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Frank Turner – Larry and His Flask – Jenny Owens – at The House of Blues – Anaheim, CA

September 20, 2012

It was another hot day on September 20th in Downtown Disney prior to the Frank Turner show. When the doors opened at 7, the crowd rushed into House of Blues (to get into the AC as well as snag a prime spot for the show). 

 

 

Before Jenny Owen Youngs even took the stage, there was a sizeable crowd gathered—one of the largest I’ve seen for an opener. Youngs took the stage solo and the next 30 or so minutes were just a delight. Her voice is clear and strong. After playing a couple of her own songs, she goes into a quirky story about how radioactive cockroaches (from The X-Files 5th season) are like a love song. As I was still trying to wrap my head around that logic, she broke into a pretty great cover of “Ring of Fire” and asked the audience to sing along with her. According to Ms. Youngs, Anaheim was the “best city on the tour to sing along”. Continuing with her cover streak, she giggled through her delightfully goofy rendition of “Call Me Maybe”. (That song is absolute tripe and completely ridiculous—that’s why she was laughing.) She closed out her set with an older song and a new one, “Fuck Was I” and “Love For Long”. If you are into the more mellow acoustic singer/songwriter genre, Jenny Owen Youngs is right up your alley. 

After a fairly short break, Larry and His Flask took to the stage. These guys ALWAYS put on a great show, and tonight was no exception! They kicked off the set with “No Life” and though their first few songs seemed a bit lethargic (by Larry and His Flask standards) they sure as hell didn’t continue that way! By the time they played “Shake Down”, the band and the audience were sweatily bouncing all over the place. It was at this point that some grizzled looking biker guy  said, “Jesus, it sounds like clowns are gonna come out next!” (I guess he thought the band had a circus feel to them.) Slowing things down for a minute, they played the title track off their most recent album, “Hobo’s Lament”.  Jamin stood up on his stool behind the drums, harmonizing with the lead singer. Hearing just that song was enough to convince me I need to buy their newest release. There was barely time to take a breath between the end of that song and the beginning of the next—the guys from Oregon went balls out until the end of the set, with Ian, the lead, playing at the barricade and into the crowd. They dedicated a song to Frank and a song to the heavy drinkers (“Slow it Down”). It was a phenomenal set—but that’s to be expected from Larry and His Flask.

While they were setting up for Frank Turner, you could feel the anticipation vibrating off the crowd. A friend of mine had never seen (or heard) Frank Turner before, so I invited him along for the show. “Just judging from the crowd, this is going to be a good show, isn’t it?” I answered him with a raised eyebrow and said, “You’ll see”.  A few seconds after that, Frank took the stage, along with the Sleeping Souls and opened with “Eulogy”.  Turner’s talent coupled with his energy and stage presence always makes for a good time and tonight was no different.  As soon as the first chord of “The Road” was struck, the crowd went apeshit, bouncing, raising their hands in the air, and singing along. During “I Want to Dance”, Turner encouraged (well, told) the crowd to dance. It didn’t matter what style, just so long as you dance.

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls are currently in Burbank recording a new album, and we were lucky enough to hear a couple of songs off of the upcoming release. “Time Machine” and “Wherefore Art Thou, Gene Simmons?”, which was inspired by a biography about the Kiss frontman and his sexual escapades. The level of camaraderie and interaction that Turner has with his fans at shows is one of the many reasons that people will see him over and over and over again. (That, and he is just fuckin’ awesome!)  As part of the encore, he did a cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl”, telling us in the audience that “unless you were raised by wolves, you know this song. So you better sing along!” Closing out the show, he had Jenny Owen Youngs come out to play harmonica (the rest of us were still stuck playing air harmonica), he gave his guitar to Ian (Larry and His Flask) to play, and the drummer from Social Distortion made an appearance so that the Souls’ drummer could play a snare on top of the speakers! 

 

It was a typical Frank Turner show—lots of sing-alongs, some new material, a cover tune.   But by the time the show was done, we were all sweaty and euphoric—even my friend, who is now one of Frank Turner’s many fans. 

 

Set-list: 

 

Eulogy
The Road
Peggy Sang the Blues
Long Live the Queen
Glory Hallelujah
Reasons Not To Be An Idiot
Time Machine
Wessex Boy
Substitute
Wherefore Art Thou, Gene Simmons? 
The Fastest Way
I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous
I Am Disappeared
One Foot Before the Other
Four Simple Words 
Try This at Home
I Still Believe

Encore: 

American Girl (cover)
Love, Ire, and Song
Photosynthesis 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE


-Anni Thyme-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist

 


 

 

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Show Preview: Public Image Ltd – at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Sunday October 28, 2012

September 19, 2012

Public Image LTDIf you haven't been living off-world for the last 35 years, you probably know who John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten is. If not, I'd be interested to hear how you came across this website. As the frontman for the infamous Sex Pistols, Lydon gained fame and notoriety as a sort of unofficial head of the burgeoning Punk movement. Following the Sex Pistols' demise in 1978 he went on to start Public Image Limited... and now PiL is on tour again.


Los Angeles has had a longtime love affair with Public Image, so expect this show to sell out.

Public Image Limited, named after a novel by a Scottish author about an actress who carefully cultivates her image to hide her lack of talent, is often regarded as one of the most influential bands of the post-punk movement, producing complex and experimental music, and hosting an impressive list of talent. Former lineups have included Keith Levine, an early member of the Clash, Jim Walker of The Furies, Martin Atkins, who played for such greats as Killing Joke and Ministry, and even Steve Vai. The band released eight studio albums, and managed to produce a number of hit singles, including "This is Not a Love Song", a mocking response to criticisms that the band was becoming more commercialized, and a wink and a nod to the Flying Lizards song "Her Story".
Public Image LTD
This year's tour features Lu Edmonds, originally of The Damned, and PiL guitarist from 1986-88, Bruce Smith of The Pop Group, and PiL drummer from 1986-1990, and Scott Firth on bass, along with the insuppressible Lydon. This is the same lineup that preformed a handful of shows around the UK last December, which were well received by fans, our own reporter Dod listing it as on par with The Specials as one of the best reunion shows to date. (bigwheelmagazine.com/show_reviews/public-image-ltd-at-the-02-arena-glasgow-uk-December-18-2009)

Unsurprisingly, the band's history hasn't been without controversy, from Lydon's difficulty in getting label Virgin Records to sponsor a tour in support of the '92 album "That What Is Not", to dispute with West Coast legends Flipper over the title and packaging of "Album", PiL has shown that drifting towards the mainstream hasn't dulled their edges any.

With over 20 dates on this 2012 North American tour you are certain to see them at a venue near you. Full tour listings can be found on the PiL official site www.pilofficial.com

Win tickets to the Los Angeles PiL show HERE



-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

 

 

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Riot Fest 2012 – Iggy and The Stooges – Gogol Bordello – Alkaline Trio – Elvis Costello and the Imposters – Screaming Females – The Jesus and Mary Chain – Fishbone – NOFX – Less Than Jake – Reverend Horton Heat – and Many More – at Humboldt Park – Chicago, IL

September 16, 2012

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012The alarm clock rang way too early on Sunday, and if the line-up was any different than what it was, I probably would’ve hit snooze and said fuck it. Fortunately, the line-up was enough to get my jet-lagged ass out of bed.

After hitting up Dunkin’ Donuts again (California people, don’t buy that bagged shit they sell in the coffee aisle out here. It does not hold a candle to the real deal) and taking a tour through some realllllly sketchy Southside Chicago areas (thanks iPhone maps!) I arrived once again at Humboldt Park.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

As on Saturday, festival goers were met with carnival acts as they walked through the gates. First up for the day was Henry Clay People. Though they were good, they seemed a little bit subdued. Maybe the coffee hadn’t kicked in yet, but I was looking for something with a bit more oomph! to start the day off.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Immediately after HCP, Imagine Dragons took to the Riot Stage. Typically, I wouldn’t seek them out, but as they weren’t playing opposite any other band I figured, “Why not?” and headed over. Too much pop for my taste, however … the lead singer’s joy and enthusiasm for playing music was infectious. When a band is clearly enjoying what they do, and show it, it’s hard not to be caught up in that emotion. While I may never listen to, or see, Imagine Dragons again, for the few minutes I saw them at Riot Fest, I secretly liked them.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

The day was starting to look up, as the next band playing was Reverend Horton Heat. Rockabilly royalty, Rev and the gang brought some good ol’, Southern psychobilly freak-outs to the Midwest. Performing together for over 20 years, the camaraderie in the trio is palpable. Not only are their songs tight, but the interaction between the bands’ members is one of long-standing friendship. Jim Heath and Jimbo Wallace take some time out to head over to stand in front of the drum-set of Scott Churilla, and play half of “400 Bucks” back to back. The Rev followed pretty much the same style as when they played Hootenanny earlier this year: the first song, off their first album, then the second song off their second album, etc. Though it’s comforting to have an idea of what is coming up, set-wise, I wouldn’t mind if they switched it up a bit and just played whatever songs they felt like at the moment. They opened with “Psychobilly Freakout”, going into “400 Bucks”, followed by “Baddest of the Bad”. I would have gladly stayed for Reverend Horton Heat’s entire set, just because they put on an always awesome show.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Sadly, I couldn’t stay, but I didn’t think about it too much because next up was Fishbone! I fuckin’ love these guys. Their shows are always high energy and just plain good. Opening up with “Sunless Saturday”, Angelo and the rest of the band were in top form. There were quite a few people who had never heard, or heard of, Fishbone before, but by the time the first song was finished, they were fans. Later in the day, I overheard one of the photographers saying, “I had no idea who they were or what to expect, but shit dude! They were awesome!” Yes, yes they were. The crowd was completely focused on the show being laid out before them. I saw many people in the audience who, as teenagers, probably saw Fishbone in the 90’s, holding their kids on their shoulders so that the kids can experience what good music is. Some other songs they played included “Date Rape” and “Lyin’ Ass Bitch”. 

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Less Than Jake was next up. Currently celebrating their 20th year, Less Than Jake are on tour promoting that fact, and Riot Fest was just one stop. As soon as they hit the stage, they showed a liveliness that couldn’t be contained. They did a lot of their older songs, and even when a penis-like balloon animal made its way to the front of the stage, the guys in the band didn’t miss a beat. They incorporated the pink phallus into their banter and kicked into the next song. Any chance to see Less Than Jake play live, I’ll take it—their stage presence is one of the most active and animated out there. Between interacting with the crowd, and with each other, the Floridians played songs like “Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts”, “Sugar in Your Gas Tank”, “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads”, and “Plastic Cup Politics”. Less Than Jake will be playing at House of Blues in Anaheim on October 9th. If you can, go to their show. You will not be disappointed. (Unless you want to buy a beer. The prices there are a bit ouchie.)

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

From Ska, I went to metal and checked out the recently reunited Chiodos. After the fallout of 2009 (it seemed ugly), I wasn’t sure what to expect. Apparently fences were mended, because FUCK! This set, this show? Was off the hook! During one of the earlier songs, Craig Owens crowd-walked and sang the last bit of “Penguins” whilst being held up by the crowd. All of the band members seemed to be having a blast playing, and Owens sported a beatific smile throughout their entire set. You could tell the crowd that was there were rabid fans. As soon as “Thermacare” started, the people behind the barricade were nothing but a writing mass of bodies. People were screaming, singing along, crowd-surfing, you name it. For most of Chiodos, I spent my time drop-jawed—they were just *that* good. “There’s No Penguins in Alaska” might’ve been the highlight for me, due to the aforementioned crowd-walking. “Two Birds Stoned at Once” also gets an honorable mention, but the closer of “The Words “Best Friend” Become Redefined” was apropos. Hopefully this newly redefined Chiodos will stick around.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

After that, I kinda floated over to the Roots Stage, where NOFX was about to take the stage. Bummed that I missed their headlining set at Congress the night before, I was stoked to see them today. After taking a healthy shot of Jameson, and then pouring more into a cup, Fat Mike took to the mic to tell the crowd that they missed a good show last night, and today will suck because he still has the flu. (Apparently the flu-flu, and not the hangover-flu, as they had to cancel a show two nights prior.) Either way, NOFX put on a good set, even though Fat Mike’s vocals were a bit more raw than normal. (Hey, if you’ve been coughing and puking for days on end, I’m surprised he sounded pretty great.) Ill or not, NOFX put on a great show and the crowd ate it up. As with Dropkick the day before, bodies began flying and security asked us to leave, “for our safety”. They opened with “60%”, and continued with “Murder the Government”, “I Wanna Be an Alcoholic”, bringing Angelo Moore out for “Eat the Meek”.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

After NOFX, I had the choice of either AWOLNATION or White Mystery. I chose AWOLNATION. I chose wrong. WRONG! Last year, I was lucky enough to catch White Mystery, and they were pretty fabulous. Since I already saw the sister/brother duo, I figured I’d catch what is apparently the “next big thing”. Those 10 minutes are 10 minutes of my life I’ll never get back. I just … I just don’t get them. Moving on …

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

The Jesus and Mary Chain were on rotation in my collection as an early teen (my “spooky years”), so I was really excited to see them. Until now, each band seemed excited and happy to be performing (even the bands I wasn’t fond of). But the Jesus and Mary Chain seemed indifferent. Musically, they were spot on, and they sounded great. The fact that they did play “Some Candy Talking”, “Head On”, and “Sidewalking” made up for my earlier disappointment. Next time I see them, I’ll make sure to load up on my eyeliner, and remember to gaze at my shoes.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

As I shuffled away from the stage, I grabbed out the schedule they handed to us earlier, and saw that Screaming Females was about to start. This band was just the pick-up I needed. Marissa Paternoster, lead vocalist and guitarist, was also suffering from the flu. Although her banter in between songs was subdued, you could not tell she was ill when she was playing and singing. She can growl and hold a note, and choke the life out of her guitar, all at once. Their sound is something you would expect out of a band twice their size; the trio really knows their shit. I left their set earlier than I wanted to, but I had to make my way over to the Roots Stage because Elvis Costello was next.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Elvis fuckin’ Costello! Need I say more? He and The Imposters took the stage and that was it, it was over. He stole the show. Borrowing mainly from his first few albums, he, The Imposters, and his custom “Elvis” guitar played hit after hit. Though Elvis Costello might not be thought of as “Punk”, he was one of the progenitors of our era of the “smart, angry” songwriters. (I won’t even get into how Fat Mike earlier in the day called Costello “overrated”.) Growing up, my dad introduced me to a wide swath of music, from The Clash to Elvis Costello. Since I’ll never be able to see The Clash, I’m really happy to have seen Elvis Costello. There were no shenanigans, either from the crowd or the band—it was just a solid set of favourites from “Lipstick Vogue” to “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”. During “Watching the Detectives”, Mr. Costello broke out a siren megaphone, and that was a turning point wherein the crowd bought into his entire set.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Why Alkaline Trio went on after Elvis Costello, I’ll never know. Maybe because they are more current, or are Chicago locals. Don’t get me wrong, Matt Skiba is awesome, and his solo work, along with Alkaline Trio, is great. Matt Skiba apparently was singing along to The Descendents the night before, since he mentioned he blew out his voice singing along. We couldn’t tell though, as the pop-punk behemoth went through song after song during their set. There were moments when the crowd got a bit riled up, but mostly the people seemed to be content to just jump around in place and sing along with “’97”, “Emma”, and “Radio”. By this time, after 3 days of non-stop music, I think most people just wanted to see Iggy. However, they would have to wait, as Gogol Bordello was up next.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

Gogol Bordello defines themselves as “Gypsy Punk”, and I can feel some Romani aspect in their music, what with the fiddle and accordion. (Also, some of the band members do look like they could be descended from the Roms.) Are they punk? Are they folk? Are they some sort of odd hybrid? I have no idea how to really classify Gogol Bordello, other than fun. The band takes the stage and just kicks you in the throat with driving fiddle tunes, accompanied by guitar and accordion. They surely fit in with the “carnival” theme this year, and they did not disappoint. As soon as Eugene hit his mark in front of the mic, the crowd went batshit. Seemingly, along with “carnival” as the theme for Riot Fest 2012, another theme should be “crowd goes wild. Bodies start flying. Story at 11.” As with Dropkick and NOFX, we were ushered out early, due to security thinking we’d be hurt. (To that I say, “PSHAW! Heads can heal.”) Gogol puts on an entertaining and energetic show (I mean, what else can you expect from a band who has a song titled “Think Locally, Fuck Globally”?) I’d love to see one of their performances not at the end of a 3 day extravaganza.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

I think Gogol was the right band to open for Iggy—they got the crowd into a tizzy. As I was waiting to be let into our tiny photographers pen, someone asked me if I had ever seen (or shot) him before. I answered no, and he responded, “You will be a changed woman. I shot him a few years ago and it was awesome.” An hour after that statement, I can honestly say he was right. Iggy alone is an icon. Iggy and The Stooges? Punk rock divinity. The expectation of the crowd was palpable, and I think everyone was just feeding off of each other’s energy and anticipation. When the time came for the band to take the stage, as soon as the first note of the guitar hit the amps, it was off to the races. The crowd erupted (including the security guards—I saw quite a few of them trying to pay more attention to what was going on onstage, rather than paying attention to the crowd). The remaining Stooges were tight, but really, Iggy stole the show.  Though he is just past 65, he has more energy than a toddler. He hit the stage and did.not.stop.moving. The set opened with “Raw Power”, and that was a harbinger of things to come.

Iggy and The Stooges - Gogol Bordello - Alkaline Trio - Elvis Costello and the Imposters - Screaming Females - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Fishbone - NOFX - Less Than Jake - Reverend Horton Heat - and Many More - Riot Fest 2012 - at Humboldt Park - Chicago, IL - September 16, 2012

The entire hour was full of nothing but raw power. Things got a little bit (okay, a LOT bit) creepy when a group of girls were brought onstage to dance along with Iggy to “Shake Appeal”. After that bit of ick concluded, the insanity continued. Throughout the night, Iggy would make forays to the front of the stage and close to the audience, teasing. At some point during the set, he dove into the crowd. The Stooges proved to be a grounding force—even though Iggy was all over the place during the songs, at some point he always came back to his band-mates. A tour de force, or a force of nature, anyway you slice it, Iggy is definitely a force to be reckoned with. We are just passengers, riding through the city. And Iggy is the driver.

Set list:
Raw Power - Search and Destroy - Gimme Danger - Shake Appeal - 1970 - Fun House - Night Theme - Beyond the Law - I Got a Right - I Wanna Be Your Dog - Open Up and Bleed - Penetration - No Fun - The Passenger - Cock in My Pocket

 

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE


-Anni Thyme-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist

 


 

 

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Show preview: Frank Turner – September 20, 2012 at the House of Blues in Anaheim

September 16, 2012

Frank Turner show previewUK folk singer/song writer, Frank Turner will be making his way back to the House of Blues in Anaheim to play another kick ass show. Frank Turner has played more than 1,000 shows since he started his solo career in 2006, however has only played L.A. a hand full of times.


Word of mouth has spread like wildfire. His live performances have earned him a great following in the United States, where he sells out every venue he plays as a headlining act. He recently toured with Social Distortion to support their newest release "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" and now it on tour to celebrate his own new album "England Keep My Bones", which is set to be released later on this year.

House of Blues will provide a great setting for his live acoustic show. Also the attendees will see a show they will not forget. If you can get your hand on a ticket, you are truly in for a treat.



www.frank-turner.com

Frank Turner - Thursday September 20, 2012 - House of Blue - Anaheim, CA




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-J.Moncrief-

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The Old Firm Casuals – City of Vain – The Toughskins – Bricktop – and Old Glory – at Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA

September 15, 2012

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012I couldn't wait too see this show from the moment I seen the flyer, it's not that often that every band on the bill is totally awesome. The Best of the West Mini Tour. I was totally stoked for this. 


I didn't get Thee Parkside that night until around 10pm thanks to google maps and that dreadful 22, but luckily for me I didn't miss anything and Reno's finest Old Glory were only just taking stage. It was my first time seeing these guys and I thought and they were great, they played a classic mix of Oi! and street Punk and there singer Mike was so damn passionate. I know from own experience  it can be difficult  being the first band on but they did an awesome job of getting the night started and there was plenty of movement from the crowd. I enjoyed all their songs but I think my favorite  one of theirs was “Reno's alright”. I will for sure pick something up from them at some point and look out for their name in future events. 

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012

Second up was Bricktop from Arizona and they were bad ass. Again, It was my first time seeing these dudes and I really enjoyed their whole set. A great mix of street thug Punk rock with heavy vocals and crushing riffs. They played a great bunch of songs and the crowd was really feeling it, cold beers were making their way around the venue and the atmosphere was great. I really liked the singers intensity and the overall feel of this group. Check out their record “Broken Bottles and Suicide Throttles” I know I'm going too. 

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012

And then it was time for The Toughskins, from LA. I've seen these guys before and their really really good. There singer Danny Oi is an amazing front man and his chest out working class vocals are truly powerful. Once they hit that stage the whole place went wild, there was a lot of moshing and a lot of fun. They played a bunch of great Oi! Punk songs and a good few tracks from their killer new 7” titled “Anger Management” that is awesome and available online through Randale Records. If I could say anything more about The Toughskins it would be how much I like their bass players Punk style and how much I enjoy the mix of vocals in this group. Really really really rad band. 

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012

City of Vain from Sacramento was next on and these guys were amazing too. I liked the fact they had an organ player, it really changed things up and made for a great set. They played a bunch of great Punk rock'n'roll songs and were really fun. My favorite tracks were “City of Vain” and “American Nightmare” but every song was sweet. If you haven't seen them yet make sure you do soon. 

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012

Last to hit the stage was The Old Firm Casuals. I've been a fan of the old firm since they started in 2010 and as time goes on they just keep getting better. I could honestly see them every night and never be bored and I heard their was going to be some new songs so I was even more excited than usual. Once they went on, there was a nice gathering made around the stage, and you could see all the dudes from all the other bands showing their support which was cool. You can really tell all these musicians, skin heads and punks and have a real brotherhood thing going on and its totally awesome. They opened their set with the amazing “We Don't Bury Our Dead” and about 10 seconds in everyone there soon got into it. 

The Old Firm Casuals - City of Vain - The Toughskins - Bricktop - and Old Glory - at Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA - September 15, 2012

There was a nice crowd at the front and many people circle pitting and moshing. Casey the bassist and Lars the guitarist take turns on vocals and the mix of their gravelly voices is just great. They played a great mix of street Punk and Oi! from their early 7”s to their amazing newer stuff. Every member of this band is so talented and they all have vocal duties so there's never a dull moment. I really enjoyed their new song from the Red, White and Blue split, “Doc Martin Dental Plan”and “For The Love of It All” from their pretty new record with Evil Conduct. Lars and Casey's riffs are so intense and Paul really beats the hell out of that drum kit.  One thing I love about The Casuals is how good they are live, it's not that many bands who sound even better live than they do on CD and these guys pull it off. They ended the show perfectly and i can't wait too see them again soon.


                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE


-Brian McCann Jr-
Big Wheel Contributor

 


 

 

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Durham Punk Festival – at Dunelm House – Durham, UK

September 15, 2012

Durham Punk Festival - at Dunelm House - Durham, UK - September 15, 2012Photographing bands live is what I do best and for me to review bands, photograph everything and remember all that happens is a real challenge. Here are some of the highlights and the photos to help give you a feel of what the festival was like. Early in the day were Loaded 44, Control and Gimp Fist.

 


Control

Loaded 44

Gimp Fist

Zounds
Zounds played early afternoon, which was one I was looking forward too as they play my all time favorite song “Cant Cheat Karma”. I’d not heard it live since I saw them play in Aberdeen in the very early 80’s and hoped it would still live up to what I remembered. Right off Steve Lake broke a string on his guitar but he carried on through the whole set with out it. “Karma” was the fifth song in and it was great to sing along. “War” and “Subvert” were also included in the set.
Business
The Business arrived onstage with Micky Fitz strutting about the stage. They only had 40 minutes so it was a quick set, finishing with “Harry May”. They played to the biggest crowd of the day so far.

The UK Subs came on to the usual roar and sing along, with Charlie on form as usual. The only difference was Chema replacing Alvin on bass for this show.

The most anticipated show of the day was up next - Sham 69 with Jimmy Pursey. Most of the crowd (myself included) were here to see this one. Rumors had started a week before the show that the Cockney Rejects were replacing Sham on the bill, or that Jimmy wouldn’t turn up on the day – these were all bollocks of course, but it did keep the crowd on their toes as show time came nearer.

Sham 69 photoThe band walked on stage with a gangly Jimmy in the centre, a hoodie on over his head and back to the crowd. He turned around, pulled it off his back and we were off.

“Tell us the Truth” and “Borstal Breakout” were fantastic. Seeing Jimmy on the stage spraying bottles of water at the crowd was great, “The Cockney Kids are Innocent” lyrics were changed to “George Davis is innocent”. “Angels with Dirty Faces”, “That’s Life” and “Hersham Boys” got the crowd up to fever pitch. “If the kids are united” had everyone singing along with Jimmy, him holding the mic stand over the crowd and banging his chest in appreciation for all the passion that’s felt in the room.

They went off and when they came back on again Jimmy was shirtless, bounding into their version of “White Riot”.

Jimmy asked the crowd what the time was, with replies of “its time to go down the boozer”. “Hurry up Harry” was played and everyone in the audience put their last bit of strength into singing and dancing for the last song.


Buzzcocks
This was the best show of the evening and should have been the headline act. It was always going to be hard for the Buzzcocks to follow, they put on a good show singing favorites like “ever fallen in love” but it was no way near the same level as Sham 69.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

-Dod Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas  Correspondent






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