Screeching Weasel – The Queers – and Toys That Kill – at The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

A collision of Pop Punk and Hardcore fans made their way to the Fonda Theatre last night for a raging performance by headliner Screeching Weasel along with legendary act The Queers and Toys That Kill.

A line formed outside of the venue just before 7 p.m., when doors were opened.

Rockers with sleeveless jackets, Mohawks and tattoos filtered through security and entered into a theater with immaculate architectural design. Just like many shows at The Fonda, classic art met Punk Rock with a stage set up for a furious show and the surreal painting of bodies interlaced with musical instruments on the walls.

The curtains were drawn as Toys That Kill took the stage with much anticipation from the crowd. The San Pedro-based Punk rock band formed from previous group F.Y.P. that split in 1999. They have toured Japan, Europe and numerous cities in the U.S. bringing their own flavor to new and diehard fans of their previous band. The member’s Pop-Punk leanings secured the attention of the audience. With its enormous potential, Toys That Kill will undoubtedly continue to perform with musical mastery and make the bill as a must-see.

After each performance the curtains would close and the crowd would dissipate for a momentary intermission that allowed enough time to grab a beer from the bar. Merchandise tables were set up in the entryway of the theater where fans were gathered and had the chance to meet some of the band members after their sets would conclude. The down-to-Earth element of Punk shows seem to work in the favor of fans as often times band members walk among the crowd as if to say, “There’s no difference between the two of us.” That sentiment makes the culture a safe-haven for all of the rebels and outcasts of society – the people that want to lose themselves and bash the night away in a mosh-pit; sweat pouring from their bodies.

The Queers put on a lively performance and were undoubtedly a crowd favorite. Fists raised into the air as they ripped through tracks like “Fuck the World”, “Like a Parasite", and cover The Angry Samoans' "My Old Mans A Fatso".  The crowd was singing (or yelling) along to “I Only Drink Bud” with a cup in their hands. Lead vocalist Joe King a.k.a. Joe Queer announced that they would have a couple of special guests, Rikki Styxx of Alice Bag who played drums for Punk Rock Girl and then later Richie Ramone of The Ramones for a couple songs.

The Queers strummed through three tracks with Richie and played songs like “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” and the surf-Punk tune “Rockaway Beach.” Richie proved that he still had the magic touch after all these years. Pounding away with precision, his beats were solid and created a surreal experience for fans of The Ramones.

The Queers instrumental contributions were fast-paced and as in-your-face as it gets with simple chords progressions that said it all. A fan was wearing a leather jacket that had The Ramones and The Beach Boys embroidered in bold text on the back. The combination of the two would describe The Queers sound accurately; its sing-a-long, Punk Rock ‘n’ roll.

   Enjoy this video overview of the show you missed


Chicago’s Screeching Weasel was next on stage and by this time the crowd was warmed up and ready for their performance. Formed in 1986 the band has endured line-up changes and break-ups, but they have weathered the worst and survived. Ben Foster, who’s stage name is Ben Weasel, has been there from the beginning.

Foster was the founding member of the band which came about after he went to a Ramones concert. Their Ramones influence was apparent along with Pop-oriented lyricism that was present throughout.  Their set was relentless and charged with energy. They spat out songs like "Ding Bat", “Hey Suburbia” and “My Right” as the audience flooded to the front to get the best view.

With all of the aggression let loose Sunday night, there was a slight danger for those situated around the edges of the general admission floor space. It’s a risk that you take and after being slammed into and drenched in beer (while wearing my brand new t-shirt) a lesson was learned.  Surprisingly, there were quite a few females in attendance that made us proud by braving it with the boys and throwing themselves into a mix of flailing arms and muscular torsos. Toward the end of their set the band walked offstage unannounced, but everyone knew what was next.

People were stomping rapidly on the floor as they demanded an encore. The audience chanted “weasel, weasel, weasel” in unison. The band acknowledged this and played an encore that last well-over 15 minutes.

The end had come to another Punk Rock celebration, but it will surely not be the last for Screeching Weasel.




 

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Breanna Fields-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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