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ROUND FOUR

GUTTERFEST

Live at Garden Amp

July 23rd, 2025 by Todd Markel

The fourth annual Gutterfest made its raucous return to The Garden Amp in Garden Grove, its home for the past three years. With 12 bands spread across five hours and two stages, the intimate Locker Room and the open-air amphitheater, this DIY punk rock mini-festival brought out fans of all ages. Headlined once again by the fest’s namesake, Guttermouth, the event proved why it’s become a beloved summer tradition. This marked my third year attending, and I was ready for whatever madness the night had in store.

The doors opened at 2 p.m. under bright summer skies, and early birds were treated to opening sets on both stages. Inside the Locker Room, Cubicle kicked things off with their clever tagline: “Working in offices during the day and playing Hollywood clubs by night.” Meanwhile, San Diego’s folk-punk band Quel Bordel! got things started on the mainstage, delivering their world-punk sound with high energy and a standout violinist who gave their set a unique flair.

At Gutterfest, you could either stake out a good seat in the amphitheater or bounce between stages, like I did, chasing as many sets as possible. The Locker Room offered close-up chaos, while the amphitheater brought the big sound and crowd energy.

Next up in the Locker Room, The Clowns, a band I’d heard about, but was finally seeing live for the first time. Dressed in full clown regalia, with colorful satin outfits and pancake-white makeup, they tore through songs like “Pie Hole,” “I Hate You,” and “Clown Down” as a circle pit erupted just inches from the band.

Back outside, the clown theme continued with Das Klown, whose singer A.J. Randsdell was celebrating his birthday but forwent his usual big red clown nose. With punk royalty Frank Agnew Jr. and Brian Kelly on guitars, the band amped things up with songs like “Big Words,” “Dark Robot,” and their closer “Time Bomb.” Their gritty energy set the tone for the evening.

Meanwhile, A.D.D. (Another Damn Disappointment) was throwing down in the Locker Room. I first saw these boys back in 2005, and they haven’t lost a step. Tracks like “Riot” and “Heart Attack” proved they’re still packing a punch nearly two decades later.

In between sets, out on the mainstage, was Ukulele Hiro, who kept the fans entertained with his unique covers of popular songs on his ukulele and kazoo, including several of John Mellencamp’s greatest hits.

Then came Knuckleheadz, part hardcore band, part street gang, part punk rock fight club.

These guys have earned underground fame for once playing a show inside a McDonald’s in South Central L.A., and that wild energy carried through every note of their set with sing-alongs like “Till the End.”

As night fell, the intensity never let up. No Consent, DFL, and SoCal punk legends Channel 3 wrapped things up in the Locker Room, while the amphitheater hosted mainstage heavy hitters. Deviates who delivered a sharp and aggressive set, with Guttermouth’s Derek Davis pulling double duty on guitar.

They were followed by Pulley, led by Scott Radinsky, and sounding better than ever.

They started with “Cashed In” and “The Ocean Song,” closing their set with “Working Class Whore.” This band has been playing more shows lately, and it shows in how tight they’ve become.

Finally, it was time for Guttermouth. The amphitheater was now packed and buzzing with anticipation. The band took the stage dressed like they were all headed to the gym, with matching yellow and green sweatbands, athletic shorts, and all. Boxes of cheap wine were scattered around the stage like props in a suburban punk skit.

But what really made the set special, beyond the chaos and laughs, was the presence of kids. Lots of them. More than any previous Gutterfest, this year saw a full-blown punk rock daycare forming in front of the stage. Kids ranging from four to 17 were not only in the crowd but onstage, sharing the mic with singer Mark Adkins, dancing, singing, and even crowd surfing. It was like a hardcore Aquabats show. And honestly, it was awesome.

Adkins leaned into it, playing the part of punk rock uncle with complete joy. He handed out sweatbands to match the band, poured out cups of wine for the of-age crowd, and even stripped down to his underwear by the end of the set, gifting his shorts and T-shirt to fans while closing with the crowd favorite “Lipstick.” Everyone in the venue seemed to be screaming the lyrics in unison.

It was goofy, chaotic, and completely heartfelt, everything Gutterfest should be. There’s something truly special about seeing the next generation of punk fans embraced like this. I’ve watched some of these kids grow up over the past three years, and now they’re becoming part of the show. It’s a reminder that punk rock isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving.

Just days after the show, Guttermouth announced they were pulling out of Punk in the Park Denver due to an emergency procedure for Adkins.

Thankfully, they assured fans he’ll be okay and that no other tour dates are being canceled. Let’s all wish Mark a speedy recovery and raise a plastic cup of wine in his honor.

TO FOLLOW

SID 250724 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR