The Adicts – Agent Orange – Narcoleptic Youth – Andy Clockwise – at The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA

The Observatory was bustling with a line that spanned around the venue; if you happen to be a fan of the venue than I’m sure you know that this isn’t unusual. However, for a night like this one featuring: The Adicts, Agent Orange, Narcoleptic Youth and Andy Clockwise the crowd in attendance exhibited an anticipatory energy that only a night like this could bring.

Andy Clockwise started off the evening. They opened up with a clear melodic tone played by Andy Clockwise (guitarist/singer). Their set consisted of songs like “Murphy's Law” and “The Blackout.” After their set Andy took time to speak to Big Wheel about the show, “I love venues like this. They remind me of playing at outskirt old Punk-Rock theaters in back in Sidney, Australia. And to get to play with Punk-Rock royalty (The Adicts) is an honor as well as a treat for us.”

The next band of the night was Narcoleptic Youth. A band based out of Corona, California that formed in the early 90s. They have played with bands like: The Atomic Bombs, The Dead Kennedys, TSOL, The Adolescents, The Adicts, The Aquabats, Death by Stereo and Strung Out. With a history like theirs it’s no wonder why they have such a devoted fan base, and that their fan base was in attendance this night.

Playing hits like “Is This Punk?” and “Raw Nerve” Narcoleptic Youth set was strong and fit a bad with as a diverse history.

Agent Orange, a band that has been around since the late 1970s that has not lost a step since their first album release “Living in Darkness” back in 1981. Agent Orange is widely credited as forerunners of Hard-Core Punk they, did that moniker proud tonight.

Playing a set that began from the moment they took the stage and played “Too Young to Die” and finished their energetic set with the track that Rodney on the ROQ played to the masses back in the 80s “Bloodstains.”

As with all shows as much as a part the bands play in making a show happen the true credit in my opinion should always go to fans in attendance. Fans are the reason these shows can happen, without whom live music wouldn’t be as readily accessible as it is today.

In keeping with true fan spirit Chad, took time to speak with Big Wheel about what he was looking forward to during The Adicts set “I love The Adicts, every time I have seen them play I am never left wanting.”

The Adicts took the stage at the end of the night, and in classic fashion their set catered to the crowds whims from the very beginning. The Adicts played a solid set; the sweltering room did nothing to throw off the Punk-Rock veterans. They set list consisted of “Who Split My Beer,” “Chinese Takeaway,” “Joker In the Pack” and “Viva La Revolution.”

Once their set concluded and The Adicts left the stage, the audience slowly filed out of the venue bringing an end to a fun Sunday night.

 

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Jimmy Cliff – The Delirians – Ethan Tucker – The Twilight Concert Series – at Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica, CA

Thursday September 12th marked the last installment in the Twilight Concert series, celebrating its 29th anniversary, and what a celebration it was. On the beautiful sandy shores of Santa Monica in the shadows of the pier, families gathered together under the sun to enjoy a comfortable seventy-five-degree-sunset along with one of Jamaica’s most revered figures.

With early arrival encouraged, some people found out the hard way, as thousands had staked out prime positions in the sand directly parallel with the stage, and with good cause as the estimated total crowed reached a staggering 30,000 people. Early arrivals were treated to the first act of the evening, Mr. Ethan Tucker. Those lucky enough to be settled in had the privilege of joining us in enjoying Ethan Tucker’s one-man performance. Smooth as Silk harmony and slick guitar work Ethan Tucker was a wonderful surprise treat, his mellow laidback delivery and song writing paired perfectly with the coinciding sunset. After a wonderful forty-minute performance fans had one last opportunity to get some booze in their system as it was sure to be shoulder to shoulder for the next band to hit the stage.

Within the last few years we here at Big Wheel Magazine have had the pleasure to catch a glimpse of this bands meteoric rise through the L.A Ska and Reggae scene, representing the next class of elite young traditional musician’s, The Delirian’s have sold out shows and backed some of Jamaica’s most highly touted performers including the likes of The Pioneer’s, Eric Monty Morris, Pat Kelly and The Jamaican’s just to name a few. And now in front of nearly 30,000 beach-goers the young men from East Los stood front and center and eclipsed all expectations and shined brightest under the big lights. Amongst the record attendance other stars came out for a preview of L.A.’s future including familiar faces like Jah Faith, Jerry Miller (The Untouchables) and actor/comedian Craig Robinson (The office, Pineapple Express).

Collectively blown away as The Delirian’s launched into their unmistakable brand of Rocksteady and Ska, fans new and old gathered together in dancing on the now maximum capacity boardwalk and sandy beach below. Only two songs into the set, a buzz emanated from the crowed as murmurs and whispers of  “Who are these guys?” poured off the lips of the newly converted fans. How could they not be curious? The nearly 50 minute set progressed seamlessly as The delirian’s effortlessly transitioned from one scorcher to the next intermingling timeless versions as well, songs like ‘Mr. M.D’ “El Cartero’ ‘Simmer Down’ and Shame & Scandal’ stunned and grooved the moonlit-drenched crowed. The crisp precision of The Delirian’s extended for miles as those lamenting traffic and parking still heard a bit of the magic happening on stage, late to the party folks still made the trek to the merch booth to grab hold of what many in line now clamored for, some sweet Delirian’s tunes. Ending the night on “Easy Groovin” fans were sure to be playing that Rocksteady Music on the drive home.

After that blindside of musical supremacy the atmosphere was that of myth, the mood was set and the energy glowed and radiated, as the evening’s main attraction was all that was left. With a pedigree spanning decade’s, there’s not much Jimmy Cliff has yet to accomplish. A recent Grammy Award Winner for his album Rebirth and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee, Jimmy Cliff’s journey is that most could only dream of. And on that rickety old pier that Thursday evening we took a journey with him. Dawning a gold ensemble and crown Jimmy Cliff shimmered just as magnificently as he appeared. Wasting no time Jimmy Cliff immersed himself with the cheers of the audience as he began showcasing his timeless voice with gems “ Hard Road To Travel” and “Rivers Of Babylon” mesmerized, fans stood awe struck as his voice and drum line hypnotized the already captivated listeners. And so the legend of Jimmy Cliff continued, his presence is as unmistakable as his catalog of world famous tunes.

Fans went crazy for popular classics like “The Harder They Come” as Jimmy Cliff narrated and informed the crowed to some of the more memorable moments in his life and in Jamaican music. For example reminiscing about the first time he met fellow legends Desmond Dekker and Robert Nesta Marley better known to the world as Bob Marley. Even playing some of their early tunes including the sound system favorite “Judge Not” by aforementioned Bob Marley and Ken Boothe’s “Puppet On A String”.

He touched on stories when he was approached to do “Harder They Come” and how it parlayed into a now memorable acting role, to his success in Kingston and the U.K. even going in the way back machine and playing a few of his early dance hall scorchers including two personal favorites of mine “Miss Jamaica” and “King of Kings” to which he began with a mighty roar. Known for his strong political stance he no doubt made his displeasure known with the situation in Syria to a rousing applause, his 64 years young body showed no signs of age as he ran, jumped and marched across the stage, looking to the heavens and channeling the energy from the audience as a smile never left his face.  His voice just as strong as the first time you heard it, he sent off the 30.000 in attendance with another classic “I Can See Clearly Now” even giving the crowed an encore. What more could one have asked for on a beautiful summer night. 

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Show Preview: The Slackers with The Debonaires – at The El Rey Theater – September 20, 2013

The Slackers make their long awaited return to Los Angeles Friday September 20th at the El Rey Theatre and are bringing some talented friends along for the night.

New York Ska/Rocksteady heroes The Slackers have been mashing up stages all across North America, Europe and the world for over twenty yearsand have shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Fans have come to expect nothing but the best from these gentleman who’s soothing melodic harmony and dance floor friendly rhythms have captivated hearts and boots since the release of their first studio album “Better Late Than Never” (1996).

Over twelve albums later the adoration has only deepened as Los Angeles welcomes them as their own. Sharing the stage along side The Slackers are a vary familiar and unquestionably talented group of folks we lovingly refer to on the west coast as The Debs’ but better known as The Debonaires. Since 1995 The Debonaires have done Riverside proud creating and performing some of the best Ska/ Rocksteady and Reggae to come out of the west coast in the last twenty years and just recently with the highly anticipated release of their 4th album “Movin” fans can expect more of the same from The Debs. If you have not bought the new album yet September 20th will be the best showcase of what you’ve been missing.

Keep your ears up and your boots shined for a little Eric Monty Morris Version I know I will. Also tearing up the stage are Angel City Records recording artists Xiantoni Ari, Jackie Mendez and Xavier with Thee Hurricanes, this young crop of soul heavy and traditional inspired musicians only further boasts LA’s claim as the best place for new music. With Angel City Records showcasing three of them, the future looks bright. Things get underway at 8:00pm and early arrival is suggested be sure to stop by the merch booth and get your hands on some new albums that will soon become classics.

 

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

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Death In June – at The Vex – Los Angeles, CA

To the liking of goths all over Southern California, Death In June stopped at The Vex in Los Angeles as the start of their Death to the West tour. The line to enter the venue stretched around the block with an array of people ranging from goths, folk enthusiasts, and even Punk rockers.

 

Solo artist, Amigo The Devil, was the supporting act and opened the show with a murder anthem folk set, yet he was unable to captivate the crowd of Death In June enthusiasts. Amigo didn't seem to fit the bill well. His sound was pretty good and his songs were original with dark under tones; however, he is an act some would expect to see opening for bands such as Andrew Jackson Jihad or Frank Turner. He did have a fairly good sized group of followers that crowded around the stage who sang along to his songs, proving he has a solid local following. Perhaps something more esoteric or bloody would have fit the bill properly.

During intermission, the two lines set for merch were longer than the beer lines. Considering DIJ is not a band that tours regularly, concert goers were eager to get their hands on T-Shirts, vinyl, and other keepsakes. Original DIJ member, Douglas P, lit incense and set the tone for the performance that would be under way. The crowd grew increasingly larger and anxious as the minutes led up to Death In June.

Death In June consisted of guitarist/vocalist and original member Douglas Pearce, who was accompanied by a percussionist who supplied drum beats, which replaced the original synth beats that could be heard from their early post industrial records. The duo made their way on stage sporting their trademark masks and camouflage attire. The set was primarily acoustic in instrumentation, with notable highlights performed, such as "Ku, Ku, Ku" and "Little Black Angel" from their 1992 release "But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter?" 



There was something nostalgically missing from the encore, "Heaven Street Mk II"--the original line up. Indeed, within the last two decades, Death In June has been solely Douglas Pearce, and with him his acoustic guitar. To fuse electric instruments within a set would be worthwhile and exceed the masses expectations. Death In June continue to fulfill poignant and somber melodies and renditions, yet something unexpected such as a synth board could bring more people to the "black" mass next time around.


 

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-J.Juarez-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Mission UK – Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA

Tuesday evening was a night for going out to shows in the general LA area, The Pixies were at the El Rey, AFI was at the Troubadour and last but certainly not least The Mission UK were in town headlining Club Nokia. With three amazing bands in town it was really difficult to choose which show to venture out to until you took a second to think about how often each of the bands play in LA. The
Mission UK hadn’t toured out west in over a decade so it was a must that we attend their show as they are a rare act to catch.

From the opening number of their set it was clear that the band were well versed and geared for a performance that would have them sounding as huge as they were during their late 80’s commercial prime. They had been touring North America for a few weeks and had been incredibly tight. Lead vocalist Wayne Hussey sounded strong as ever despite being hospitalized the night before at Cedars Sinai for laryngitis. With the echo effect on his vocal mix he actually sounded as well as one would have expected him too, it added an eeriness to the shows atmosphere. He would jokingly proclaim to the be the worlds 2nd greatest singer alive, he clearly didn’t mind taking the piss out on himself, you’ve gotta love British humour!

Judging by the crowds wardrobe it was clear as night that the LA goth scene came out in full effect to see The Mission, many of who were seeing them for the first time. With a new album due to be released later this month The Mission leaned heavy on new material set-wise. With many bands (who had their biggest success in the 80’s) it usually a drag when new songs makes up a large chunk of a set list, but there was no groaning from the audience as The Missions newer stuff is great and not all that different from their more well known hits from prior releases.

The crowd response was cheery during their performance of “Wasteland”, the 1986 single that brought goth to the independent charts in the UK.

It was their encore which featured Peter Murphy and Gary Numan guitarist Mark Thwaite that saw the band really firing on all cylinders. “Deliverance” and “Tower Of Strength” were the highlights of the night and captured the band at the top of their musical strength.

If their was ever a band who resembled a Gothed out version of Zeppelin, it is definitely The Mission UK as their songwriting and performance have more in common with the epic legends than any shoe gazing mope fest celebrators.

With a new record due soon we can only hope that there will be plenty of opportunities in the future to catch The Mission UK again. It would be ideal if they’d tour with The Cult in the states, a match made in 80’s goth rock heaven!

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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North East Calling (formerly Durham Punk Festival) – at O2 Academy – Newcastle, UK

Here are some of the highlights... The day starts of with the Fiend who’s fasted paced and very loud sound goes down well to a sizeable crowd “Fuk it” , quickly followed by local boys Crashed out, who get a good reaction from the crowd when they sing “raise your glasses” which the crowd duly oblige as they dance along.

 

Goldblade come on and you know what you’re going to get a manic John Robb running all over the stage, into the pit, getting the crowd interacting with him, to make them one of the best live acts around certainly one of the most energetic. “Riot Riot” and “Jukebox Generation” are the stand out songs today.

Mad Sin bring a pyschobilly feel to the day, Koefte for a big man can certainly jump about the stage especially during there version of the clashes “Brand New Cadillac” and later in the set Valle gets into the crowd with his double bass, playing it wildly while fireworks come out of the top of it..

Ruts Dc are up next and bring the evening back to a mellow vibe and bring a bit of punk and reggae to the party and give the crowd a chance to catch there breathe and dance along with some great songs, with each band only having about 40 minutes it is sharp short and sweet sets, “staring at the rude boy” goes down a storm. Then there seems to be slight mix up at the start of “Babylon’s burning” so the crowd sing it, then the band play it again and it is one so them songs that just gives you chills when you hear it.

UK Subs is another band that you know what you are always going to get a great show and a 69 year young Charlie Harper showing the young ones how to do it, but it’s not often we get a stunned crowd when they walk on and and you hear people saying who’s that, as Alvin Gibbs hasn’t made the show they have there van driver filling in who was still learning the songs in the changing room, “warhead “Tomorrows girls” are well received..

Sham 69 arrive on stage with Jimmy wearing a gas mask and rips it off and were are straight in to “what have we got”

“Questions and answers” goes down well with the crowd and has jimmy flailing the mic stand about the stage and his outstretched arms like a preacher singing to his congregation...

“That’s life “ intro is played and the crowd sing along and Jimmy screams at them sing you fuckers, and the crowd sing along, meanwhile he has dropped to his knees leaning over the monitor at the front of the stage pointing the mic at them.

“If the Kids are United” has the venue rocking to the core, I didn’t even know it had a spring floor till this played and I could feel every inch of it. The mic is held aloft over the crowd for the best sing along of the evening.

While most bands hate getting beer thrown at them Jimmy takes it in his stride and even returns the favour by throwing water back at them.

It's great having these guys all back together both Dave’s and Jimmy are having a ball and with Robin guy on the drums it is a great live show..

This is band most people had waited all day to see and I think no one has left disappointed.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Dod Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Reporter

 

 

 

 

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