Battalion of Saints – The Riot Kids – Tanked – Bedlam – and Clarence Boddicker – at Jerry’s Pizza – Bakersfield, CA

Last Friday night in Downtown Bakersfield the Punk scene gathered at the legendary Jerry's Pizza for a much anticipated, all ages, special reunion gig featuring Clarence Boddicker, Bedlam, Tanked, The Riot Kids, and Battalion of Saints.

Jerry's Pizza is an independently owned pizza and beer joint that has been bringing badass, all-age, Punk gigs to Bakersfield for  more than 20's years. While Jerry's may not see as many Punk shows as it  did back in the 90's, there are at least a good handful of great old school Punk acts that still come through every year.

Clarence Boddicker was added to the bill last minute, which literally meant every local punk band in Bakersfield would be playing this gig. They performed a loud fast paced set, that also set the pace for drinking obscene amounts of beer.

Bedlam was up next, headed by Guilli Munster Garcia. These mutherfuckers open up for every decent Punk band that comes into town and I always seem to miss their set. Tonight I wanted to make sure I caught it. I had heard that they kicked ass, and considering that they could give a fuck about making CDs, I was determined to catch their performance and finally hear them. I have to say I was impressed. It was thrash with a hard-core edge and all the Crust-Punks showed their loyalty by singing along and slamming into each other throughout their time on stage. Their set included songs such as "Rabies Pot Pies", Hunting for Crites", and "Funeral Car Wash".

Tanked started as a Punk cover band featuring all original members of 90's Punk band "Active Ingredients". It wasn't long before these guys started writing their own material. They brought a Motorhead style element to the show and played songs about drinking beer, fighting and living in the shitty Dustbowl. Tanked will be releasing their first full-length alum in a few months on 12" color vinyl that will include a free digital download of the album.

The moment that many had flocked to Jerry's for was upon us. The Riot Kids is a band that formed in 1997. They were East side Punk kids still in and right out of High School, mostly playing Southern and Central California. They made a name for themselves opening for bands like DOA, T.S.O.L, Fear, Adolescents, RKL and Youth Brigade. As soon as they made their way on stage, the basement filled up with drunk Punx primed to fuck some shit up! This would be the first time in 10 yrs all original members would share a stage together and prove they still had what it takes put on legit Hard-Core show. Not sure how much practice time they actually had, considering that vocalist Oliver Dropper lives in Oregon now. Regardless, they sounded damn good. At one point Benny shredded on guitar so hard his strap broke, but no big deal as he duct taped the strap back, the band didn't even miss a beat.  Dropper's interaction held the attention of the crowd. As they sang along with him, it was obvious everyone still remembered their songs. The shallow basement room became a scene of chaos and pitting. Their set list included songs such as  "Hot Rod" and Dealing with Jocks"  from their first album "Here Now, Here Forever" as well as "Evolutionary Times" from their second album titled "Deprograming Man Made Evil"

The Riot Kids covered Pennywise's Bro hymn, and while I have felt like I could go the rest of my life with out hearing this song (and I have felt this way for at least  the last 10 years). There was a sense of nostalgia in the audience as everyone locked arms around their brother's and sister's necks singing in remembrance to all the homies that didn't make it out alive. They mentioned Mikey Murdock amongst others that are truly missed in the downtown Punk scene. It was a highlight of the set and the most I have ever enjoyed hearing that song. ( and hopefully it will be the last)

Spirits were high and the adrenaline was flowing in the pit, a combination that usually ends in some kind of altercation, tonight would not be an exception to the rule. Apparently some asshole got stupid, and a fight ensued leaving a few 86'd. But hey, whats a good Punk show with out a fight.

The mention of Battalion of Saints performing was met with some criticism from many Punk purists, being that George Anthony is the only one original member of the band. Shit happens! True, some dynamics may change in a band without certain members, but give it a chance before you talk shit. Battalion of Saints killed it! Anthony's stage presence and vocals were filled with vivacity and his band complimented him with an equally energetic, tight performance.

They opened their set with "Beefmaster" and also played fan favs such as "Hells Around The Corner", "Through With You" and closed with "Second Coming". This gig was exactly what I crave when I am planning to attend a Punk show. Cheap beer and pizza, Punks, fist fights, familiar faces, loud hard fast music, and a good pit. All the elements were there, what a great night!
 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

-J.Moncrief.-

Big Wheel Staff Reporter

                   

 

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