what all the dancing was about. Quickly the pit filled with everyone and anyone who knew what good music was. All ages and walks of life couldn't help but sing along for "Country Man fiddle" and the insanely popular "Don't Let Me Down". The Aggrolites live shows are truly like no other, a sound and energy that consume your body and leave you wanting more.
If you thought it couldn't get better you obviously are a moron, or you didn't bother to look at the bill. Either way your forgiven. Up next were The Slackers. After what the Aggrolites had put that crowed through The Slackers were liable to give them a heart attack. With some of the fattest horn lines around, the now sun drenched crowed danced and sang a long even mimicking the trombone positioning. Vic Ruggiero's organ and soothing vocals hypnotized any living thing within ear shot, The Slackers sound had the audience dancing cheek to cheek , skanking in a pit or paired off doing the row boat and monkey ska, It is with much pleasure i can say that these NY' pioneers are a really one of a kind.
Our final part of the show "The Punk" part was in full effect, leading off with hardcore legends and Fullerton's own The Adolescents. 30 years of damage still has not slowed Tony, Steve and the boys proving it on Saturday. Every song feels like an anthem. Each note and lyric performed with conviction and truth each scream by Tony echoed by the audience, shoes were thrown drinks tossed as the pit swirled away in controlled chaos, these WERE the "Kids Of The Black Hole".
Up to bat next, "The Randals" (a shot at the The Vandals name by Tony from The Adolescents jokingly 10 minutes before) wasted no time ignoring the setlist and playing what ever the hell they felt like, its always fun to see the Vandals you never know whats next. Joking and generally shitting on one another over who started to soon or who fucked up the last song is a refreshing take on live music. These guys are real friends and it translates in their chemistry with each other and their fans. Setting the tone with "Urban Struggle" they never let up off the gas and took it to the audience as only the Vandals can.
In what could have been a strange inclusion, She Wants Revenge was next and played up to their level and status. The highly educated music lovers in the crowed from all genres showed respect to the band and the respect was mutual, Justin Warfieild took the time between songs to let the fans know how thankful the band was for letting them play to them after a long lay off, and I'd say were well received, especially by the women in the crowd.
And now the act that everyone and their mom came to see literally. The Misfits, true to form they wasted no time, I mean no time, each song ended and started with "this ones called" and "1,2,3,4" just the way we like it. During their 45 minute set The Misfits packed tons of hits into their performance including "Hybrid Moments", "She", "Static Age", "Die Die My Darling", and "Bullet". The now frenzied crowed pitted,crowed surfed as hard as fucking possible and even tried rushing the stage. After all was said and done The Misfits as popular as they are still turn heads and drive fans ape shit. But just as importantly take the time to thank the crowed and pose for photos.
The Misfits are a tough act to follow. Buckcherry ended the night on the main stage to a somewhat vacant lot scattered by faithful Buck Cherry fans and the trash of a days long festival. They played their chart toppers, "Sorry" and "Crazy Bitch", helping the festival end on a good note, and if that wasn't enough it all would start again Sunday.
-Gio Van Damn-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
More photos of the festival can be seen HERE
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Battalion of Saints – The Riot Kids – Tanked – Bedlam – and Clarence Boddicker – at Jerry’s Pizza – Bakersfield, CA
June 8, 2012
Last Friday night in Downtown Bakersfield the Punk scene gathered at the legendary Jerry's Pizza for a much anticipated, all ages, special reunion gig featuring Clarence Boddicker, Bedlam, Tanked, The Riot Kids, and Battalion of Saints.
Jerry's Pizza is an independently owned pizza and beer joint that has been bringing badass, all-age, Punk gigs to Bakersfield for more than 20's years. While Jerry's may not see as many Punk shows as it did back in the 90's, there are at least a good handful of great old school Punk acts that still come through every year.
Clarence Boddicker was added to the bill last minute, which literally meant every local punk band in Bakersfield would be playing this gig. They performed a loud fast paced set, that also set the pace for drinking obscene amounts of beer.
Bedlam was up next, headed by Guilli Munster Garcia. These mutherfuckers open up for every decent Punk band that comes into town and I always seem to miss their set. Tonight I wanted to make sure I caught it. I had heard that they kicked ass, and considering that they could give a fuck about making CDs, I was determined to catch their performance and finally hear them. I have to say I was impressed. It was thrash with a hard-core edge and all the Crust-Punks showed their loyalty by singing along and slamming into each other throughout their time on stage. Their set included songs such as "Rabies Pot Pies", Hunting for Crites", and "Funeral Car Wash".
Tanked started as a Punk cover band featuring all original members of 90's Punk band "Active Ingredients". It wasn't long before these guys started writing their own material. They brought a Motorhead style element to the show and played songs about drinking beer, fighting and living in the shitty Dustbowl. Tanked will be releasing their first full-length alum in a few months on 12" color vinyl that will include a free digital download of the album.
The moment that many had flocked to Jerry's for was upon us. The Riot Kids is a band that formed in 1997. They were East side Punk kids still in and right out of High School, mostly playing Southern and Central California. They made a name for themselves opening for bands like DOA, T.S.O.L, Fear, Adolescents, RKL and Youth Brigade. As soon as they made their way on stage, the basement filled up with drunk Punx primed to fuck some shit up! This would be the first time in 10 yrs all original members would share a stage together and prove they still had what it takes put on legit Hard-Core show. Not sure how much practice time they actually had, considering that vocalist Oliver Dropper lives in Oregon now. Regardless, they sounded damn good. At one point Benny shredded on guitar so hard his strap broke, but no big deal as he duct taped the strap back, the band didn't even miss a beat. Dropper's interaction held the attention of the crowd. As they sang along with him, it was obvious everyone still remembered their songs. The shallow basement room became a scene of chaos and pitting. Their set list included songs such as "Hot Rod" and Dealing with Jocks" from their first album "Here Now, Here Forever" as well as "Evolutionary Times" from their second album titled "Deprograming Man Made Evil"
The Riot Kids covered Pennywise's Bro hymn, and while I have felt like I could go the rest of my life with out hearing this song (and I have felt this way for at least the last 10 years). There was a sense of nostalgia in the audience as everyone locked arms around their brother's and sister's necks singing in remembrance to all the homies that didn't make it out alive. They mentioned Mikey Murdock amongst others that are truly missed in the downtown Punk scene. It was a highlight of the set and the most I have ever enjoyed hearing that song. ( and hopefully it will be the last)
Spirits were high and the adrenaline was flowing in the pit, a combination that usually ends in some kind of altercation, tonight would not be an exception to the rule. Apparently some asshole got stupid, and a fight ensued leaving a few 86'd. But hey, whats a good Punk show with out a fight.
The mention of Battalion of Saints performing was met with some criticism from many Punk purists, being that George Anthony is the only one original member of the band. Shit happens! True, some dynamics may change in a band without certain members, but give it a chance before you talk shit. Battalion of Saints killed it! Anthony's stage presence and vocals were filled with vivacity and his band complimented him with an equally energetic, tight performance.
They opened their set with "Beefmaster" and also played fan favs such as "Hells Around The Corner", "Through With You" and closed with "Second Coming". This gig was exactly what I crave when I am planning to attend a Punk show. Cheap beer and pizza, Punks, fist fights, familiar faces, loud hard fast music, and a good pit. All the elements were there, what a great night!
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-J.Moncrief.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Commando – The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone
June 8, 2012
It’s been nearly 40 years since The Ramones met and jammed for the first time in New York City and almost 8 years since founding member and highly influential guitarist Johnny Ramone succumbed to cancer; in that time many books have been written on their music and legend, but none from the guitarist himself until now. The Final word is here in Commando.
If you were somewhat familiar with The Ramones from the numerous books or documentaries released in the last few years then you probably know that the band had a strict leader much like an army does; their leader was Johnny and he lead the band like commando’s into war.
Johnny was responsible for so much of the bands success and kept The Ramones in line over the years and is likely the reason The Ramones had such a lengthy career (14 albums and 2,263 shows played) where most bands from their era crashed and burned much sooner. It’s about time that one of rocks most important figures has a book to shed light on his part in music history, best of all a book written by the man himself. Many pieces were also put together by colleagues from other important bands or members of The Ramones inner circle and family.
Commando is not the average rock bio filled with hundreds of pages and few photos’, in fact it’s quite the opposite with only 200 pages or so and rarer behind the scenes photos than a family album. Like you’d expect the book traces back to Johnny’s childhood in Queens New York where he reveals his love for baseball, republican run America, hard work ethics and even his bizarre tale of throwing rocks at The Beatles during their prolific concert at Shea Stadium in 1965. Who else can say they’ve done that in their lifetime, likely only Johnny Ramone!
Details of Johnny’s first marriage, first guitar and first time meeting his fellow Ramones are also discussed in great detail. The touchy subject of falling in love with Joeys ex girlfriend Linda is also a whole other story that is finally revealed in full and explains why relations in the band were so strained from that point on. There are tons of personal stories shared within these pages that really show The Ramones in a light that most fans may be shocked to discover. There is always more to a bands legacy than what is shown on the surface and Commando is a full on tell all in that respect.
Conflict in the recording studio and on tour make for interesting chapters that add insight to perhaps your favorite albums or songs and help the reader understand how insane life was in The Ramones. The book is put together in an easy to read for all age’s style with its cardboard layout and story book like feel. Johnny shares his favorites list so fans can understand why some albums in the Ramones back catalog are his favorite while others are sub par.
Sadly as the book draws towards an end you can sincerely feel the pain Johnny suffered as his uphill battle against cancer slowly eats away at his health and well being. (I shed a tear myself as I reached that particular part of the book) Though when the book finally reaches its last page you can’t help but feel a certain respect for Johnny in more ways than one. Though he is no longer with us you will likely find your self smiling having enjoyed Commando with all it has to offer as it really is the final say on how amazing a life Johnny lead from his humble American beginnings to his tragic death here in Los Angeles in 2004.
The photos alone are proof enough that Johnny lived life to the fullest and shared his time with some amazing people who have truly left their mark on the world and have made it a better place, you’ll see what I’m talking about once you pick up your own copy of Commando which is highly recommended by us here at Bigwheel.
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist
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