Duane Peters Gunfight – Lords Of Altamont – Dirty Eyes – Barrio Tiger – Los Creepers – Skaal – Embalmers – L.A. Crooks – at The Vex – Los Angeles, CA

A special Sunday afternoon/early evening gig at the Vex. For those that don't know, the Vex has alot of history in the early L.A. Punk scene. With literally no where else to play except in Hollywood, The Vex opened its doors to Punk/Rockabilly/and New Wave bands in the late 70's through the early 80's.Bands like Black Flag/Fear/Circle Jerks/TSOL/and many touring bands such as Minor Threat/DOA/ and the Dead Kennedys to name a few have played the Vex during this time.

Joe Vex was behind it all and supported the LA Punk scene when club owners turned their back and banned most of these bands. With that said,you now know somewhat of the history of this historic venue. Todays show was a benefit to help out an injured bike rider Jason Wilson get back on his feet. The promoter for this show was "VON BADSVILLE" who puts on many great shows in the L.A. area/San Gabriel Valley. Todays shows also had bike venders along with other misc venders which added a very nice touch to this event.

First band up were the LA Crooks. A 5 piece Ska oriented band out of Boyle Heights. A nice touch of Ska/rock/and Punk.

The Embalmers played 2nd with their "Cramps" meets the "Dead Boys" style of music. The band played tight and with alot of energy. They did a very good cover of the Damneds "New Rose".

Skaal were up next. Good old fashion 80's hardcore. The way it was meant to be played. Classic hardcore with nice background vocals. Loud, powerful and nice changes. Kinda Oi sounding at times, but then they speed it up and tear it apart.

Up next, Los Creepers out of East LA. They did their usual ripping blitz-sounding hardcore. This 5 piece can REALLY rock. Following the tradition of East LA greats such as: The Stains/Violent Children/and The Brat, Los Creepers keeps the music of East LA alive.

Next were one of my favorite bands: Barrio Tigers. The band with the best hair and best band name!! These guys look, sound, and play awesome. High energy Rock N Roll is what Barrio Tiger is. These guys could possibly be the modern MC5. Oh...did I mention they were great?

OK...my 1st time seeing the Lords of Altamont. I heard alot of good things about them. As they get ready to play, I notice 2 dancers...one on each side of the stage. A nice touch. These dancers went well with the music and added a nice visual. A very good "Cramps" meets mid 70's hard rock. As a matter of fact,the drummer played with the Cramps. The organ added a very nice touch to the music and they were very tight and played like season vets. The singer kinda reminded me of Joey Ramone with some of the moves he was busting out. Overall,they played a very good set. Well worth seeing.

Duane Peters "Gunfight" is another band I have never seen and they were on next. As they were setting up I noticed that the drummer looked really familiar. Why, it's Sean,the guy who plays in like 200 bands. I don't know how he does it, buy he has got to be the most sought after drummer in the LA scene. The guy plays for The Gears/Stains/Weirdos/Duane Peters/and god knows who else. Anyways...they started their set with Black Flags "Nervous Breakdown". Duane is a very good frontman as he was all over the stage rantin and raving. This line up played very well and they did a really good high energy Punk set.

Last up was Dirty Eyes. Strong rockin guitars and really nice stage performance. Pretty tough going on after the Lords of Altamont and Duane Peters, but they pulled it off pretty good. Overall...a really good show with some great performances and all for a good cause.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Mike Vallejo-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Danzig with Doyle – Corrosion of Conformity – The Agonist – at The Fox Theatre – Pomona, CA

For Punk Rock and Metal fans there was only one place to be last weekend and that was in Pomona at The Fox Theatre at the Danzig show. Glenn and co. were in town celebrating 25 years of his solo career with help from ex Misfit Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein as well as Corrosion of Conformity and The Agonist. The lineup crossed many sub genres of extreme music and brought out a variety of fans who filled up the sold out venue very early which is rare at weekend gigs. There was a cross section of both young, older and mid aged fans, all who seemed to wear Misfits shirts or dress up head to toe in black, it was like a funeral procession set to blistering heavy metal, and we sure as hell glad to be there to catch it all.

The Agonist had a more modern approach to metal compared to both C.O.C. and Danzig and wasted no time during their short but heavy 25 minute set in tearing up the stage. It was nice to see them receive such a positive response from the crowd, who obviously were there to see the headliner and main support bands. Female fronted metal bands unfortunately don’t often get the same respect, but we’re happy to see that the Danzig crowd roared on The Agonist who are well on their way to making a huge name for themselves on the metal scene.

A large bulk of the crowd were diehard Corrosion fans and welcomed the band to the stage cheerfully. As predicted classic C.O.C. tracks were met with lots and lots of head banging and slam pit action which was something we knew would happen as they’ve always put on a great live show. They did open for Danzig on Halloween two years prior and apparently struck a chord with the fiendish crowd who are often very hard on opening acts. C.O.C. played for what must have been 45 minutes and made every minute count as their set left fans with a stoked appreciation on their brand of metal.

Danzig hit the stage around 10 pm before a rabid audience who were looking to get brutal on a Saturday night, and brutal they got! Opting to open with two newer tracks would be disastrous for most bands, but Danzig worked it so well and had the crowd in the palm of his hand right from the start of his long two hour set. The remaining 18 tracks of his set consisted of classic solo material ala Twist Of Cain, and of course the skull pounding Misfit songs that drove the crowd absolutely fucking wild.

Glenn did slow things down a few times choosing to bring out the classics like How The Gods Kill and the love ballad Blood and Tears. There are hundreds of bands that can play fast songs like it’s nobodies business, but Glenn and co. shine at having the ability to play hard, fast and brutal and also slow things down and play non cheesy croon heavy ballads in a Elvis or Roy Orbison fashion.

Things did pick up very rapidly when Doyle came out armed with his Annihilator guitar, fans knew what to expect and boy did they get one hell of a Misfits set. The fan favorite Death Comes Ripping pushed the crowd to take things to a whole new level in the pit thus making it probably the gnarliest pit the Fox has seen in it’s few short years as a concert venue. The Sing-a-longs continued with hits like Vampira, I Turned Into A Martian, London Dungeon and the morbidly fascinating Last Caress.

Never one to disappoint, Danzig would return for two encores that consisted of solo tracks and more songs accompanied by Doyle which would end the night on the evilest note known to man. We spoke to a few fans who had attended multiple concerts on the tour and all said that the band and crowd were most energetic and on point in Pomona which made us extra glad to catch that one particular show. We are hoping Danzig will return this fall with another Blackest of The Black tour or Halloween show as there is no man better at throwing hellish metal concerts for the occasion.

Danzig set list:
Overture of The Rebel Angels (Intro) - Skin Carver - Hammer Of The Gods - Twist Of Cain - Am I Demon - Her Black Wings - Blood And Tears - Dirty Black Summer - How The Gods Kill

Misfits Set with Doyle:
Death Comes Ripping - Vampira - I turned Into A Martian - London Dungeon - Astro Zombies - Last Caress

Encore 1
Soul On Fire - Not Of This World - Mother

Encore 2
Long Way Back From Hell - Earth AD - Skulls

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Best Of The West Part II Featuring: Harrington Saints – Bricktop – Old Glory – and Custom Fit – at Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA

I couldn't wait to hit this show cause the first Best of The West Tour last year was awesome, lots of great bands and lots of great people so of course its going to be a great time.

As soon as i got there there was lots of alot of people in front of the venue, there was two shows going on at one time, one being a super metal show at the bigger end of the hall, there was scatter of metal heads, skinheads and punks outside some were hanging out, some were smoking and some were eating bacon wrapped hotdogs. I spotted Mike from Old Glory and headed into the show. After an hour or so of hanging out with my buds from Bricktop, Old Glory and Harrington Saints, the lights deemed and it was time for Custom Fit to hit the stage.

Custom Fit are a newish band from Santa Cruz, I've heard about them alot over the past year or so and loved their track from Oi! This is Street Punk Volume III so I was really excited to finally see them live. They ruled, as soon as they hit stage the whole place really got into it, a total breath of fresh air for the bay area music scene. Awesome, and their singer Sabi has one heck of a voice and alot of stage presents, I can't wait for a record to come out.

Reno's Old Glory was next up, I saw them last year and they totally ruled so i was stoked to see them again. I love Mike's harsh vocals and the bands rad rock'roll riffs, their super gritty Street Punk Rock'n'Roll sound is sick and I can't wait to get my hands on their 7” “Battle Born” I suggest you all do the same and pick it up. Old Glory rock. There set was exciting, fun and very energetic.

Then it was time for Bricktop and Bricktop is badass, their mix of street Punk and thug rock is insane, energetic and totally rad. I saw them last year at Best of the West Part One and I got all their stuff since, if your new to these guys I would check out Oi The Boat's “Voice of America Volume 1” it's super good and has them and other great bands on it. Their set ruled and lots were moving and singing along.

Harrington Saints were last to hit the stage, if you've ever read any of my past reviews its pretty clear how much I love this band, not only as musicians but as people, they rule. They opened their show with one of my favorites “OCD” from their 2012 released “Pride and Tradition” and once they started everyone gathered around and there was lots of movement, lots of singing along and lots of beers being splashed.

Darrell and the boys played a great mix from all their releases and an unforgettable cover of Cock Sparrer's “Working”, it was awesome and like always I can't wait to see them again. Harrington Saints are the perfect band to close the night because after they play your generally too tired from singing and dancing that you just want to stumble home anyway.

The Saints will be playing with Rancid and Transplants August 3rd at The Warfeild, San Francisco and for fans across they sea, I know they have some european dates coming and will be playing at Blackpool's Rebellion Festival. So keep an eye out. Great Night, Great bands, Great times, can't wait till next year.

 

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Brian McCann Jr-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Vice Squad – Rabid Punk Guitars – and Buzzbomb – at The Windsor – Kirkcaldy, UK

BUZZBOMB, from Bathgate in Scotland - a high energy full on powerful band, with a set to match. These guys deliver a menacing blow on stage and are well worth seeing live.

Next up are RABID PUNK GUITARS from Perth, yet again another brilliant mix of powerful songs delivered note and time perfect. I like these guys a lot because they remind me so much of the music I loved back in the late 70’s , you just can’t pigeon hole them either which is good ..Are they Punk? Are they New Wave? Are they making up their own Genre? – Check out R.P.G if you can – you won’t be disappointed.

The main headline band take to the stage VICE SQUAD what can is ay that hasn’t already been said about Vice Squad? After a brief introduction for those who haven’t yet seen Vice Squad (and there a few in the venue), the band break into DEFIANT – VOICE OF THE PEOPLE – and ANTI-SOCIAL SECURITY.

The band themselves seem on top form, with Beki and Paul delivering some friendly banter along the way. Next up is the powerful SNIFFIN GLUE one of my favourite songs right now , it’s a catchy number I was chuffed they played this track , so much so that it was the first track I played when I got back home and I am playing it now while I type !

Beki looks amazing , Paul and Wayne smile like Cheshire cats and Violet spits waters and looks like she might take an axe to drum kit at any point during the evening … let’s hope she does !

LATEX LOVE was a song I liked back when the band started out so it was great hearing this one too and even those not familiar with some songs bopped up and down to this one.

Onto ORDINARY GIRL this is another catchy little number and it got my knees bending and feet tapping again ….. Violets drums started to pound out the start to another fantastic track called OUT OF REACH – GO Violet! Next up SCARRED FOR LIFE- IDENTITY CRISIS - STARVATION BOX - ALLERGY- PUNK ROCKER- PUNKROCK RADIO –CITIZEN – ROCKN ROLL MASSACRE - the band all seem on top form, joking with the folks, banter being exchanged and Paul’s attempt at a Scottish accent is brilliant!

Back to the wonderful Violet on drums...well what can anyone say other than she is a powerful drummer who looks so at home behind the kit. Before Vice Squad started the bands roadie asked for the kit to be moved forward from the lighting rig above, because Violet (or Violent as Paul calls her) might damage the lights as she goes crazy with those drum sticks. Well she didn’t disappoint she gave a stunning performance of non-stop perfect drumming … Wayne on bass made up a cracking rhythm section the sound out front was fantastic .

Next songs up on the set list are the timeless STAND STRONG STAND PROUD then LAST ROCKERS. These two songs ended the set, but wait for it, after a few encouraging shouts for MORE!!! The band goes back on stage to play another two classic Vice Squad numbers SPITFIRE and LIVING ON DREAMS.

The band didn’t disappoint in anyway, from the minute they arrived to the last person leaving the venue they made themselves available for pics, CD signing etc. The night was brilliant and ‘Over the Bridge Presents ‘would like to thank all the bands involved. Vice Squad themselves asked if they could come and play again so I will be one happy bloke when they do.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Windsor Punk-
Big Wheel Overseas Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Record Store Day – at Burger Records – Fullerton, CA

Located in Fullerton, CA Burger Records is a local record store that has a rich history of entrepreneurial spirit coupled with musical appreciation. The story of how the store came to be began as a strangely enough as a couple of guys by the name of Lee and Sean who were in a band called “The Noise.”

Sean and Lee had a goal of wanting to release their own music through a record label they would control. Once their record label was established for 3 years, Sean and Lee along with the help of their friend Brian Burger opened up their store Burger Records. 

 

Today being Record Store Day, Brian Burger one of the founders of the store took time to speak with Big Wheel about his store and how their business operates “One day I was hanging out with Sean and Lee and we got the idea to combine our resources to open the store. Now we sell albums off the Burger Records label as well as others.”

With a relaxed ambiance employees of the store as well as customers are able to peruse the stores merchandise. The store plays hosts to various events and sales that happen throughout each month.

Further information as well as a well done biographical video about the store and its history can be found on www.burgerrecords.org

 

 

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Dropkick Murphys – Skinny Lister – The Insurgence – Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA

In the wake of the explosion that occurred at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, 2013, Dropkick Murphys, one of the most prominent Punk-Rock bands from Massachusetts was slated to perform at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA. Though the tone of the evening was a joyous, one filled with an unstated camaraderie amongst their fans, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the victims of the devastation that occurred only days earlier.

Notwithstanding the previously stated event, it did not damper the spirit of the show that would soon unfold. The audience in attendance was from all walks of life. Jesse and Alejandra (father and daughter), from Los Angeles represented the diversity of the fan base well. Both fans acknowledge the relatively small yet intimate nature of the venue, and were there to see Dropkick Murphy. This would be Alejandra’s first concert she had ever attended, and with the help of her father hoped to make her night one to remember.

The first band of the night was The Insurgence. They took the stage by first introducing their band as “We are The Insurgence from Seattle,” then immediately began by opening up with some of their Hardcore Punk-Rock anthems that included: "We Can't Be Stopped," and "K Street Killers." The Insurgence performance got the attention of the audience, and spawned a circle-pit as soon as they played their first cord. They only took one moment in the middle their high energy set to say “We’re happy to be here touring with Dropkick Murphy and playing for this awesome Los Angeles crowd.”

After their set Jibo (lead vocalist of The Insurgence) took time to talk about his band and what they are currently working on “We have been playing together for seven year. We have had the privilege of playing with bands like Lower Class Brats, GBH, Rancid and this is our 3rd tour with Dropkick Murphy. We have a new album coming out and will be touring with Dropkick Murphy for one more week. Our new album (not yet titled) should be coming out in a couple of months. Fans will be able to purchase it once it’s release through our website, and ITunes.”

Skinny Lister was up next. A band from London, England; they took the stage and immediately Lorna Thomas (vocalist for the band) exclaimed "cheers" holding what appeared to be a moon shine jug. Famous for their signature sea shanty musical style, Skinny Lister musical presence alone was more than enough to bring together a primarily Punk-Rock fan based audience in attendance. They played with an energy that invigorated the crowd; a crowd that reciprocated with a prolific exchange of energy represented by clapping and cheering in unison to the songs Skinny Lister played.

Daniel and Lorna of Skinny Lister took time after their performance to speak with Big Wheel Magazine about their band and experiences so far in California, “We have been together for about 3 years, and started by singing sea shanties and playing traditional songs in pubs all around England. We love Los Angles along with the sunshine and the people. However, we don’t like the traffic. We are here play Coachella Music Festival and were lucky enough to get offered the chance to play with Dropkick Murphy tonight. Currently our debut album ‘Forge & Flagon’ is out. The album was named after a good friend’s homemade pub.”

As a final appropriate yet poignant nod to Dropkick Murphy, Daniel and Lorna had this to say “Our thoughts are with everybody over there. We’re off to Boston on Monday and hope to spread a little bit of joy to the city. A program we saw put it best in saying ‘You can’t fuck with Boston,’ and that is so true. Boston is one of the oldest cities in America, and they will recover even after something as awful as the bombings at the marathon.”

Dropkick Murphy was slated to take the stage next. However, prior to Dropkick Murphy’s taking the stage longtime fans of Dropkick Murphy Gabe and Dana took time to speak about the Marathon “Our thought and prayers go out to anyone who was affected. Our friend was running the in the Boston Marathon but. Luckily she was not injured; we could only imagine how devastated people must be who lost loved ones.”

The stage went dark as Dropkick Murphy entered to an eerie Celtic tune. Drawing the crowd in as sirens did to sailors in myths of old. The ambiance changed throughout Club Nokia as the anticipation grew; everyone in attendance seemed to be filled with a nervous energy that would only break the second Dropkick Murphy started playing. The band took the stage to tune of Bagpipes and a Boston saunter and they proudly opened up with "For Boston."

Shortly after their rousing rendition of “For Boston” Ken Casey (guitarist and vocalist for the band) took a brief moment to say “We want to thank Los Angeles for showing Boston the love during this sad time. I am friends of Martin Richard, the 8 year old boy that died during Monday’s horrific events. The whole thing has hit pretty close to home for us. The next song we will play in honor of those who were affected by the bombings. We will put it to a vote; we will play either ‘Fields of Athenry,’ or an unrehearsed and probably poorly executed ‘Amazing Grace.” The audience chose to hear “Amazing Grace,” giving a sense of hope to the spirit of the audience in this trying time in the history of the United States.

The rest of Dropkick Murphy’s set went off in typical Dropkick Murphy fashion with tracks like “Jimmy Collins Wake,” “End Of The Night,” and “God Willing.” Towards the end of their show the band invited every girl in attendance to join them on the stage as they played the last song of the night “Boys on the Docks.”

Please take note of the charity Dropkick Murphy is sponsoring on their merchandise website: kingsroadmerch.com/dropkick-murphys. All Proceeds generated from the “For Boston” t-shirt will go directly to those affected by the tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, 2013.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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