TSOL and Dj Gonzo and Low Life Sound System Pool Party – at Gold Spike Hotel – Las Vegas, NV

With the weekend winding down money and beer may have been running out, but excitement was in abundance. The Gold Spike Casino hosted what could have easily been one of the highest anticipated shows of Punk Rock Bowling.  For one it was free and second it was T.S.O.L. what more could be desired?

Early arrival was suggested, and those waking up from hangovers found out they were not the only ones in town trying to get in. With a line down the street and around the corner nearly an hour before the show began, Punks were being turned away as the pool had reached capacity early on.

Those of us fortunate enough to make it in were treated to a Punk rock paradise complete with bikini clad tattooed goddesses and mohawks. DJ Gonzo and Low Life Sound System once again set the tone as the annual belly flop contest was underway and ice cold Pabst Blue Ribbon flowed like the beads of water on the backs and foreheads of those splashing away in the once clear blue pool.

Friends reunited and shared war stories of the night before all the while dancing and drinking as Dj Gonzo spun everything from Manic Hispanic to Sister Nancy and Roger Rivas. With the sun beating down, scattered drunken chants for T.S.O.L. dotted the poolside and adjacent Balcony as the anticipation continued to rise. Now fully liquored up and the pool a foggy light greenish color the time for chaos was upon us. Appearing to a hero’s ovation T.S.O.L. started in with their usual fucking hilarious selves and made note as to the line around the corner but no line for the bathroom to which Punks frolicking in the pool sarcastically cheered.

Launching into their set the pool was a whirlpool as folks uncontrollably dove in and splashed and slammed away to the bands many hit songs dating back decades. Maybe it was the pool or the sun but the band performed with a overpowering sense of joy and excitement to which the crowd gave back in spades, plus the announcement of Jack Grisham’s recent engagement made for celebration all around.

As the show progressed beautifully the sun was going to make its presence known for more than tan lines and sunburns. As the band continued towards the latter part of their set the power strip began to overheat and cut off power mid way through several songs. Dj Gonzo came to the rescue on several occasions but even the circumstances were out of his hands and as a small drunken contingent began to hiss and boo Jack Grisham quickly reminded them “What the fuck do you want? It’s a free show” squashing any remote sense of disappointment in its place.

As T.S.O.L. launched into their final song “Code Blue” the energy was unbearable so much so that as the power once again cut out. However, the band continued on as everyone raised their fists and sang at the top of their lungs with Jack. “I wanna fuck I wanna fuck the dead!” echoed the enclosed poolside paradise and nearby streets as onlookers peered on in jealousy. This party was truly worth the wait and sunburns for all to see later that evening as the final night of the festival was up next for the dedicated many..

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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