Continental with The Aviators – at B Ryders – Bakersfield, CA

Life on the road can be tough: most of the time your broke, out of gas and have no place to rest your head at night. Thankfully, if you're in a rock 'n' roll band, a guitar case will do the trick. With many years of experience in the industry (too many to count) and a van he calls home, Ex-Dropkick Murphy guitarist Rick Barton told many tales of roadworn adventure last Friday night at B Ryder's with his Boston Folk-Punk band Continental.

 

The opening act was Bakersfield-based Hard Rock act The Aviators. The release of their first album, "Premium Rock & Roll," created a considerable buzz around town as fans have shown local support that will undoubtedly expand as they continue to perform. Their classic rock sound is straight from the '80s and makes it hard to believe that these guys are only in their 20s. Unknowing listeners might expect to look up and see permed hair and leather pants, but it seems they've purposely strayed away from the cliche rockstar appearence. Their style is simple -- just jeans and a t-shirt. Not the roughest looking bunch, but their lead singer makes up for it with his innate ability to work the stage.

Photo by Breanna Fields

They started off the night with an explosive cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Rosie." It was a decision that was made just minutes before taking the stage -- their second choice, "Rock N' Roll," would have gone over just as well, but it was refreshing to hear a cover that isn't played as often. The energy of the room was alive during their set as they ripped into AC/DC influenced material flavored with their lead guitarist's skilled riffs and solos.

Photo by Breanna Fields

On the other side of the stage the rhythm guitarist and bassist were in their corner grooving to the beat of their "new" drummer. Having joined the band only a year ago, The Aviator's sound is already tighter and it doesn't hurt that the ladies seem to love him. 

B Ryer's has always been an ideal place to hit on a friday night. The crowd was gathered around the bar and others at the pool table while The Avaitors ended their set. There was a brief intermission for Continental to haul their gear onstage. It was apparent from the start that they were a hard working rock 'n' roll band. With no roadies in sight, it was all about putting on the best show under the given circumstances.

Meanwhile, the audience got a good look at the band onstage. Tattoos? Check. Sleeveless t-shirts? Check. Looks like a legitimate rock 'n' roll band to me. They certainly played like it. Their style ranged from Hillbilly-Country to full blown Punk Rock. They're the kind of band you might expect to see on the bill at The Hootenanny along with Reverand Horton Heat and Old Man Markley. 

Photo by Breanna Fields

The band originally formed in Quincy, MA after Barton's son, Stephen Barton, suggested that his old man start a group when he heard a solo recording from 2009. Now playing bass in the band, Stephen has embarked on a three month tour with his father that will end in September. Their current tour dates span all over the country from bars to concert halls. 

After pounding through a few numbers including "Hey Baby," which was dedicated to all the "good looking chicks," "Motherfuckin' Dogfight" and "Right By Side," they changed the pace for an impromptu acoustic set. The band members left the stage leaving Barton in the spotlight with his guitar. Strumming through an emotional piece, he went on to say that he's really there to play the songs for himself. He doesn't mind if people listen or not.

Photo by Breanna Fields

It's moments like these the set apart true musicians. There are people that play for the girls or throw a group together to just be onstage; others spend years honing their craft, sweat, blood tears and all the rest. They have a story to tell and it's through song that it is shared. Those moments make all the long nights on tour worth it when the road seems to stretch on for days.

 

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Breanna Fields-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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