Show Preview: IDLE WORSHIP The Photography of Edward Colver – Rare and never before seen images from the vaults – at Lethal Amounts – Los Angeles, CA – September 20, 2014
September 17, 2014
Do you remember being a snotty nosed kid whose only exposure to any music scene was what you were lucky to read, the pictures you were lucky to see and the tapes you were lucky enough to get your hands on? I remember seeing those pictures of Punk shows in those early 80s fanzines and magazines thinking, I want to be there.
Those images were enigmatic, iconic and stood for something I wanted to be a part of. I daydreamed about those images. I imagined myself right in the middle of the crowd and right at the front of the stage, and the images that made me want that the most were by Edward Colver.
Edward Colver did more than bring publicity to these emerging Punk bands, he helped shed light on and document a whole underground scene and subcultures that hadn't really been available before him. He not only documented a movement, he was part of this movement. These were his friends. He didn't just photograph bands, he covered every aspect. If you ask him the names of the people in the crowd, chances are, he will tell you who most of them were. He has been immortalized in songs and interviewed in Punk documentaries. He photographed and documented a time of unripened honesty for a generation and its message to us. The message was loud, angry and clear.
Its been said that he defined what it meant to be a Punk photographer. And its true. Some of the most memorable and iconic images youll see from that era are probably shot by Edward Colver. His work has and continues to make an impact on people - Punk fans or not. Its hard not to think of Punk or post Punk music and not have an image by Edward pop in your head. Magazines, album covers, film documenting thousands of bands from 1978 forward, his body of work is unmatched and created a lasting impact. And its exactly what his work did and continues to do.
Theres nothing that I've seen of Edwards work that didn't make a lasting and powerful impact on me as a Punk fan, music fan, and photographer. And just the thought of seeing images shot by Edward never seen before gives me that same feeling as I did the first time I saw a picture shot by him.
This Saturday, September 20th, Lethal Amounts in DTLA presents "Idle Worship The Photography of Edward Colver - Rare and Never Before Seen Images from The Vaults". We are all going to get the opportunity to see images never before seen of riots and bands including The Germs, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Christian Death, The Cramps, Circle Jerks, Youth Bridage, The Mentors, Lydia Lunch, Fear, Nick Cave, Siouxsie and the Banshees, PIL, Motorhead, The Brat, Devo, 45 grave, Minor Threat, Diamanda Galas, Bad Religion, Stiv Bators, TSOL, Adolsescents, Suicidal Tendencies, Boyd Rice, SPK, Aggression, DOA, Wasted Youth, MDC, The Damned, Tony Alva, Bones Brigade plus a lot more PUNK AS FUCK shit! It's been rumored that he has so much unseen work, that he may even do a second show sometime in the near future.
This event is expected to be completely packed so make sure to get there early!!!
-Heideather O.-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Show Preview: 7 Seconds – Magazine Dirty – and Rotting Out – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA – September 21, 2014
September 15, 2014
Punk icons, 7 Seconds, will be at SLO Brew on Sunday, September 21st and If you like good music you’ll be there as well. 7 Seconds shaped my entire opinion of Hardcore Punk rock and defined a generation with their extremely influential and original sound.
Having been to several 7 Seconds shows in my time, I can honestly say, they have never once failed to live up to their reputation of being amazing performers.
7 Seconds formed in Reno NV in 1980, and have remained a staple of the Punk scene for over 3 decades. Throughout this time they have released 16 albums, the latest of which being Leave A Light On, which they released on Rise Records in 2014. The band successfully cemented themselves as Hardcore legends when they released their immortal album "The Crew" in 1984. This album was a perfect representation of true Hardcore with anthems like “"Young 'Til I Die" and "Clenched Fists, Black Eyes". Although the band’s sound started off hard and fast with releases like "Walk Together, Rock Together", their later albums have moved toward a slower and much more melodic Punk sound. This new and innovative sound greatly influenced many of the Pop Punk artists of today.
The bands current lineup is Kevin Seconds (vocals), Steve Youth (bass), Troy Mowat (drums), and Bobby Adams (guitar). In an interview with AMP magazine in 2005, Kevin seconds himself explained the origins of the band’s name when he said, "We were big fans of The Dils, they had this EP, 198 Seconds of The Dils and I was so in love with Punk Rock that I would just write album titles on my clothes. This was still when Steve and I lived with my mom. We had this desk in this room we shared and I wrote '197 seconds of The Dils,' I miswrote the title. Over time, everything else faded, but the 7 Seconds part was there, and I circled it, I thought it looked cool." I have to say Kevin, it still looks pretty fucking cool!
While band has been a major part of the Straight-Edge subculture, they have never fully supported the more militant aspects of the movement. Kevin Seconds also helped start the “Youth Crew”, a subgenre of Hardcore Punk that focuses on optimism and a moralist outlook with mainly straight-edge and vegan supporters.
These guys are going to love the central coast crowd, and it will be an event that none of us will soon forget. 7 Seconds will be accompanied by a local and more traditional style Punk band called "Magazine Dirty", and a Hardcore group named "Rotting Out". Can’t wait to lace up my boots and head downtown for this epic night. See you at the show!
-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor
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GBH – Adolescents – and 5th Wave – at The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
September 13, 2014
Punk is still transcending all age groups and genders. And the proof was at the Fonda Theatre on Saturday night for GBH, The Adolescents opened by the San Fernando Local Skacore band, 5th Wave.
It was a full venue for all 3 sets. 5th Wave opened to a large group of core fans. Their set was surprisingly good and actually a little short. I could have listened to a few more songs from this group that was exceptionally tight. Although they seemed somewhat shy on stage at first, they loosened up but then the set was over. And it did leave me wanting just a little bit more. Theres a pretty good scene in San Fernando right now and this band is one of the examples why. I will make it a point to see them again if I have the opportunity. And you should too.
By the time the Adolescents set started, the fans heated up the theatre and the pit did not stop throughout the entire set. Whether you were moving to the music or not, sweat was the gift of the bands that night and we all received it. Sweaty, and intense as the Adolescents did not let anyone down with its set list. From "No Way" to "Kids of The Black Hole", founding members Tony Cadena and Steve Soto absolutely killed it like kids half their way only wish they could.
They sounded really great and made me remember why I make it a point to see them live every time I can. It felt like a Sauna in the theatre by the time they were midway through the set and Im sure their fans (and every one else in the theatre) left about 10 lbs lighter than when they showed up. But that was okay - the bar was available to ensure I was hydrated during the sets. And the Fonda has a great view of the stage from the bar. So win-win-win. I didn't want them to end the set.
What can be said about GBH that hasn't been said before. They always put on a great show and by the time their set started, the crowd was ripe and ready. Colin Abrahall and the boys looked and sounded as though theyd sold their souls to the devil to be this damn good 32 years later.
It was cool to see young Punks in the crowd singing along to songs like "Give Me Fire" and "Big Women", proving that Punk really does transcend those age barriers like no other genre of music. As furious as GBH ever ever has been, the crowd was just as furious.
As far as Punk shows go, the stars were aligned. It was a Saturday night. At one of the best venues in Los Angeles. The bands were pretty incredible. The crowd wanted it bad and got it. And we all left tired and sore and happy wondering if wed ever get to see a line up this great on a Saturday night again. I pondered it myself. The answer is, fuck yes! How do I know this, you ask? Because its Punk. And in 2014 Punk is still not dead, and will continue to to transcend age, groups, genders, and time for years and decades to come.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Heideather O.-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Show Preview: GBH – Adolescents – 5th Wave – at The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA – September 13, 2014
September 8, 2014
In Hollywood this Saturday and looking to get out a little aggression? We got you covered! After a long couple years of absence from the west coast, Uk Punk legends, GBH, will be playing a handful of Southern California gigs.
With a venue like The Fonda Theatre and openers like The Adolescents, this show is sure to be the best LA has to offer the Punk community this weekend.
Who wants to go out on a fucking Tuesday and wake up bruised and sore and have to call in sick on a Wednesday? NOT you and sure as hell, not ME! THIS is a Saturday show. A rare occurrence when all the stars align and an iconic Punk show is actually on a Saturday. So sac-up and get out to the Fonda. The line up is sure to whip your fat ass into shape for a few hours with sweat included. This will be all the work out you need all week.
You can belt your off-key sing along of LA Girl all the way to Sick Boy. The pit is sure to be in full swing from the very first song of 5th Wave's set, all the way through to GBH's encore. See you there!
-Heideather O.-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Show Preview: The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA – September 18, 2014
September 7, 2014
If you love Celtic Punk, kilts, bagpipes, whiskey, and good beer, SLO Brew is the place to be on Thursday September 18th. The Real McKenzies are rolling through San Luis Obispo on their tour in the hopes of bringing their original Celtic/Punk/Folk sound to the central coast.
Originally this Scottish band of miscreants are from Canada but have toured the world over many times, playing with band like Flogging Molly, NOFX, Rancid, and The Misfits. The band has been around for over 20 years (since 1992), and has recorded several albums throughout their time together, and although they have been touring, and writing music for so long they are still kicking! That is, I mean to say, they’re kicking your ass, playing great music, and then having a drink with you after the show.
The band is made up of Paul McKenzie (vocals), Gord Taylor (bagpipes), Mark “The Bone” Boland (guitar), Gwomper (bass) Sean Sellers (drums), and Dirty Kurt Robertson (guitar). Their most recent album was released on Fat Wreck Chords in 2012 and named "Westwinds". I have to say that without even hearing the album, the nautical theme was intriguing . On a recent interview with CAPITALCHAOSTV Paul McKenzie himself said that the name of this album is a “cryptic reference to the flatulence of the members in the band”. I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard this, but it also made me pick up a copy of the newest album and I have to say it is a great addition to their already impressive resume. My favorite track would have to be “The Tempest”, an instant classic, very catchy and with heavy folk influences it makes for a fun sing-a-long song. This is their seventh studio album to date. Furthermore, the band has been working and recording a new album over the past 2 years and has recently announced that they have finished it. The Real McKenzies have also been playing songs from this new unreleased album on their current tour, so make damn sure you save the date!
Along with the music they write themselves, they also play traditional Scottish songs with their own Punk twist. These songs alone make for an awesome experience for someone who has never seen The Real McKenzies live, but the band’s original songs are really what turn first time listeners into new fans.
The Real McKenzies will be accompanied by A. Tom Collins. So come on down, Thursday the 18th to SLO Brew, for what promises to be a night of merriment, drunken debauchery, and excellent music. The Real McKenzies will be playing a slew of shows on the west coast this month including Seattle, Portland and several cities across California. Check their tour calendar HERE to see which gig is closest to you!
-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Band Spotlight: Guns Of Brighton
September 1, 2014
Boston is the fertile breeding ground for many of the world's favorite bands. From Dropkick Murphys to Mighty Mighty Bosstones, from Street Dogs to Darkbuster, The Ducky Boys to The Freeze, the city's tightly knit underground scene and many dedicated Punk venues make it a great city for bands. And now there's another group set to take the world by storm, "Guns of Brighton".
The band's name is an obvious tribute to the Clash's "Guns of Brixton", a song that focuses on brutal police repression sparking riots and social unrest, and discontent with economic decline. Less obvious for those unfamiliar with Boston geography, Brighton is the neighborhood where the band keeps a practice space. So Guns of Brighton is a nod to the past history of Punk, the current ongoing struggles, and their local roots.
Looking back, the band now seems inevitable. Front man Markie D and drummer Ant had already been playing together for a while in other bands when they decided to start messing around with some Jimmy Cliff covers. They decided to have some fun and met bassist Lee through an ad on Craigslist. After recording a few songs, the band decided they needed another guitar to round out the sound, and Markie D thought of his old friend Mike (formerly of Gang Green). But Mike had already heard the demos, and approached the band about joining up.
The band plays Punk & Roll, forged in Reggae, and soaked in the Boston Punk & Roll sound, with lyrics focused on social justice and action, and riffs that have you humming along the first time through the album, and singing to yourself a good week afterwards. The band put out their first album, "A Selfish Call to Arms" earlier this year. Guns of Brighton have shared the stage with everyone from local favorites The Welch Boys to The Young Dubliners, and this month will even be supporting UK legends "Menace" during their east coast run.
"Like" them on Facebook HERE and get a free MP3 download when you sign up for the mailing list Guns of Brighton at their main page HERE . You can also check out the band's new video for "Heroes of the Past", shot and directed by TJ Welch of the Welch Boys and Sonic Lobotomy, on YouTube HERE
-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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