This weekend was unlike the previous 73 weekends. This weekend we had three of the greatest female-led bands playing in one place, and playing with an awesome band in town all the way from New York.
Venomous Pinks kicked off the show at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, and really set the mood for the night. Two of the three ladies in this trio came all the way from their home in Arizona just to be part of the four-show tour, and we are so happy they did! Drea, Gabby and Cassie are some of the hardest rocking females and it showed in their awesome performance!
Next up was MakeWar. Although this was their first time playing in Southern California, you’d have thought they were locals with how the audience knew all the words to their songs! The guys told us later that it was exciting for them to see the response they had out here, and how the crowd was really into them. MakeWar brings a melodic feel to modern punk rock that makes you want to sing along before you even know all the words.
THE LAST GANG at ALEX’S BAR | PHOTO by THOMAS OCHOA
Fat Wreck Chords’ band, The Last Gang led by Brenna Red, absolutely killed their set in all the best ways. They always prove themselves to be incredible, which explains why they are slated to play Punk Rock Bowling this year and a tour with Teenage Bottle Rocket in the fall. Of course, they played their recently released single, “Noise, Noise, Noise,” which has a ska feel and it totally kicks ass.
Drummer Robert was kind enough to lend his drum kit to all the bands which we’re guessing helped cut down on equipment to lug around during the tour and set up/tear down time between bands.
THE LAST GANG at ALEX’S BAR | PHOTO by THOMAS OCHOA
Rounding out the night was Bad Cop Bad Cop. This quartet kept the delighted crowd engaged through each song, interacted between songs, and even held a raffle for those that showed their vaccination cards or negative COVID test at their merchandise booth earlier.
Each of the rad ladies in the band brings so much to each song with their creativity, lyrics, and stage presence. It’s impossible to not be completely enamored by them during a performance.
If you take your eyes off them for even a second you will miss something amazing, most likely the highest aerial kicks you’ve ever seen done by bassist Linh Le. Bad Cop Bad Cop finished the night off with an encore, which the crowd went bananas for, and included a mosh pit of smiles and hugs.
BCBC at ALEX’S BAR | PHOTO by THOMAS OCHOA
It was a great night and we are so happy to have live music back again. Fingers crossed it can stay this way. Face mask or not, we were happy to be there to watch everyone do what they love, whether that be playing or watching live music.
If you have the chance to catch any of these bands, it’s highly recommended as they are all unique and all fascinating!
