Publication Date July 15, 2026
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July 14, 2026UncategorizedSet to Open July 17th
July 14th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Summer vacation, fireworks, warm sunny days. These are just some of the things we associate with July, along with the iconic OC Fair. Established in 1890, the annual fair kicks off this Friday and runs through August 16th. Tickets are on sale now, and fans are anxiously counting down the minutes until this weekend.
I, for one, look forward to the new concert calendar dropping every year. This year is no exception, continuing to bring amazing and diverse music acts.
The festivities will take place at the Action Sports Arena at the Fair and will begin Friday with Sweet Revenge, a tribute to My Chemical Romance. Saturday will be headlined by The Iron Maidens, “the world’s only female tribute to Iron Maiden.” Sunday will feature The Spazmatics, a popular ‘80s cover band. Tickets will include same-day admission to the fair, and unlimited tastings on over 100 craft beers on tap.
Some concert highlights during the OC Fair at the Pacific Amphitheatre: ‘90s alt rock night featuring Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Tonic on July 26th; Cypress Hill with Ozomatli on July 29th; Nelly and Too $hort on August 2nd; John Fogerty on August 5th; and the final evening of the fair finishes off with Steel Pulse and Long Beach Dub All Stars on August 16th. September 5th brings us legends Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and punk icons, X!
When I hear “OC Fair,” the first thing that comes to mind is all the delicious, innovative, and often outrageous foods.
No one is more synonymous with the OC Fair and fried food than Chicken Charlie’s, founded by Charlie Boghosian. The man who gave us the fried Oreo, fried Kool-Aid, and deep-fried avocados is back as always.
This year Chicken Charlie’s will feature a shawarma fry cone and deep‑fried tiramisu exclusive to the fair. Other new creations this year are a peanut butter and jelly bacon cheeseburger from Philly Cheese Steak, Dubai deep‑fried Oreo from Fried Affair, and the croffle, a South Korean croissant pressed in a waffle iron, from Mom’s Bakeshoppe.
If your kids are bored and you don’t want to take out a government loan to take them to a theme park, the Fair has you covered.
From a Ferris wheel, to carousels, to piggies, bumper cars to funhouses, there are literally dozens of rides and carnival games to keep your family busy. Maybe save the deep-fried tiramisu for after the rides.
From art exhibits to four areas of livestock, community dance groups and dozens of vendors, there’s something for the whole family, even your picky Aunt Bertha.
Don’t miss out on everyone’s favorite time of year, but act fast, because much like summer, the OC Fair will be gone before you know it.
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July 14, 2026UncategorizedWrap Up Tour at The Wiltern
July 14th, 2026 by Shane Pase
There’s something fitting about The Damned closing out their Final Damnation 50 tour in Los Angeles at The Wiltern.
On November 17th, the band that helped start British punk 50 years ago will take that stage as, quite possibly, their last U.S. show outside of the occasional festival date down the road.
We all love the iconic band behind “New Rose,” widely considered the first UK punk single, and the first British punk act to release an album and tour the United States. That’s not a small footnote — it means whatever happens at The Wiltern is happening because of a chain of shows that stretches all the way back to the band’s earliest days in the U.S., decades before most of the acts influenced by them even existed.
Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies are still out there doing it, the same three who were part of the band from the start. Over the years they’ve moved through punk, goth, psychedelia, and pop, often shifting sound from one album to the next instead of settling into one lane.
You can hear that range across the catalog — the raw snap of “Neat Neat Neat” and “Smash It Up” sitting alongside the darker, more atmospheric turn of “Grimly Fiendish,” or the surprise pop detour of their cover of “Eloise,” which became one of their biggest hits despite sounding almost nothing like where they started. Somehow all of it still holds up, whether it’s the frantic early stuff or the moodier material that came later.
The tour is billed as Final Damnation, and the band has said plainly why: given how long they’ve been at this, there’s a real chance it’s the last time they bring a full U.S. run of this size. They don’t seem to be treating it like a lap of honor, though. Recent shows find a band playing loose and having fun, mixing deep cuts in with the songs people actually came to hear — a set that pulls from every stretch of their career rather than just leaning on the singles everyone already knows.
As for the venue: The Wiltern suits them well. It’s got some old theater grandeur to it, which fits a band that’s always leaned into a bit of theater, but it’s not so big that the show turns into a spectacle from a distance. It’s a venue with its own history in this city, which makes it a fitting stop for a band that’s spent 50 years building one of its own.
As the final stop on the tour, it’s a good place for things to land. If this really is the end of The Damned’s U.S. touring story, The Wiltern gives it a fitting setting — an LA room with some history of its own, closing out a night with a band that helped start the whole thing. There’s no telling exactly how the band will choose to close things out, but given their track record, expect a set that covers a lot of ground and doesn’t take the moment too seriously, even if everyone in the room does.
The Flamin’ Groovies open the show, rounding out a bill that feels less like a goodbye and more like one last good night out. Whatever comes after November 17th, it will be a show worth being at.
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July 13, 2026UncategorizedPWR/UP North American Tour
July 13th, 2026 by Clara “Amaris” Becker
You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard of AC/DC – and even then, you’d still feel the vibrations from their legendary guitar riffs. Known for iconic hard rock songs that seem to be the highlight of every action film soundtrack released in the past 50 years, the Australian band has just kicked off the North America leg of their PWR/UP tour.
It all traces back 53 years to when Malcolm and Angus Young’s sister Margaret spotted the symbol for power on the back of her sewing machine and suggested it as their name – the spark that created one of the most influential bands in the world.
At 71, Angus is still in his schoolboy uniform, and Brian Johnson has returned to the stage to leave audiences thunderstruck on this tour. Both are accompanied by longtime rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, along with touring members Matt Laug on drums, and Chris Chaney, formerly of Jane’s Addiction, on bass.
Their beloved hits have become anthems and radio staples – “Highway to Hell,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “T.N.T.,” “Thunderstruck,” “Back in Black,” “Moneytalks,” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” for starters. This tour complements their 2020 album “Power Up,” and is bringing a free, two-day pop-up to every city, featuring exclusive merchandise, themed food and drinks, fan photo ops, and ticket giveaways.
Pretty Reckless opens every date, bringing a grittier rock energy that feels like a complement rather than a warm-up act killing time. The New York City-founded band is fresh off the release of their new 14-track album, “Dear God.”
Their fans still can’t get enough of the live version of their monster hit, “Death By Rock And Roll.”
For anyone catching AC/DC for the first time this summer, the songs haven’t changed; their audience has only expanded.
This hard rock and roll band’s music has influenced and caused hearing loss to every generation since their conception, so remember earplugs when you go to their concert!
There are currently no SoCal dates, but if you feel like making a road trip, you can try August 1st in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, or August 5th in San Francisco at Levi’s Stadium.
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July 13, 2026UncategorizedL7’s Jennifer Finch
Diagnosed with Aggressive Brain Cancer
Friends & Family Launch GoFundMe to Help
July 13th, 2026 by Traci Turner
OCMN recently ran an interview with the legendary Donita Sparks of L7, promoting their massive North American trek dubbed The Last Hurrah Tour. Excitement was high for the band and fans alike, despite the tour actually being a farewell. Unfortunately, as the interview was published, news broke that bassist Jennifer Finch would not be available to tour. Now we know the devastating reason why – and we hope fans can help.
Finch is currently undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her initial hope was that the cancer could be treated easily. But “What initially appeared to be a condition that could be addressed through treatment and a full course of radiation has progressed rapidly. Unforeseen complications have required Jennifer to undergo multiple surgeries and have resulted in significant physical limitations. She now requires extensive ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home assistance.”
Finch’s “Bricks Are Heavy” bandmates – Sparks (lead vocals and guitar), Suzi Gardner (guitar), and Demetra Plakas (drums) – released a supportive statement and announced a GoFundMe campaign. The response has been incredible and it is already halfway to its goal thanks to major donors like the band Garbage, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna, Adrienne Armstrong (wife of Green Day’s Billie Joe), and many, many friends and fans.
“We are all devastated by the news and are surrounding her with love,” Sparks said. “Jennifer is family, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years.”
L7 celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Belasco in LA last year, inspiring them to branch out for the upcoming jaunt.
While Finch will not join them, she encouraged the band to go on and fulfill the dates without her. The farewell fall tour will kick off with two nights in San Diego, October 6th and 7th at Casbah, and closes out back home in LA at The Wiltern on November 14th.
If you are unable to donate to the GoFundMe, feel free to leave a message of encouragement on the band’s social media.
TO HELP JENNIFER
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July 12, 2026UncategorizedTHE DEAD MILKMEN
Set to Play at Belly Up Tavern
July 12th, 2026 by Joey Clark
While the ‘80s may be best known for new wave and hair metal, there was no shortage of standout punk bands sprinkled in there as well. The Dead Milkmen, a four piece from Philadelphia, stormed the hardcore punk scene, turning guitarist/vocalist Joe Genaro’s self-made project into quite a phenomenon within a few short years.
Within their own backyard in Philly, the guys – Genaro, Rodney Linderman (vocals, keyboards), Dean Sabatino (drums), and Dave Schulthise (bass – now a role filled by Dan Stevens) made a splash and became regulars on the stages that comprised the city’s punk rock scene. Quickly outgrowing their hometown, the boys spread their wings by touring the United States in search of a larger audience.
The audience did gradually grow with the band’s efforts, but it wasn’t until the release of their 1988 record, “Beelzebubba,” that they found commercial success. The record contained what would be their biggest hit to date, “Punk Rock Girl,” a staple in any half-decent punk rock playlist.
Like any band The Dead Milkmen have had their fair share of hardships – from losing original bassist, David Schulthise, to going on a 13-year break – but they have managed to pick up the pieces and push forward, stronger than ever, with the same passion and dedication to the craft Genaro had decades ago crafting songs at home.
Last year the band released four digital singles with B-sides: “When Daddy Drinks” / “Turning Up the Temperature;” “Where Billionaires Go to Die” / “Engine Flam” / “Welcome to the Show;” “Janitor” / “Baby’s on Fire;” and “Santa Clause is Coming for Your Eyes” / “Here for Now.”
The band is slated to bring their patented flavor of punk rock rife with their purposely heavy Philly accents and unmistakable sense of humor to the Belly Up in San Diego on July 17th.
Opening the night will be San Diego locals, Scary Pierre, a band “driven by a darkly infectious post-punk sound with a hedonistic rock ‘n’ roll streak. It’s loud, yet irresistibly danceable music for dark times.”
Tickets for this Friday’s show are selling fast, so to ensure you get your punk fill, buy your tickets now!
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July 9, 2026UncategorizedTHE ROLLING STONES
Drop New Album “Foreign Tongues”
July 10th, 2026 by Amaris Becker
Sixty-three years after their first single, the Rolling Stones just dropped a new album, and it proves once and for all: things only get better with age.
The Stones are best known for their larger-than-life songs that defined a generation. This band has done it all. Their sonic magic ranges from monster radio hits to songs heard on tv commercials and the big screen.
Songs we have all heard at some point in our lives that are Stones classics include, “Beast of Burden,” “Honky Tonk Woman,” “Start Me Up,” ” Satisfaction,” “Under My Thumb,” “She’s So Cold,” “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” and “Paint It, Black.” Ask any of their fans and they will tell you that it is the way they have lived their lives that made them legends.
“Foreign Tongues” was produced by Andrew Watt, the same mind behind their 2023 Grammy-winning album “Hackney Diamonds” and recorded in their hometown of London at Metropolis Studios over one-month. The album just dropped today!
The album was recorded live on the floor, with the excitement and emotion of the musicians coming through in every track.
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, two men who’ve been arguing musically for over 60 years, still haven’t run out of things to say to each other on this 14-track record, with Ronnie Wood there to witness it all.
Guest credits include Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, The Cure’s Robert Smith, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The late Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021, is remembered on track eight, “Hit Me in the Head,” which features one of his final drum sessions.
It’s a striking touch: a band confronting its own mortality, the effects of long-term fame, and the rockstar lifestyle throughout the album, is propelled forward by their longtime friend and creative collaborator’s drumming.
It holds everything that makes a Stones record great, and it couldn’t have been made by any other band.
“Foreign Tongues” retains the classic political elements of the ’60s and ’70s, taking jabs at Musk-style moguls and autocrats throughout the album, and overall, it just sounds like a Rolling Stones album.
After listening to the album approximately three times in the past 24 hours it’s been released, I have declared it the soundtrack to my summer. And I will not apologize, but I will warn my friends: you will be hearing a lot of the Stones this summer.
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July 9, 2026UncategorizedPUBLIC IMAGE LTD
This is Not The Last Tour
IS COMING TO SOCAL
July 9th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
There is nothing better than listening to a band that not only produces music that represents a cultural and musical insurrection, on top of all that, one that truly gives us something to dance to.
From their initial influence of the late ‘70s in the U.K. to becoming a household name in the world of pop-rock, John Lydon and Public Image Ltd. shaped the minds of the generations that followed.
Not only has this band never been content to live in the past, the quartet’s commanding stage presence and unique vocal delivery creates an atmosphere that is far more than just a concert.
This is Not…The Final PiL Tour will allow you to celebrate the innovative band’s four decades of trademark wittiness, reinvention, and refusal to be defined – all which remain as distinctive today as when they first emerged in ‘78.
For the first time in eight years, PiL is set to tour North America, with multiple California stops. The entire tour launches September 3rd in Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriet’s, stops on September 8th at The Observatory in Santa Ana, pops up to The Belasco in Los Angeles on September 10th, swings back down to San Diego on September 11th with a stop at House of Blues, then covers the US before closing out in Nashville on October 9th.
Although there are plenty of concerts on their 42-show itinerary, multiple dates are sold out already, so tickets are going quickly.
You can expect to hear post-punk groovy songs from albums like “Happy?,” “9,” and their newest project from ‘25, “End of World.” Their powerful, experimental style that drove the popularity of Lydon’s previous band, Sex Pistols, is as unforgettable as the O.G. punk movement itself. While PiL’s sound has shifted over the years, their avant-grade fusion of pop, rock, punk, and folk greatly defines the ever-evolving works of musical pioneers during a conceptual time of identity-seeking.
Every performance is more than a nostalgia act; it also embraces the future of music with their rare ability to echo timeless artistry through intense, adventurous sound. From the opening notes to the final encore, it’s an immersive experience where people will come together as one to appreciate the band’s restless spirit and creative freedom.
Instead of taking a snooze and losing out on your chance to see them perform live, go buy your tickets, pack your cars, and get your PTO, because F.O.M.O. is real. This will easily be the tour of a lifetime and you don’t want to be a square by not being there.
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July 8, 2026UncategorizedANNOUNCES FALL TOUR
July 8th, 2026 by Traci Turner
In news many outside of California thought they would never hear, Oingo Boingo frontman Danny Elfman has confirmed dates for a North American tour! The fall trek has Elfman packing up the tour bus in support of a forthcoming rock album, his first solo album since “Big Mess” in 2021.
The tour kicks off September 7th in Chicago, hits the Midwest and East Coast, then wraps up in California with two dates up north: October 3rd in San Francisco, and October 4th in Sacramento – technically at the Aftershock Festival.
Our Pumpkin King for so many years in SoCal became Mr. Fancy Pants Composer and brought us film scores and soundtracks for “Beetlejuice,” “Batman,” “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Good Will Hunting,” “To Die For,” “Spider-Man,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and about 5,362,087 others.
After leaving Boingo, many thought we would never see Elfman on stage again. But in 2013 Elfman returned for “Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton,” performing music from 15 of Burton’s films in new arrangements.
Then, in 2015, Elfman made the Hollywood Bowl home for Halloween when he was joined by an orchestra and performed “The Nightmare Before Christmas” musical score along to the film.
With last year being the 10th anniversary, Elfman reprised his singing role as Jack Skellington for a live performance, joined by Janelle Monáe, Keith David, and John Stamos.
Elfman has also ventured out further performance-wise, leading himself back to the Boingo days with “Danny Elfman: From Boingo to Batman to Big Mess to Beyond!” which he debuted at Coachella in 2022.
We are expecting to hear some of our Boingo favorites; “Dead Man’s Party,” “Grey Matter,” “Only a Lad,” or “Weird Science,” perhaps?
Joining Elfman for the tour will be some incredible musicians you may have heard of: Robin Finck on guitar (Nine Inch Nails), his bandmate Josh Freese on drums (Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters), Matt McJunkins on bass (A Perfect Circle), and Nili Brosh on guitar (Dethklok).
A ticket presale is on now and the general on sale begins tomorrow at 10 a.m. local time.
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July 7, 2026UncategorizedRAMONES
50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
July 7th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
They were mad, bad, and dangerous to know and yet, we still can’t get enough of the most notorious punk band of all time, RAMONES-mania is legit! As we know them – Tommy, Johnny, Joey, Dee-Dee, and a lot of Marky – the bandmates went by their collective last name RAMONE. With their debut album turning 50, it’s time for a gathering of the faithful at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
It’s hard to believe, but 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ramones’ debut LP. The album launched the band into the punkosphere with mega-hits “Judy Is a Punk,” “Beat on the Brat,” “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” and the punk anthem, “Blitzkrieg Bop. Since then, the band has put out life-defining songs that mean so many things to so many people worldwide.
Announcing the big celebration, Johnny Ramone posted: “On August 30th, Ramones Productions and Hollywood Forever invite you to Hollywood Forever Cemetery in LA for a special concert and double feature screening, presented by John Travolta.”
It went on, “For the first time, Tim Armstrong, Billie Joe Armstrong, Travis Barker, and CJ Ramone will join forces as Cretin Family to perform Ramones songs together. The night also features a screening of the 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘Carrie’ alongside Travolta’s ‘Propeller One-Way Night Coach,’ plus a DJ set by Shepard Fairey and surprise guests.”
As if the celebration was not enough, the performance from Cretin Family is a canot miss event! The supergroup featuring Billie Joe Armstrong, blink-182’s Travis Barker, Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, and Ramones bassist C.J. Ramone aren’t exactly an act you can catch on tour any time! You don’t have to go far to hear RAMONES influence in bLink, Green Day or Rancid!
The event will take place August 30th at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Proceeds from the show will benefit Dr. David Agus’ cancer research at Ellison Institute Research Foundation.
Tickets are on sale now. Seriously, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
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July 6, 2026UncategorizedCelebrates 90 Years with a Tour
July 6th, 2026 by Joey Clark
Buddy Guy isn’t throwing in the towel just yet folks; he’s back on the road to celebrate his 90th birthday with a full North American tour! We thought the bluesman had used the 2024 Damn Right Farewell Tour as a poignant way of announcing his retirement from the road.
Thankfully, it seems that you can’t hold back the nine-time Grammy Award winner as he pushed on to do the Damn Right Encore tour just last year. I think it’s safe to say we can all appreciate the change of heart from the seasoned musician.
Age does not seem to faze the legend from Louisiana in the slightest. Guy can often be witnessed performing flawlessly one-handed on his signature, polka dot Stratocaster in the middle of a crowd – all as he takes a shot of his favorite indulgence, a shot of cognac.
Guy is also continuing to rack up awards in his later years as his ninth Grammy was awarded just this year for his 20th studio record, “Ain’t Done with the Blues.” Talk about a man who won’t quit!
Guy’s tenacity and passion for music is nothing short of awe inspiring.
From humble beginnings working the cotton fields in his youth and learning guitar on a two-stringed diddley bow, to becoming a pioneer in blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipient, one of a select few musicians to be a Kennedy Center honoree, Buddy Guy is truly one of a kind.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this legend in person!
The 30-date tour will span the course of three months and he will stop in SoCal at the Hollywood Bowl on September 9th, and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego on September 11th.
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July 5, 2026UncategorizedTHERE NEAR TOUR COMING TO SOCAL
July 5th, 2026 by Kim Scirotto
Southern California residents are in for a three-day treat with the return of the proto-grunge pioneers, Dinosaur Jr. In October, the band will make stops in Solana Beach, Anaheim, and Los Angeles in support of their new album, “There Near.” The tour will cover most of North America from July to November, so we will all have a chance to hear their classic hits plus new material!
Dinosaur Jr. first came on the scene in 1984 and founded by J Mascis (vocals, guitar), Lou Barlow (bass), and Murph (drums). From their inception, the trio implemented their now inspirational blend of ‘80s alternative rock and callbacks to ‘60s and ‘70s guitar effects that became the blueprint for lead guitar making a comeback in indie and alternative rock. Along with the Pixies, Dinosaur Jr. helped usher in grunge and revitalize alternative rock in the ‘90s.
The fortunate fans will hear Dinosaur Jr.’s greatest hits, such as the iconic “Freak Scene,” their most-defining song which also became the cornerstone of the grunge genre. Fans can also expect to hear staples like mainstream hit, “Feel the Pain,” and their most notable guitar riff filled song, “The Wagon.”
When we saw them open for Weezer in 2024, the cheers were almost as loud as the band during the shredding guitar solo at the end of “Feel the Pain,” and their cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” was a standout.
The band’s upcoming album, “There Near” will drop August 28th and so far, they have given us a tease with the single “Several Got Away.”
While Band of Horses will lend support on the first portion of the tour, Stef Chura takes over before the SoCal dates and will be on hand October 11th at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, October 15th at House of Blues Anaheim, and October 16th in Los Angeles at The Bellwether.
The SoCal venues chosen for these dates are ideal to host the grunge mavericks. Belly Up Tavern boasts a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a classic rock feel and excellent acoustics that make it ideal for the distortion laden band! The House of Blues is also a fantastic location for the heavy effects of their guitars with its energetic, festival like feeling and arena level acoustics and sound system!
The Bellwether in Los Angeles remains a worthy contender among these music venues with their dichotomy of an intimate setting with the loud and dynamic sound quality of a larger venue.
These shows will not be ones to miss, so get your tickets now!
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July 2, 2026Uncategorized& Friends Live at Garden Amp
July 2nd, 2026 Review by Bruce R Kilgour
Orange County was treated to one of the most stacked lineups in recent history with six of the best punk and rockabilly outfits Southern California has to offer. In one of their few shows scheduled in 2026, Salton Sea’s Throw Rag brought along a band they have shared many bills with, Huntington Beach based The Grabbers.
Also on the main stage for this packed Garden Amp show were Fullerton’s Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets and, all the way from San Diego, The Plagues. The intimate Locker Room – the small space in the backstage area of the venue – was also put to great use on this evening, hosting sets from Bourbon Saints, Get In Loser, and The Fryin’ Saucers.
Kicking things off on the main stage were The Plagues, whose 11-song set drew entirely from their 2023 LP “High Crimes & Cheap Lines.” Highlights included “Don’t Tell Me,” “Straight Shooter,” and the furious closing song, “Suicide.”
Bourbon Saints were next up in the Locker Room, and opener “Fire Breathin’ Preacherman” set the tone for a frantic nine-song set.
That song, and six others from their 2023 album “Black Heart Blues” were performed along with the two excellent 2024 singles “Open Casket” and “Hand Over Hemorrhaging Heart.” Original members Arturo Trujillo on vocals and guitarist Chuck Poquette had the room rocking.
Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets is truly an all-star punk band, featuring members that have been in Joyride, Adolescents, Cadillac Tramps, T.S.O.L., Mink Daggers, and more.
The band’s furious nine-song set was mostly split between tracks from their 2019 debut album, “Shake, Stomp and Stumble,” and their 2025 LP, “Bastards & Broken Hearts.”
The sole song from their second album, “Under the Neon Heat” – “Halfway to Whole” – was appropriately performed in the middle of their set. Vocalist Antista, guitarist Frank Agnew, bassist Warren Renfrow, and drummer Jorge E. Disguster delivered a full-throttle set of old-school punk to an enthusiastic crowd.
Costa Mesa based band Get In Loser played a fast and fun set in the Locker Room to a packed crowd that appeared to be filled with friends, family, and LOTS of younger fans. John on guitar, vocalist Mad Mike, bassist Marty Bobo, and Bates on drums are an engaging bunch, mixing humorous banter with their catchy punk pop tunes.
The Grabbers have released only two LPs since forming 33 years ago. The Huntington Beach band played all but two songs from their 1993 debut album, “The Way I Am,” during a frantic 15-song set. Two songs from the “Huntington Beach Vs. The World” EP (also from 1993) rounded out the show.
Opening with “Kodac Moment” and “The Days of Wine and Roses,” vocalist Tommy Macke prowled the stage with his trademark intensity.
The band is comprised of longtime members Rue Rivera on drums, Stever Rapp on bass, and Rob Milucky and Maurice Torres on guitars. Closing the set with “The Way I Am” and a blazing “So It Seems,” the band showed why they have lasted three decades. It’s been a while since The Grabbers played in Orange County, and their fans were truly appreciative to have them back.
Closing out the Locker Room was the highly anticipated set from The Fryin’ Saucers, a band of Southern California rockabilly veterans anchored by the legendary drummer Bill Bateman (of The Blasters) and Jonny Ray Bartel (from The Red Devils and The Knitters) on bass and vocals.
Joined by guitarists Anthony Ennen and Lando Howl, this relatively new outfit has done just a few shows, but play as if they’ve been together forever.
Their blistering 12-song set was comprised mainly of ‘50s Sun Records era rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll covers. Early set highlights were “Mad Man” and the Big Joe Turner classic, “Honey Hush.” Bartel has been wowing fans with his stand-up bass for over four decades, and Bateman is well known for his stints in The Blasters, The Red Devils, and The Cramps.
“Flyin’ Saucers Rock ‘n’ Roll,” a groundbreaking 1957 song by Billy Lee Riley was simply incendiary, and presumably where this band got its name. Ennen and Howl traded licks at breakneck speed for 35 straight minutes. Fryin’ Saucers are a must-see new band.
Shortly after 9 p.m., the mighty Throw Rag launched into a frantic “Swingset Superman” from their 2005 LP “13 ft. and Rising.”
They followed with crowd favorites “Bag of Glue” and “Hang Up” from their second album “Desert Shores” before taking a break so that vocalist “Captain” Sean Wheeler could say hello to his adoring fans.
Longtime members Francis Cronin (bass), Daniel Lapham (rhythm guitar), and Patrick Bostrom (lead guitar) were joined by Jorge E. Disguster on drums on this evening.
A cover of the obscure 1967 song “Mini-Skirt Blues” (which was also covered by The Cramps) followed, then a few tracks from their last two albums. Cronin then grabbed his keytar for “Space Hump Me” in which he joined Wheeler on vocals. “3-D Cross” and “Radio Romantica” were next, followed by “Demons” and “Beast in Me.”
Wheeler had been extremely talkative throughout the set and engaging the crowd so often resulted in a few songs being cut from the prepared setlist.
Time remained, however, for a rousing cover of “Please Don’t Touch,” a 1959 novelty hit by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.
Let’s hope that Throw Rag hits the stage more often in the near future, as their energetic show is as exciting as ever!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
TO FOLLOW
SID 260702 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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