Musink 2013 – Bad Religion – The Vandals – Guttermouth – and Assuming We Survive – at The Orange County Fairgrounds – Costa Mesa, CA

Musink 2013 opened its doors to tune of an overcast Costa Mesa afternoon and a massive line formed outside the festival gates full of fans ready to partake in all that Musink had to offer. As soon as the gates opened it was apparent to all those in attendance they would be in for a day filled with amazing tattoos, libations, clothing vendors, art vendors, food, skateboarding, and music.

 

The main convention building housed hundreds of tattoo artist, festival attendees, and vendors. With all that there was to do for day one of the festival it fell upon each individual attendee to choose how to make Musink their own unique experience; it was that same freedom to choose that made day one of Musink 2013 so conducive to spirit of the festival.

Musink was not just about tattoos and music as the name indicates, it also served as place for people to get the organization they represent. Mike of F C Cancer Foundation (Fuck Cancer) was one of those people. According to fxckcancer.org F C Cancer Foundation's mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness and to educate about early cancer detection, ultimately putting an end to late stage cancer diagnosis. Mike went further to state that “one of the cool things we do for those afflicted by cancer is allow them a chance to experience a wish or dream of their choosing.”

One other grass roots company that was in attendance of Musink was Black Craft who was represented by the company’s owners Bobby Schubenski, and Jim Somers. Their company products include coffee, clothing, candles, and even iPhone Case’s all with a metal/gothic-esque inspired syle.

Like the Musink moniker suggests tattoos are a hug part of the festival. It seemed as if from the moment the festival gates opened ink was being applied to canvas and the body art that has its historical roots in human history dating as far back as 3000 B.C. was being exhibited on a major scale in Costa Mesa for day one of Musink. Scott of Explicit Ink located in Fullerton, CA had a positive outlook of Musink as a whole and believed it to be a chance for him to network, meet new clientele, and see Pennywise perform on day two of Musink.

Tattoo of the day went to Chase who received a tattoo portrait from Allan Rivera representing Renaissance Studios opening in San Clemente, CA on April 6th.

Musical performances for day one of Musink started off with Assuming We Survive from Rancho Cucamonga , CA. Joe Lawson a long time guitarist for Assuming We Survive who has been with the band since its establishment in 2007 described his band as having a Pop-Punk style with a heavy metal influence.

Prior to going on stage Lawson openly admitted to having a nervous energy which was no doubt due at least in part that his band would be opening for the likes of Guttermouth, The Vandals, and Bad Religion. As soon as Assuming We Survive took the stage they took control of the crowd that was slowly trickling into the building. Delivering a style that was all their own Assuming We Survive did more than survive, they brought the energy needed to warm of the crowd for the bands to follow.

Guttermouth a band that to even a passive Punk Rock fan needs no introduction, and in speaking with the crowd prior the Guttermouth taking stage it seemed as if each audience member had their own experience of spending time with different band members. Two fans in particular; Ryan Padilla and Bryan Morales each regaled their own stories of how in past they both partied with Mark Adkins. It was that kind of personable energy that Guttermouth brought to the stage from the moment the first guitar chord was played.

Adkins informed an audience member who said the band sucked “We suck? Well there is the door.” Once the tempo of the music picked up pace the audience responded in kind, and a first circle pit of the night formed. The rest of Guttermouth's performance only picked up pace, Adkins shirt ripped, and they ended on a note that set the stage for The Vandals, and thanked the audience for a good show.

The Vandals were up next, and the crowd’s anticipation was heightened from the Guttermouth performance only minutes before. David Quackenbush walked on stage and with true veteran musician foresight understood that the crowd was more than ready for them to start playing, he took the initiative and got band started. The Vandals wasted no time, and quickly opened up with the pure Punk guitar riffs the band is known for.

The Vandal’s Crown favorites like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Oi to the World” were included in the rest of the bands performance; keeping the crowd energetic and ready for Bad Religion to finish up day one of Musink 2013 festivities.

Bad Religion was the next and last band of the night. Though the stage lighting was dim, it was bright enough to see the bands silhouette admits the cloud of smoke and steam that caked the room. Greg Graffin was the second man to come onto the stage, and in seeing his familiar figure, the audience became momentarily silent right before the band started playing some of their classics like: “A Walk,” “Infected,” “No Direction”, “No Control,” and “21st Century Digital Boy.”

Graffin took time to joke with the audience about how if he were to get a tattoo of an Anchor on his right shoulder that Musink 2013 would be the ideal place to get one. Following the brief tattoo conversation Graffin introduced “True North” the first track off of the band’s new album “True North.”

After a well-received set list, Bad Religion left the stage and the audience dispersed with eclectic conversations of what day two of Musink would entail ushering a fitting end to day one of Musink 2013.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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