9th Annual Johnny Ramone Festival – at Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood, CA

The best party of the summer just took place over last weekend at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In case you were left out in the dark we are indeed talking about the 9th Annual Johnny Ramone fest!

This summer may have just seen the biggest and best event in the festivals long history with a draw that exceeded previous years turnoutsby far. Not only was attendance high, but the number of special guests, especially those who were of cult status was beyond what anyone expected, and fans have come to expect a lot from the organizers at the Johnny Ramone fest.

The main attraction of the night was legendary film maker John Waters who easily could have been enough to satisfy the rabid crowd. Like a sugary topping on a cake, last minute guests made this event that much sweeter. Film star Ricki Lake was a nice addition but it was Johnny fucking Depp who had the audience roaring with excitement as he stepped to the Q and A panel alongside the cast from “Cry Baby”. To top things off the questions for the cast were asked by Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols.

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese also made an appearance as she introduced John Waters. John described his excitement for Cry Baby and how his love for rock n roll and the Ramones was a long lasting love. He recalled how The Ramones made rock and roll dangerous again and that working with Iggy Pop on the film was a great experience as well considering Iggy had just gone sober. Some of the nights funniest moments came when Ricki Lake described in secrecy how she lost her virginity during production of the film, much to the crowds surprise it was not to co star Johnny Depp and remains a secret unknown the public!

DJ Howie Pyro provided music during the change over and spun Ramones hits while classic concert footage played on the mausoleum wall.

Musicians from well known bands were also in the house. We saw members of The Vandals, X, Samhain, Tiger Army, Dgeneration, Fangs on Fur, The Stray Cats, Sex Pistols, artist Shepherd Fairy and much more on site for the event.

“Cry Baby” was the perfect film for the event and with a cast of characters who came out to support, it made for the best Ramones fest despite the fact that none of the surviving Ramones were around.

We want to thank Linda Ramone for once again putting on an event that honors her husband and his bands legacy. We’d also like to thank the good people at Hollywood Forever for their role in the Ramones fest as well.

We are already looking forward to next years Fest!

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Nardfest 2013: Dr. Know – Ill Repute – Stalag 13 – The Missing 23rd – False Confession – The Grim – Aggression – and The Rotters – at Ventura Theatre – Ventura, Ca

So the day finally arrives: NARDFEST 2013 at the Ventura Theater. Originally, this show was called "Nardstock" but the friendly supposedly "anti-establishment" good people from the original "Woodstock" served Jeff Hershey with a "Cease and Desist" order once they found out about the title "NARDSTOCK". Oh well...as the Deadbeats once ranted "KILL THE HIPPIES!!".

OK...on with the show. This show featured the best of what Oxnard has to offer. Being a part of the Nardcore scene is somewhat of a very special group. The people there know everybody and its a very tight group. Unlike the LA/OC scene...everybody there got along and its like a very close/tight family. No, I'm not from Oxnard, but I feel that I am qualified to say that I am part of that very special scene as my band has played with virtually all of the Oxnard bands at one time or another. We even played on Ill Repute's very 1st gig. I have also personally been a part of a few Nardcore bands (but that's another story).

As for the name "NARDCORE" it's a little confusing as to who actually invented the name. From what I remember (and hearing it from an OG punk from Oxnard) the name came from Jamie Hernandez (Love and Rockets fame) and Ruben Sanchez (OG punk). Around 1980, as Ruben and Jamie would graffiti punk band names around the Oxnard area, they thought of how they could graffiti the Oxnard group. Ruben remembered seeing the scene report in an issue of MRR and remembered how the New York logo was the big "X" and then "NY" on the top and bottom and "HC" on the sides. He simply put an "O" over the "X" but remembered that the STAINS (Great E.L.A. Punk band) have a logo just like that. He then changed the "O" to a diamond shape and then put the "X" through the diamond. That was the "OX" part. Then came the "N" on the top, then the "A" on the bottom, and then the "R" on the left side and the "D" on the right side. There you have it: NARDCORE!! After awhile, Jamie coined the term "NARDCORE" because Washington DC had "DC HARDCORE" and L.A. had "L.A. HARDCORE". A little bit of NARDCORE history. Now, lets start with the person who put this all together and did an EXCELLENT job doing so "Jeff Hershey".  I've never heard of Jeff  before this, but I'll tell you this, he can put on one hell of a great show! A very cool and friendly person. He greeted us as we arrived and made sure everything was OK with us. Something most promoters lack these days.

 

It seemed like everybody from Oxnard and surrounding area's were there. The show started early (around 4pm) due to the 8 bands playing and a special sneak premiere of the Ill Repute film "Clean Cut American Kids". We got there early as Dr. Know was doing their sound check, met Jeff Hershey and immediately starting socializing with everyone there. Ran into Becca and Bob Porter (Original Ventura Punx), Kathy Rodgers (Photographer and Editor-in-Chief of Mute On The Floor Fanzine), Zizi "Carrot Women" Howell (OG Punx who photographed every Oxnard band...among others), just to name a few.

As 4:30 came around, the Ill Repute film started. I didn't know what to expect and I was told that the film was not completely done, that this was just a sneak look at what was completed. This film is a MUST SEE if your into Nardcore or just OG Punk in general. A really good, in-depth, look at the history of Ill Repute. Everybody has their fav Oxnard band and which band is their representation of the Nardcore scene. I believe the band that stands out the most is Ill Repute. Their is no other band like this. The guys in the band are super cool/great music/true to the Punk form. OK...enough ass-kissing. The film gives you everything you could want from Ill Repute:interviews with the band members and their fans/great live footage/very informative info/and history. Like I mentioned before...a MUST see!!

First up were the Rotters. A 1978 OG Punk band from the Ventura area. Their claim to fame was their smash hit "Sit on my face Stevie Nicks" which immediately got banned from airplay on all stations. They were introduced by Dave Graves from FRANKENSTEIN and played a very well set which included "Sit on my face" which the crowd recognized and enjoyed. They also dedicated a song to Brandon Cruz who was nowhere to be found.

Next up were Nardcore legends "AGRESSION". My band has played with Agression many times and they were always a great band to play with. This line-up featured original LP drummer Mark Aber Rooney and was joined by Big Bob, original bass player. Also on bass was Danny Dorman (bass player from Circle One). The singer ,Jess Leedy dedicated the set to Henry Knowles and Mark Hickey, the 2 main Agression players who have passed on. This line-up played most of the "Don't be Mistaken" LP and played it very well. The new singer, Jess, is a strong frontman and seems to do this new line-up justice.

Next up was the Grim. The only band not originally from the Oxnard/Ventura area. These guys started in the early 80's out of the San Fernando Valley.Part of that whole Mystic Records scene, The Grim played a classic early 80's punk set. Led by Tim Grim, these guys are 1st class punk rock!! They also did great versions of the Circle Jerks "Up against the wall" and "Live fast..die young". Go see this band when they play cause you won't be disappointed!!

False Confession gets better and better every time I see them. This band is not like any other Nardcore band. They have their own sound and look. Fred, the guitarist has his own original style of playing and is one of my fav guitar players. The guy can play!! He's played with many other performers and groups including Pearl Harbor and Motorcycle Boy. Israel also has his own style of being a frontman. The band does a really good mixture of Punk/goth/glam (the good glam not the cheesy glam)/and hardcore. Not many bands can pull that off. Drummer Harry is also an excellent pro musician. He's played with The Cramps and Lords of Altamont among others. Ismael Hernandez is on bass and was an original member of Dr. Know. Ismael fits the band perfect. They played a really good solid set.

Next up was the Missing 23rd. These guys started in the mid-late 90's and have that Classic DC Hardcore style of sound. Mix that in with Nardcore and you have Missing 23rd. They played a really powerful set and was a nice addition to this late 70's-early 80's show line up. I don't think they play too much so if you have a chance...check them out!!

After The Missing 23rd was another really good Nardcore band...STALAG 13. These guys rarely play due to the fact that their singer lives in Australia. Well....I didn't know this until I talked to Blake the guitarist, Ron the singer couldn't make the show. So...they got the singer from "IN CONTROL". This guy was a madman on stage as he stage-dived in the pit and put on a really good set. I think Ron would have been proud. This was the In Control LP line-up. Both guitarist Dave and Blake played really well and powerful. John Morris and Larry White are also on the In Control LP and ripped it up. Really nice seeing these guys again up on stage for one last final time. Who knows...maybe Ron will have that itch again...lets hope so.

It was time for Co-Headliners, Ill Repute, to take the stage. As I said before...these guys are THEE Nardcore legends. With great tunes like "Fuck with my head/In Society/Clean Cut American Kid/and Greed...you can't go wrong!! Wish they would do the really old tunes like Punk Love (didn't think I remembered that, huh Tony!!). If their was a punk hall of fame...these guys would be in the top 5 list of all-time great bands. Even Carl, the original drummer showed up and played on a few tunes.....in kilt, even!!! They sounded really good and even though the songs are around 30 years old.....its still classic!!

The last band up was Dr. Know. This is the recently reformed Kyle Toucher lineup. This is another band that is one of my all-time fav bands. Again....My band, Circle One, played with them many times and it was always a great time playing with these guys. Kyle still kills it on guitar and the rest of the band fit in very well. This band went through many changes but it has always been Kyle's band. At one time, Ron from Stalag 13 sang for them!!! That's how close-knit the Oxnard scene is. They had people from different bands playing and filling in and then started their own bands. The highlight of the night was when Ismael and Fred joined Dr. Know on stage and played a few songs from the "Plug in Jesus" LP. The place went wild as the wall of sound traveled through the Theater. Dr. Know is another band that has a lot of history. It would take another full article to tell you about it. The band played an amazing set as they left the crowd wanting more!!!

What an amazing show this was. Again....a very BIG thanks to Jeff Hershey for putting this on, it's a show I will never forget.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Mike Vallejo-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Sunset Strip Music Festival 2013 – Hollywood, CA

Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) began early afternoon on Saturday for its 6th year in existence. As with any large musical festival the day was as much about the music as it was about the fans in attendance.

 

 

Tiana Herrera and Raul Martinez (both fans in attendance of SSMF) had this to say about the festival “We are both here for Linkin Park: we have been following them since 2001 and are super surprised to see this many people in both amount and wide age range that are here for the same reason we are.” Both Herrera and Martinez were most looking forward to hearing Linkin Park perform “Breaking the Habit” and “Faint.”

The charity benefitting from the proceeds of SSMF was Music for Relief. The charity was founded in 2005 by Linkin Park as a way to help those affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami that occurred late 2004. Since the charities inception it has used proceeds from musical sales and performances to: fund-raise over $5,000,000 in donations, plant over 1,000 trees and helped those affected by natural disasters/famines all over the world.

Street Drum Corps started off the outdoor festivities on the West Side Stage at 3:30pm. After getting to speak with them at the Joan Jett Tribute show at the House of Blues Sunset Strip location on Thursday they seemed to be thrilled to play SSMF. Entering into a ground shaking bass line they brought the audience to a standstill then followed by the screams and dancing of fans in attendance. Their performance consisted of songs like: “God, Oil and Rock & Roll,” “Knock Me Out” and “Wrecks.” Backed by dancers on stilts and Adrian Young (drummer for No Doubt) who golfed on stage all of their songs were performed with intense zeal and pulse pounding bass. They opened up SSMF in a well-rehearsed and well-percussed fashion.

Asher Roth, a rapper from Morrisville, Pennsylvania played the East Side Stage at 4:00pm. His set was greeted by the heat of the West Hollywood sun; not to be daunted by the heat Asher Roth positive vibes and positive music brought up the energy levels of the audience and even did a His set concluded with a performance of his acclaimed hit “I Love College” before which Roth pretended to leave stage as a way to generate excitement before his hit.

Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh performed next on East Side Stage. DJ Kaos and the rest of the Get Fresh Crew (minus Doug E Fresh) opened up with mixed history lesson of Hip-Hop. Playing hits from Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and even Vanilla Ice.

Doug E Fresh took the stage about 15 minutes into the entire set. Doug E Fresh Beat Boxed and dances to mixes of: Jackson 5, Fat Albert’s show theme song, and even ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Slick Rick took the stage towards the end of the set with Wayne Brady in tow: who Freestyle-Rapped before Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh, backed by the Get Fresh Crew finished up their nostalgic set with a performance of their hit: “The Show.”

The Dreaming a band from Hollywood, CA played the Whisky at 5:30pm. For those who don’t know about the Dreaming, their band includes members from Orgy and Static X.  During their set many of their older fans were singing along as Christopher Hall (vocalist of the band) included some of his former bands (Stabbing Westward) songs.

Julien-K performed at the Viper Rooms Stage immediately after Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh. Amir Derakh entered on the stage carrying an IPad and Ryan Shuck carrying a megaphone then the rest of the band followed suit. They played a set that was full of energy while they played song that included: “Kick the Bass,” “Cruel Daze of Summer” and “We’re Here With You.”

AWOLNATION played the West Stage at 730. They took the stage, and immediately opened up with “Guilty Filthy Soul.” Their set was performed was focused and compose as well as full of life. AWOLNATION also performed songs: “Sail” and “Kill Your Heroes” as well as many others. Before playing “Not Your Fault” Aaron Bruno (vocalist of the band) had this to say “I had a dream last night that everyone was jumping in unison to this song. I don't know if it was a dream or nightmare, but sometimes dreams do come true.” Ending their set on a positive note Bruno thanked the audience for attending and supporting AWOLNATION in their career.

Linkin Park played the West Side Stage at 9:30pm and was the last outside stage performance of the evening. Their set was a full hour and a half long and included practically all of their songs as well as a mind-blowing Rap from Mike Shinoda. 

Their set ended with Chester Bennington taking a bow thanking the audience multiple times for supporting his band and their charity.

The end of the night brought a few shows at the Roxy. And for those who could not get into the Roxy Power 106s tent featured a party mix by their DJ and a crowd of people dancing around a Jesus impersonator.

This type of spontaneous event was something that seems to frequently occur in Hollywood, CA serving as a fitting hilarious as well as entertaining way to end the evening and day at Sunset Strip Music Festival.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Sunset Strip Music Festival 2013 – Hollywood, CA

Famous for its intimate smaller setting and the high profile up and coming artist that always grace it's stage since 1993 the Viper Room never disappoints as a go to venue for concerts year round.

 

Day two of the three day Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) opened up at the Viper Room on Friday night with Attaloss, a band from Los Angeles, CA. They greeted the audience with a masterful 3 part guitar ensemble followed by an electric vocal performance of Danny Aguiluz (vocalist for the band).

Attaloss started playing together about 2 years ago and in their years of performing have gained a notable following as a band that plays a well-practiced modern Rock style. Currently they are playing shows throughout Los Angeles. The lead singer had this to say about the festival and playing with Scott Weiland “I am excited to see AWOLNATION, and Linkin Park on Saturday. And I feel honored to be included in the same festival with artist like them and play the same stage as Scott Weiland.”

The next band of the night was the Penfifteen Club a straight up Rock act, from Hollywood, CA. They played a set that featured their song “F the Radio.”

Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts finished off the night at the Viper Room and in true to form he and the band brought a soulful rock vibe with a hint of blues flavor that included quite a few Stone Temple Pilot songs.

However it would be remiss to not talk about the recent trials and tribulations that are occurring between Weiland and his former band (Stone Temple Pilots); specifically those tribulations regarding the hiring of Chester Bennington (vocalist for Linkin Park among other things) as the new lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots. Currently Weiland and Stone Temple Pilots are in the midst of legal battle over Weilands use of Stone Temple Pilots image in his own solo career. According to an article by Gary Graff published on Billboard.com Weiland had this to say “I don't think Chester did it in a spiteful way. The brothers DeLeo can be pretty persuasive...I guess nothing is totally shocking, but...I don't think it was smart for them to do that. I'm surprised they did what they did without checking the legality of it, how they just decided to go and use the (STP) name and go and hire another singer and start playing shows with a name that I still am an owner of.”

Once the show at the Viper Room had ended, we at Big Wheel got a chance to check out the end of Retox’s set just as Justin Pearson (vocalist for the band) was jumping onto Brian Evan’s drum set. Retox has been playing together for about 3 years and have been leaving their audience breathless since they first began. A live performance of any typical band today usually features several moments on stage that leave the audience momentarily bored.

This fleeting moment seems to usually by design in order to create anticipation for what will occur next in the bands show. Retox however, needs and uses no such tactic. Their intense style of play brings the audience to stand still at points due to the shear unpredictable nature of Retox’s style of play. Labeling this band in any singular category seems ill-advised; suffice to say that Retox is an extremely progressive act that should be witnessed live.

The end of the night featured The Icarus Line; a band from Hollywood, CA they are known for their stylistic fusion of rock, with a psychedelic flair. The Icarus Line is fronted by Joe Cardamone and back by the amazing musicians. If hearing of this band is new to you and you happened to be a fan of Iggy Pop as well as Jimi Hendrix, this band may be one you would like to check out.

Their progressive style leaves nothing on floor, and their performance to end Day two of SSMF was far more than adequate to end the evening’s festivities.

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Show Preview: In Heaven There Is No Beer DVD Release Show w/ Bang Sugar Bang, Silver Needle, Midway, The Randies, The Dollyrots & Go Set Go – The Satellite – Silver Lake, CA – August 8, 2013

One of the funn’st underground scenes in LA that started back in 2002 only to came to an end 5 years later was the Kiss or Kill Club. In the words of Bang Sugar Bang guitarist Matt Southwell, The Kiss or Kill Club was the land of misfit toys. This land of misfit toys that got together every Tuesday and was NOT made up of Punk rock elitist, hipsters and other night time sunglass wearing dopes that are a drag to be around. It was filled with people that were, awkward, shy, outgoing, jokesters and people that were super chill to hang out with... it made for the perfect Tuesday night. The uniting factor was that all the participants liked a high energy good time that coalesced around music and drinks... and that is what made it so great, and all for 5 bucks! The goal of Kiss Or Kill Club was to create it's own scene, have cheap drinks, kick ass bands and no pay to play nonsense that was plaguing the Los Angeles music scene.

During it's 5 year run the work it took, week in and week to put on this action packed club was tremendous, yet was pretty transparent to most of the club goers. It should be pointed out that this was not a PAID full time job for the organizers, since they all had regular full time jobs and then after work everyday they were hard at work till wee hours of the morning putting great line ups together. This is why you should never take the good time you are having for granted and thank those that put in all the work and the headaches for your good time.

One of the biggest THANKS to the organizers and the fans that were apart of this unique music scene experience came from film maker David Palamaro who produced the movie, "In Heaven There Is No Beer", whose title comes from the lyrics in the song "Sunday Night" performed by Bang Sugar Bang. This 80+ minute DVD is packed with all the stories, the performance and an inside look at the origins and the fading away of The Kiss Or Kill Club. The DVD documentary is now out on MVD -HERE- so grab copy and enjoy the good times or use this documentary to start your own DIY club in your city. Big Wheel was sent a screener copy of the film and what the staff here saw was nothing short of awesome -We highly recommend it!

      Check out the trailer for the film

A massive DVD release party is scheduled for the night of August 8th at The Satellite in Silver Lake to celebrate the release of this DVD and will server as a Kill or Kill Club reunion. Staying in the vibe of the Kiss or Kill Club, the cost of the show is only $2 ....so there is no reason not to go. If you missed out on the original Kiss or Kill Club... THIS WILL BE YOUR SECOND CHANCE to come out and experience one of the funnest and music centered clubs that there ever was in Los Angeles. With an all headliner line up consisting of, Bang Sugar Bang, Silver Needle, Midway, The Randies, The Dollyrots & Go Set Go, the scene is set to recreate the vibe that made Kiss or Kill an experience that you will never forget the rest of your life.

Event Facebook: HERE

Due to HIGH demand, a second night has been added for the
"In Heaven There Is No Beer" DVD release party!
     with....
The Letter Openers (Reuniting - Original Lineup)
The Waking Hours (Reuniting)
The King Cheetah
Pu$$Y Cow
and host - MC ROB Z

Friday August 9th at Cheetah's in Hollywood
4600 Hollywood Blvd. 9pm - 21plus
2nd night event page can be seen HERE for more information

 

-Big Wheel Magazine-

 

 

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Sunset Strip Music Festival: Tribute to Joan Jett – at The House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA

Joan Jett is an artist that really needs no introduction; however for those who are not as well verse in the lore that is Joan Jett’s historic career here is a quick breakdown of what she has done as well as what she currently working on. After all, Thursday August 1st 2013 was Sunset Strips Music Festival (SSMF) tribute and award show honoring Joan Jett’s vivid career.

A musical career that started with the forming of The Runaways in 1975, followed by a brief solo career and as front woman of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.

Currently Joan Jett is set to release a new album entitled Unvarnished on August 8th 2013. This album according to the press release has been hailed by Joan as “the most autobiographical project I have ever done.” Unvarnished features collaborations with artist Dave Grohl and Laura Jane Grace. Joan also has an upcoming appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on August 8th and will debut her new single “Any Weather” then.

The SSMF kicked off August 1st with a show at the House of Blues Sunset Strip that honored Joan Jett and her musical achievements.

Celebrities in attendance consisted of Exene Cervenka (lead vocals of “X”). Exene Cervenka talked about her current work on YouTube and her upcoming tour with Blondie. Rodney Bingenheimer (AKA. Rodney on the Rock), and Margret Cho were also in attendance.

The Key note speakers of the night began with a recorded introduction of Kim Fowley, who could not make it due to illness. Kim Fowley sported a Burger Records shirt as he talked about how much he admires Joan Jett as well as a fell nods to her creative talent. Kim Fowley ended his heart touching speech with a light hearted “Ladies and gentlemen for those who don’t know, this is Joan Jett”

The Mayor of West Hollywood (Abbe Land) talked about how she admires Joan Jett and how August 1st has been declared Joan Jett Day. Mayor Land had this to say about Joan Jett “She has been a role model for so many, forget about your reputation do what you want and you too can be a Rock star”

Pat Smear (guitarist for the germs) said a few words about Joan Jett “We’re not Gen Xers. We were their baby sitters. We are punks, and we love Joan Jett.”

Both Carmen Electra and Margret Cho both gave touching speeches about how they consider Joan Jett amongst their best friends. Carmen Electra had this to say “I know Joan, and I got to see a beautiful side of her. She's gorgeous, a rock icon an activist and a fighter. Joan I absolutely adore you. Yeah that's right I'm friends with Joan mutha fuckin' Joan Jett and I'm happy to be with you on this evening."

Prior to Joan Jett & the Blackheart, Joan spoke about her career and time growing up. A person of few words she did mentioned “I played Whisky a Go Go a shit load and learned a lot about life in doing so.” She finished up the night with simply saying “I did the best I could.”

The night ended with a performance of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and served as a great way to start the 3 day Sunset Strip Music Festival.

 

 

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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