|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Punk’s Not Dead | 45 Years Tour 2025
Live at the Observatory
March 6, 2025 Review by James Keith
Scottish punkers The Exploited invaded the Observatory for their Punks Not Dead 45 Years Tour and delivered an incredible show many won’t soon forget.
There was absolutely nothing pedestrian about this show from start to finish. From the moment the first band hit the stage, it was an electrifying experience, with raw energy flowing through every part of the venue.
The crowd, the bands, the atmosphere – it all blended together into a night that left no room for dull moments. The excitement and intensity didn’t let up for a second. Honestly, I could see this show every week and never tire of it.
The night kicked off with turducken of Southern California punk bands. First up, Narcoleptic Youth, a band that brought a full force of Southern California punk rock to the stage. Lead vocalist Jay Sinclair, along with the band, didn’t hold back on the aggression, immediately getting the crowd riled up and the pit moving.
The energy was intense and infectious, drawing everyone in, including those who hadn’t necessarily planned on moshing that night. For anyone who hasn’t seen these guys live, trust me, you don’t want to miss out next time they’re in town. They absolutely know how to set the tone and fire things up. It’s always a good time when they’re in the mix.
Next up was Total Chaos, hailing from the heart of Orange County. Despite some car troubles that delayed their arrival, they made sure to make their homecoming a memorable one. Once they hit the stage, the room was on fire. The band didn’t hold back in the slightest, playing with an intensity and speed that pushed the crowd to keep up with them.
The raw, unfiltered energy that Total Chaos brought was a reminder of why Southern California has such a rich history in punk rock.
Their music and presence exuded the spirit of the scene and kept everyone in the venue moving, ensuring that the momentum continued to build.
However, it was D.I. who really stole the show, at least in my opinion. They absolutely crushed every song they played.
From start to finish, Casey Royer brought an overwhelming amount of energy, practically disemboweling the crowd with his non-stop engagement.
It was impossible to take your eyes off him as he moved across the stage, and it felt like he was pulling the audience into the experience with him.
The classics they played – “Amoeba,” “I Hate Surfing in H.B.,” and several others – had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. But what truly made the show special was the sense of community that you could feel in the room.
For those of us who have been a part of the punk scene for a long time, there are few experiences that compare to the magic that happens when you see a show with so much love and respect for the music and the culture. The crowd at this show wasn’t just there to listen to the music – they were there to celebrate the history of punk rock and the people who have been part of it.
From punk legends mingling in the audience, to GBH bassist Ross Lomas coming up on stage to perform with the band, the positivity was infectious. The energy in the venue was a testament to the enduring power of punk rock. You could see the camaraderie and the respect between the musicians and the fans, something that’s often hard to come by in larger, more commercialized venues.
And then, of course, The Exploited hit the stage to close out the night, bringing their legendary Scottish punk to the forefront. Led by the iconic vocalist Wattie Buchan, they didn’t let up for a second. It didn’t matter if you saw them 30 years ago or if this was your first time – The Exploited delivered a performance that was just as raw, fun, and full of energy as it ever was.
They plowed through the crowd favorites, playing anthems like “Punks Not Dead,” “Fuck the USA,” and several others that had everyone in the venue singing along with abandon. Buchan never stopped, pacing the stage and feeding off the crowd’s energy, while the band behind him kept the intensity cranked up to 11.
Their 23-song set also included “Dogs of War,” “The Massacre,” “Chaos Is My Life,” “Noise Annoys,” “Never Sell Out,” “I Believe in Anarchy,” “Beat the Bastards,” “Don’t Forget the Chaos,” and the perfect closer, “Was It Me.”
The pit, of course, was packed and moving with the music, constantly evolving as people surged in and out. It was a total blast, with bodies flying in every direction and everyone just letting loose. What struck me most was the sheer energy that filled the room.
It was like one big celebration of punk rock, and it felt like the crowd was as much a part of the show as the bands themselves. The passion, the chaos, the love for the music—it was all there.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to all the girls and women who were in the pit that night. You F’in rock! There’s something incredibly special about seeing so many women fully immersed in the chaos of a punk show. It adds a unique energy that’s both empowering and inspiring.
To those who regularly come out to shows at places like the Observatory, you already know how incredible it can be. If you don’t attend shows here regularly, though, you’re seriously missing out.
As I said at the start, I could easily see this show every week. The energy, the music, the crowd – it was everything that makes punk rock such a vibrant, exciting, and dynamic community.
It’s shows like this that remind me just how much I love the punk scene. There’s no place like it, and this night was a perfect example of why the punk rock community is unlike any other.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Sean McCracken Photography
<<Swipe To View Photo Gallery>>
TO FOLLOW
SID 250308 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
