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Show Preview: The Adicts – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA – October 28, 2014

October 22, 2014

Show Preview: The Adicts - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - October 28, 2014Coming to SLO town on Tuesday, the 28th of October, is the English punk band The Adicts. Proving how vast the Punk genre really is, the Adicts have always played light-hearted songs with upbeat lyrics and their own special Punk flair.

Originally from Ipswich, Suffolk, England the band has made a name for themselves as true showmen all around the world. Not everyone knows, but, in 1975 they debuted as Afterbirth & The Pinz, soon after they changed their name. They were very popular in the 80's on the UK indie charts and their album "Sound of Music" hit the official UK charts and earned them great fame.

Show Preview: The Adicts - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - October 28, 2014

Later, in 2004, their single “Viva La Revolution” was featured on the video game "Tony Hawk’s Underground". Their current line-up consists of Keith "Monkey" Warren (singer), Pete "Pete Dee" Davison (guitar), Michael "Kid Dee" Davison (drums), John "Scruff" Ellis (guitar), Shahen Hagobian (bass). On stage these performers are dressed in classic “droogie” style taken from the film version of A Clockwork Orange. Keith, always puts on joker makeup and is known to throw playing cards and confetti at the audience during the show.

Show Preview: The Adicts - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - October 28, 2014

Even though they have been touring since the 70s, The Adicts still put on a very energetic and lively show. The band is no stranger to SLO Brew, having played here many times before, but all of us here on the central coast love having these guys back again and again. Personally I have never seen a better show than the Adicts, and I’ve seen them about 8 times. I know this is a bold statement, but these guys are worth every penny you may pay for a ticket. The Adicts literally never fail to disappoint and SLO Brew gives us the chance to catch them in a smaller more intimate setting.

Show Preview: The Adicts - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - October 28, 2014

To demonstrate how serious I am about how important this show is I’ll provide you all with a quote from one of my favorite movies of all time, “What you got back home, little sister, to play your fuzzy warbles on? I bet you got little save pitiful, portable picnic players. Come with uncle and hear all proper! Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones. You are invited.” See you at the show!!

You can check out The Adicts Official website HERE for more tour dates in California, including their Halloween gig at The House Of Blues in Los Angeles!

-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor


 

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Reagan Youth – DFL – Decry – STALAG 13 – SideKick – Skaal – Tartar Control – and Rockous – at The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA

October 4, 2014

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014 This was a $5 matinee show at the Observatory in Santa Ana. They've had several of them and I've heard that these shows go off. Judging by the line up for this show, I could see why this could be true.

 

The first band was "Raukous", they were a pretty new and upcoming 3 piece band with Ryan Hadley on drums, Max Camp on Bass, and Fern Etcher on Guitar and Vox. Kinda Weirdos with a little SKA thrown in.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Up next was was Tarter Control. A 2 piece band with what looked like a robot as their 3rd member.The robot was their drum machine with the other guys on guitar and vocals. This band had a lot of humor in their music. Great stage performance and good musicianship made Tarter Control a band worthwhile. I don't know how many times the singer jumped off stage or looked like he was throwing a fit on the stage as they played their fast "Dickies" like set. Very entertaining.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Skaal is a very tight mid 80's sounding Punk. Kinda reminded me of Red Beret or Condemned to death but a bit faster.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Sidekick played next and had Scott from Social Task sing their 1st tune which was a Ramone cover of Blitzrig Bop, and the crowd went wild. Scott is a really good front man and he proved it today. Sidekick played a really good hardcore set. Nice tempo changes in their songs and they didn't sound like just another Punk band.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014
 
Oxnard legends Stalag 13 played next. This was the "In Control" line up minus Ron. They played all of their classic songs and  got the crowd really going. Their singer fits them well and I'm sure Ron would be proud. The two guitar sounds of Blake Cruz and Dave Casillas are one of the best duo guitar players in Punk rock. They play very well together as they did 30 years ago. Larry White is one of the BEST hardcore drummers around and John still looks the same after all these years and rocked it on bass. This band is still powerful and energetic as it was some 30 odd years ago.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014


Another early 80's punk legend band "Decry" played next. Farrell, the original singer who started it all back in 1981/82 reminds me of Rik L Rik meets Charlie Harper when he's on stage. Decry is very original sounding and have a great debut LP they put out back in the early 80's. I wish they would put out another one, as this band shows a lot of originality and musicianship. Justino and Keith add a lot more to the band than previous members and this is by far their best line up. The new guy Steve Porter adds so much to their presence and it shows when all four are on stage playing together. They still do all of their classics and a few covers (Sonic Reducer by the Dead Boys).

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

DFL played next and did a very short set. This early 90's punk band played so quick that by the time I got up front...they were done.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Reagan Youth played last and I've never seen them before so I was really looking forward to their set. With only one original member (Paul on guitar), I didn't know what to expect.When they started playing I was really surprised. It didn't sound like your typical Punk band from the early 80's. It was hard but different.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Good musicianship and a unique sound and look made it interesting. Really dense guitar sound and good vocals. Like I said...not your typical Punk sound.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

They played a really great set and left the crowd wanting more.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-Michael Vellejo-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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Show Preview and Interview: Reagan Youth – DFL – Decry – STALAG 13 – SideKick – Skaal – Tartar Control – and Rockous – at The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA – October 4, 2014

September 25, 2014

Show Preview and Interview: Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014 Reagan Youth will be playing a matinee show at The Observatory in Santa Ana, Saturday October 4th along with stellar line up of Punk bands including DFL., Decry, STALAG 13, SideKick, Skaal, Tartar Control and Rockous. Matinee shows start at noon, what a great excuse to day drink!

Big Wheel Magazine recently conducted an exclusive interview with Reagan Youth. Here are answers to 15 burning questions that will give you insight to the band's past, present and future.

BW - Paul you’ve been with Reagan Youth since the beginning, during the band’s long and colorful history what is your absolute favorite memory of being with the band?

Paul Cripple- Locking in with a tight rhythm section and being on stage as Dave Insurgent, the best singer, takes over as if he's some big time preacher and we're just the gospel band, but instead of religion, Dave Insurgent was spreading the message of Anarchy, how no one individual(s) should ever hold any authority over another. Any of those gigs where it clicked like that, and there were a bunch, would be my favo
rite. Cannot pick one in particular but playing again has made me a bit giddy at times and I thank the band I have these days for that ability.
 
BW - Reagan Youth became very popular for its extreme political lyrics and anarchist ideologies, do all of the current band members still hold the same anarchist beliefs as the original Reagan Youth did?


Paul Cripple - I'm not absolutely sure of the beliefs of each band member, what exactly their beliefs system are, but one thing I know with no uncertainty and that's one thing for sure; THEY HATE HATE. And if you take all of the band's anarchist ideologies and extreme political lyrics and mixed them all together in a giant pot, one thing would rise like the cream to the top and that's "I HATE  HATE". When I started playing again in 2006 it became painfully clear that even a band mate from the 80's hadn't a clue about the band's stance. And every new singer I brought in would say "But Paul, I'm just not political" and I'd be like "Yeah, that's probably true but do you really have to be a douche bag of a band mate?" and the answer every time was that they did, couldn't help themselves and if they could, they still wouldn't. So I got rid of the rhythm section guys I had recorded and performed with during the 80's along with a singer that kept pushing me to play "His" other band's songs in our set, so I got rid of the lot of them, searched around, didn't give up and glad I didn't because Tibbie X, Trey and Greg got it and it's not just nice, but nicest!
 

Tibbie X- I think anarchist beliefs can be translated in many different ways but we are all freedom fighters and rebellious by nature and that bonds us together. Politically it’s safe to say none of us are right wing and we all have the same sentiment of the peace punk message easily summed up in the song "I Hate Hate".

BW - Being a huge fan of the band I feel obligated to ask, how close is the band to releasing its new album?

Tibbie X- It’s going to be awhile we are touring a lot but we have a great studio to go to and Paul has the songs all planned out. It will happen, probably in about one year from now.

BW - Who are the band’s biggest influences?

Paul Cripple- Dave Insurgent and I listened to 70's rock before Punk Rock appeared, so Black Sabbath were so huge with their basic guitar, bass, drums and Ozzy sounding the way he did when he sung, very punk rock in a way. When Punk entered the fray we liked Generation X and The Ramones, didn't really dabble in metal except for Motorhead but later on Crass was very important politically ( or should I say apolitically ). We then went retro and starting listening to all the old stuff such as Zeppelin and Hendrix, and why not listen to the best. These days I've been listening to Wire, I consider them a really good Joy Division with Pink Floyd overtones and I'm literally crazy about Uriah Heep. They have so many great songs and Demons And Wizards is as great as any rock album from that period. David Byron is such an underrated vocalist, r.i.p., and they're still playing, huge shows at festivals and arenas in Eastern and Central Europe with only one original member: Guitarist Mick Box. When we finally grew up, ceased being 'youths', we went back to the music from the past and it was pretty obvious that there was a lot of great stuff to listen on. Soon you realize there are only two types of music and it ain't country or western, rap or hip hop, speed metal or death metal. NOPE, there's only two types of music, and it's either Good or Bad. Sure some are better than others and that's great, like "Phoenix" by Wishbone Ash which is simply incredible while there is a whole lotta unlistenable shit out there, and when you're like "These guys are still playing that same lame set, the same one, 10 years running?" and wonder why they haven't developed a scene around their shows, that's inexcusable.... SO SAYETH REAGAN YOUTH. Yeah, so if it's good, like Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Tarkus, then obviously that's a big influence on Reagan Youth. In junior high school Dave Insurgent made a paper mache TARKUS, which is an Amardillo/Tank, during shop class, and really what else was there better to make than that for a kid back then. And if it sounds like 99% of the hardcore bands out there that just don't care about learning songs or how to play an instrument and all they think is  about how cool they look, how expensive their equipment, which they'll never share, is. Acting like the merch is what's important, and being scensters, kissing ass to get gigs, or just actually starting a Hardcore Punk band so they can make it mainstream, making enough money so hopefully one day they can pay the government taxes for their "Hardcore Punkrock", NO! Bands like that have the balls to make jokes after a half hearted cover of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" like that song is a joke. Fuck that, that band's a joke, not the song "Paranoid" which is a stone cold classic. So that is an influence for us as well, an influence NOT TO SUCK. Well hope I explained things well enough, and now I gots to go listen to some Conway Twitty because it's just all too beautiful, and no, I ain't joking. Serious as a heart attack. And Reagan Youth can play "Eastern Music" ( Hindu, Arabic, throw some Syrian scales in there ) as well as thrash. It's important to rip some nice country guitar solos for our thrash breakdowns. And we do that because America encompasses so many different influences from all the people all over this great planet of ours who have come to the U.S.@. searching for a better way of life. Those are sounds we'd want to embrace, and why not embrace their sounds,........ but only if they sound cool and don't sound like some atonal crap. I love music, it's an essential such as the air that we breathe or the water we drink.

Trey Oswald- Off the top the Rolling Stones. Keith Richards is my second influence behind Paul Cripple. Iggy Pop showed my I could front a good band. Stiv Bators convinced me I should.

BW - Being one of the biggest and most influential hardcore punk bands to come out of the east coast, what do you think of the west coast punk scene of today?

Tibbie X- I think the scene East/West..worldwide is more united than it was in the past. We've toured with Angry Samoans and had a blast and are returning to California twice this year because the shows were so much fun. I’m psyched to get to Portland and Seattle this year also and we have Hawaii in the works where we plan on playing with "The Quintessentials" a Satanic Surf Punk band with members from The Queers. East Coast is a lot of fun in the summer but those long months of snow storms make it difficult to get out and about so we love to have the opportunity to tour and meet people all over the country.

BW - What is the weirdest thing you've seen while on tour?

Tibbie X- Well it’s not really THAT weird and more awesome but we walked out of the place we were staying in Germany and ran into an awesome Punk girl named Aylin who was walking a pet skunk. We all got to cuddle with the skunk, I was in love. I was holding him and he was sniffing my face, lightly bit my finger and curled up on my back.

BW - Seeing as the band’s name is a mocking nod to our former president Reagan and his faults, what are your thoughts on President Obama?

Paul Cripple- He's an Obamination     ( nuff said, don't ya' think? )

Tibbie X-- I am disappointed in President Obamas actions although not surprised as the corruption and stupidity of religion infiltrates ever major political move. Government is big business , money and Christianity go hand in hand and are the basis for all major political decisions , greed and  can never lead to a positive outcome. Obama in a very passive aggressive manner sent the "OK" for Christian companies to deny female workers contraceptive coverage instead of clearly stating separation between church and state. Google it, its too detailed to answer but its more men making decisions about women’s bodies based on delusional religious "respect" as it has ALWAYS been. His war mongering solution to problems in the middle east , more of the same. No politics will ever be able to ensure absolute freedom as it attracts power control type people who want to dominate and conquer, same as police same as every cooperate position of power. Until people are ready to intelligently govern themselves, drop false believes in manifested imaginary "friends" that cause wars and begin to evolve mentally and physically for a higher purpose of living we will always be enslaved by our rulers.

BW - You hear many people nowadays (myself excluded of course) claiming that punk is dead, how in your opinion, has this claim affected the punk scene of today?

Tibbie X-- I think some punks enjoy the nihilism of that statement and maybe grow older and miss the "good ol days" if they don’t allow themselves to evolve and grow with changing times. It could very well seem dead to someone who’s been going to the same bar for 25 years expecting it to be the same as it used to be. Punk is a humungous world wide movement, very organized activists in some parts of the world and personally speaking, playing shows in my all time favorite bands for hundreds of people hardly feels "dead. On a less grandiose scale I am genuinely moved when I can travel somewhere I’ve never been before and meet up with a stranger on the street and we have those common beliefs and interests and can hang out. As long as there is oppression there will be punk.

BW - What is a day in the life like for the band members of Reagan Youth?

Trey Oswald- On tour or in our daily lives? Tour, to leave out all the specifics, allows me to explore and understand the world. I am able to meet people and visit places I would otherwise be denied. In my civilian life I am a lover, brother, son, worker, writer, etc…..
 
Tibbie X-- I wake up at 6:30 am and meet up with my trainer Joe DiBianca and work out at the local gym 5 days a week. Then I come home and have breakfast with my 4 year old son and I either bring him to school or we go to the playground together. My husband often works from home so we convince him to drop work and come play with us as often as possible. In the evenings sometimes I have band practice with GASH, sometimes I go to local shows in philly, but mostly I like to smoke weed play some bass and watch old horror movies in bed with my husband. Very occasionally I like to go out dancing if there’s some retro punk night or a fetish event but it interferes with my early morning schedule. Mostly I see friends and catch new bands on tour and we tour frequently so my time off is all about my family.

BW - Trey, coming from a Reagan youth cover band yourself, how does it feel to be at the head of this iconic punk group?

Trey Oswald- Flattering. The role also comes with a sense of responsibility. Some how, through a strange series of events, was asked to sing in my favorite band. Paul, Tibbie, and I all agree that the band will not continue without either of us. As agreed until I can no longer physically play, I am in it for the long haul. We cannot let the music or the message down. We respect it too much.

BW - Are any of the current band members involved in any side projects? If so, what are they?

Tibbie X-- I sing for a Satanic S/M themed Sleaze Punk band from South Philadelphia called GASH. Our music is online for free HERE. I am documenting a project I am doing with the band where I am publicly submissive involving the audience as DOM so we are all united in S/M play during our sets- photos and writing about that  http://gashuniverse.tumblr.com/


BW - What is the most fun you’ve had on your current tour?

Trey Oswald- Germany, England, both US coasts, Canada, the Midwest, and New England are places the band has taken me. I will share this with you ‘cuz it is a great story. While living in Austin, Texas I sang with New Aryans in 2009. After joining Reagan Youth I did my first tour in the Lone Star State. The bands in Austin contained NA members. I somehow completed the full circle and pulled the Judas Priest story on everyone.

Tibbie X- This is so basic and we have had many many wild party type nights but there was one day in Canada where we all went out for breakfast together and had these croissants and coffee. Some girl was selling all these cool clothes on the side of the road real cheap and Paul found a leather skirt for me for 50 cents. Either Paul or Trey found a joint on the side of the street which was magical.  We were just walking around chatting and I know this may seem like a boring answer but I really love my bandmates and the time we get to just hang out and chill.
Off the top of my head some other memories would be staying with Bill Vockeroth drummer for the Angry Samoans and his wife cooked breakfast for us and the band 13 Scars we were touring with. In Canada I was psyched to meet and stay with the girls from PantyChrist who smoked us out and gave us tons of food. In Texas I went out dancing after the show to a gay bar with the worlds most fabulous Santiago and we did catwalk runway moves all over the motel then when we left we ran into both bands we were on tour with Sober Daze and Before Dishoner. This is like 3 am a huge group of us all crashed the Alamo and then scattered all over town when the cops came to break it up.

BW - Reagan Youth has been through it all, do you guys have any advice for the youth of today entering the punk scene?

Tibbie X- I would say be true to yourself and don’t be pressured to conform to any commercialized punk ideal or uniform. Stay away from heavy drugs no matter what stupid band glorifies them. Drugs are awesome but keep it light.. weed and beer,  once you have an addiction your life is enslaved forever. Women, learn how to play an instrument and fucking own it you don't have to be a groupie to hang out with the band, you can BE the band. Speak your truth and never let anyone's judgement control you.

BW - If you guys could cover any song from any band, what would it be and why?
 
Trey Oswald- Right now we are covering Class War by The Exploited. The line “Mein Kampf keep out” made this a great song to play while in Germany. Right now I am pushing for Fairies Wear Boots by Black Sabbath you gotta believe me!

Tibbie X- HOUSE OF GOD Dave insurgent and Paul's second band. I pretty much begged Paul to do those songs and we are just getting into them. They are beautiful and they didn't get to exist as Dave's life was cut short.

BW - Are all of the new band members involved in the writing process for the newest album? If so, should we expect a completely different kind of sound from Reagan Youth?

Tibbie X- No, Paul wrote all the music although he sometimes suggests that he wants us involved in the writing process. Trey has been writing some lyrics. I am here to support Paul’s vision and carry on the message and spirit of Dave Insurgent and not to distract from that. In the past we had band members who's egos were completely out of control and they wanted to be big rock stars and change everything around for some attention driven agenda. As a Reagan youth fan first I'm just honored to help bring these songs to life and provide the backdrop for Paul’s work to shine. Give and play with Love for all XX !



Interview by: W.Wallace
Big Wheel Contributor


 

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7 Seconds – Rotting Out – and Magazine Dirty – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA

September 21, 2014

SLO Brew hosted 7 Seconds, the immortal Hardcore Punk band, on September 21, 2014. The night was extraordinary to say the least, but before 7 Seconds played, the San Luis crowd had a few kick ass opening acts that set the stage for this epic night.

First to go on was Magazine Dirty, a local, traditional style Punk band that frequents the Punk shows in town opening up for various acts and showing their amazing talent and interesting style to all that come to witness. Fresh of the release of their new album, Action Reaction, the band seemed to be in very high spirits and awakened what seemed to be a sleeping audience. They are fronted by both a male and female singers and create great harmonies using this aesthetic. Magazine Dirty put on a great show while their lead singer danced around stage and even picked up a guitar at one point to give the spotlight over to the female vocalist in the band exclaiming, “I’m gonna pretend to play guitar now!” This high energy Punk band had me grinning ear to ear, but I was definitely ready for more.


   
Rotting Out was up next and I was a bit hesitant to hear them due to the fact that I’m not a huge fan of new school Hardcore bands. This worry was put to rest as soon as their burly lead singer walked on stage in tiny gym shorts and an angry look on his face. There was no question, these guys came here to show SLO what hardcore really is. Their sound was reminiscent of Gorilla Biscuits with their hard hitting style and well integrated breakdowns. Rotting Out was wonderfully synchronized coming in and out of these breakdowns to create a fast, unique, and all out brutal sound. Just what the punk rockers in the crowd were looking for, and a very pleasant surprise. The crowd fed off the lead singers every word as he slowly built up to almost every song with a powerful message, and as soon as the band started playing the venue fell into a beautiful chaos. After their performance I can absolutely say that I’m a fan, and hope to see them in SLO again very soon.


   
As 7 Seconds made their way onstage everyone in the room couldn’t contain their screams for the band. Kevin Seconds was ready for this, walking on stage in a Wu-Tang Clan shirt and baseball cap, he got right into some of their newest music from their latest album (Leave A Light On) like “I Have Faith In You”. 7 Seconds played 20+ songs during their set as well as sending a positive message out to the crowd in between songs and promoting their new album.

Their classic hardcore hits were performed with an amazing amount of energy for having been played for over 30 years, and I was happy they played one of my personal favorites, “The Crew”. As the band played these classic crowd pleasing tracks, the audience engulfed the stage. 7 Seconds was constantly encouraging their fans to “Keep singing and keep pitting” in between their songs and then Kevin got the crowd warmed up for their next song by saying he was a “53 year old kid”. When the band started singing “Young Till I Die”, everyone in the audience joined in singing with them. There was an older lady in the corner of the room with what looked like tears of joy in her eyes shouting “I’m gonna stay young until I die!!!!!!”, proving once and for all you are only as old as you feel. It was a beautiful sight to say the least.

These hardcore legends finished their set with their ever popular version of “99 Red Balloons” which is a great note to end on. I was thoroughly impressed with 7 Seconds performance and unwavering energy, as I’m sure the rest of San Luis Obispo was as well. Punk’s not dead, in fact it’s not even old, and this exciting and unforgettable night has proven that. Let’s hope San Luis Obispo hasn’t seen the last of 7 Seconds, we expect another show as soon as possible and we’d like to thank the band for such and awesome night!

 

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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David J with Mark Miller – at Casa Citialin – Bakersfield, CA

September 19, 2014

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014A small, invite-only audience in East Bakersfield was witness to a unique entry in their local music history last Friday, September 19: they were treated to a special private performance by David J, the  bassist for the legendary bands Bauhaus and Love and Rockets.

The entire show was the brainchild of Noelia and Jose Citialin who opened their house (and a seemingly perpetually stocked bar) to an intimate group of friends, who were never unaware of their great luck to part of the event. Along with the "invite only" status, there was but one request on the RSVP: Wear. Black.

Mark Miller, who would later share the stage with David J, opened the show with a short solo set of his own, which included an amazing cover of Tom Waits', "Chocolate Jesus". 

Eschewing his usual instrument, J played his set on acoustic guitar while charming his listeners in -between songs with a few anecdotes about his life that he wrote about in his upcoming memoir  “Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?" (Bauhaus, Black Magick and Benediction). One of the highlight of the evening was a story that occurred during the last Bauhaus reunion (who are, arguably, basically the Goth world’s Beatles) in 2006 involving singer Peter Murphy and porn legend Ron Jeremy. The story, also told in detail in his memoir, brought attention to the fact that he has not only had a prolific career as a musician, but he has contributed to projects with legendary comic book writer Alan Moore as well as in songwriting and performances with Amanda Palmer, Porno For Pyros and Jane’s Addiction amongst many others.  And now, a bourgeoning author.

Along with the release of his book, he has started a kickstarter campaign to help with his upcoming book tour (it’s his second one after a very successful one that helped with the creation of his last CD “An Eclipse Of Ships”). If you would like to contribute to his campaign, click HERE

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

J and his backing guitarist Mark Miller ran through a gamut of styles: country, blues, contemplative Dylanesque ballads and eerie sonic soundscapes carried out effectively with a ping-pong delayed guitar—the epitome of acoustic Bat-cave music.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

Starting his set with a Bauhaus song (“Who Killed Mr. Moonlight”) and culminating with two Love and Rockets songs (their perennial anthem “No New Tale To Tell” and  “Waiting For The Flood”—much to the euphoric delight of Mrs. Citialin), J performed like a man half his age (he turned 57 this year) and had a confident relaxed stage presence that made him appear like a dark cabaret David Bowie and, believe it or not, a bit of a British-goth Hank Williams Sr. as well.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

Sticking mainly to new material, a big surprise came with his cover of “Wrecking Ball”, the song made famous by Miley Cyrus. It was an illumination in the realization of how good a song it can be in the right hands and context) the songs were tight, and played expertly.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

The mood of the songs were highlighted by his poolside stage set-up; perched in front of a fake hacienda with fans sitting on patios, deck chairs, and even the diving board, enraptured by his light vocal timbre and the green lit deck and reflections on the water. The backyard setting was a perfect compliment to the dark night sky and casual intimacy that would have been difficult to replicate in a traditional stage setting.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

I am a huge believer that it’s not how well the performance was, but how the audience reacts after it, that determines the show’s success. In every sense, this one-of-a-kind show was exactly that —a success—on every level. It was also a wonderful reunion for local and out-of-town friends that made the long drives to catch the show.

Along with Peter Murphy’s performance at Narducci’s Cafe in 2012, this makes the second member of Bauhaus to grace the Central Valley with their presence and talent. Maybe, in the future, guitarist Daniel Ash and (David J’s brother) drummer Kevin Haskings will play Bakersfield and make it a Bauhaus reunion by proxy.

Stranger, and darker, things have happened.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-Cesareo Garasa-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA

September 18, 2014

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014Before seeing The Real McKenzies I decided to go to the venue (SLO Brew) about an hour early. I was pleasantly surprised to find Paul and the band enjoying some good food upstairs.

I ended up getting a chance to meet them before the show, it was hard to keep my composure due to the fact that the whole band was dressed in kilts and I am such a big fan, but Paul was super nice and friendly so it took the edge off a little. As I made my way down stairs I decided to grab a pint of Guinness and a shot of whiskey to prepare myself for the show.

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014
   
On stage before The Real McKenzies was an interesting band called A. Tom Collins. The main reason that brought me closer to the stage was the fact that the band was composed of a trumpet player, a saxophone player, a piano player/vocalist, and a drummer; and I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to brass instruments, I had to be front and center! The band had a definite jazz influence that gave their sound a unique style. The piano player’s vocals melded very well with the horns and pulled some people from around the room closer to the stage, even though there was not too many inside the venue at this point. Besides being great musicians the band’s cleverly constructed lyrics had me laughing when they sang, “I love Jesus and Jesus loves me even when I’m high on drugs.” All in all A. Tom Collins played a fun and entertaining show even though the band seemed a little disappointed with the turnout of people there. San Luis Obispo would love to have you guys back, so please come back soon.

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014
   
When The Real McKenzies walked on stage dressed in full Scottish garb, everyone in the crowd cheered and started stomping their feet right along with their catchy tunes. Paul didn’t waste any time getting the crowd pumped up by playing “Chip”, demonstrating his extraordinary and unforgettable stage presence. Half way through their set Paul had everyone screaming when he decided to bend over and show the whole crowd his ass. The band played many of their greatest songs, told stories, and interacted with the audience in between each song. During their more popular songs like “Droppin’ Like Flies” the fans was chanting along with the band. Gord Taylor put on a great performance as well while showing off his skills on the pipes!

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014

Paul belted out each song with a smile, and worked up the crowd with two middle fingers raised and some red shades on. The McKenzies finished their set with “Bugger OFF”, one of my favorites, but came back on stage for an awesome encore including “McPherson’s Rant” and “Nessie”, to the audience’s delight. The crowd clapped along with the beat during the band’s roaring finish. The Real McKenzies are crowd pleasers but are still unforgettably badass. After the show the band was nice enough to talk with me and a few friends after the show, can’t wait to see these guys again. The Real McKenzies created a warm and unified atmosphere when they played causing you to feel camaraderie with everyone else in the audience. I have to admit that it was nothing short of greatness, there is a reason why these guys have been playing for so long. I’m going to go buy a kilt and get ready for the next time they come to town!

 

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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