Back in the ‘80s it was impossible to go anywhere without hearing the influence of those “fly brothers” we knew so well: MCA , Ad-Rock and Mike D. The trio spun the world of music on its ear with their sonic shreds and wicked rhymes. We knew them as “The Beasties!” but officially they were known as Beastie Boys.
The reality of being a Beastie fan is a lot more than any Wiki page or bio could ever capture. Not only were they an outstanding band, they became a way of life and a lifestyle choice for many of their followers.
The rap group formed in 1981 in NYC with Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond. With Mike D on vocals and drums, MCA on vocals and bass, and Ad-Rock handling vocals, guitar and programming, the trio actually spawned from an “experimental” punk band known as the Young Aborigines. When a lineup change took place within YA, Beastie was born.
Their smash hit “Cooky Puss” put them on the map and gave the street cred, but it was the album “Licensed to Ill” that made them a household name; that and the help of MTV and VH-1.
The guys had come a long way from “Polly Wog Stew,” but they made an impact that is undeniable to this day.
So what happened? Well, the Beastie Boys were at the top of the music world with songs like “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party),” “She’s Crafty,” “Paul Revere,” “Sabotage,” “Sure Shot,” “Intergalactic,” “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” “Girls,” “Brass Monkey,” “So What’cha Want,” and “Hey Ladies.” I mean, the list of incredible songs goes on and on and on. Their fans lined up from coast-to-coast and around the world to see them. Sadly, the group never recovered from the death of MCA who passed away from cancer in 2012.
Even now, bands continue to cover their music. Everyone – rock bands, metal bands, rap bands and even bands like Coldplay!
The funniest thing I ever saw was when I was at a show was a few years ago in New York. I admit I can’t remember which band it was, but they had just finished a song and the crowd wasn’t as animated as the lead singer would have liked. He said, “Come on motherfuckers! Party like you’re at a Beastie Boys show!” That drew cheers from the crowd, and it shows the kind of respect artists and fans have for this beloved band.
With their status as a legendary group, fans continue to find ways to relive their Beastie Boys history, and pass it down to younger generations. A new one is now available and it is free! The Beastie Boys Exhibit is full of the life and times of the Beastie’s era and what it was like to experience it in real time.
The Exhibit brings this time to life vividly. The event is put on by Beyond the Streets and Goldenvoice. You can see clothing worn by the trio, handwritten lyrics, their 808 drum machine, and vintage merch, and the photo archive is unreal!
Most of the items on display have never been seen before, so if you are a music lover, this will be a bucket list event you will want to check out and immerse yourself in.
BeastieBoys Exhibit
NOW through January 29, 2023
Los Angeles, California
Goldenvoice President and CEO Paul Tollett said, “Much like the Beastie Boys, Goldenvoice was born from punk rock in the early ‘80s. We formed a quick and formidable relationship. We are so excited to take part in presenting some of their coolest shit.”
The exhibit is free to the public and runs through January 23rd, 2023. Don’t forget to check out the amazing merch!
