It was a wonderful night of music at the historic Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on July 30th. Four solid bands took the stage, and each one brought something special to the night. Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls brought The Bronx, Pet Needs, and Amigo the Devil along for the ride.
First was Amigo the Devil, a single gentleman with a guitar and banjo who performed hard rock macabre songs with titles like “Dahmer Does Hollywood,” “I Hope Your Husband Dies,” and “Hell and You.” Quite an interesting set!
AMIGO THE DEVIL LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Next up was England’s own Pet Needs. An energetic group of Brits playing punk rock and getting the crowd going. It was their drummer’s first time in California, and he got his first tattoo and In-N-Out Burger.
PET NEEDS LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
They just released a brand new song today titled “Fear for the Whole Damn World” and it was produced by Frank Black, so the show was a great intro to them. Their seven-song set included “Get On The Roof,” “Punk Isn’t Dead; It’s Just Up for Sale,” and “Overcompensating.” Their second album, “Primetime Entertainment,” is due out September 9th. They playfully left their sign on the drum riser for when The Bronx took the stage.
THE BRONX LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
I can’t lie: The Bronx is my favorite band. They are full of high-intensity songs and crazy dance moves, and I usually feel sorry for any band that has to follow their performance. Tonight though, the bands all held their own. As always, singer Matt Caughthran, came down into the pit and sang as a circle of fans swirled around him while Joby J. Ford, Ken Horne, Brad Magers, and Joey Castillo rocked out onstage. They tore through eight songs including “White Shadow,” “Shitty Future,” “Knifeman,” “History’s Stranglers,” and “Around the Horn.”
The Bronx just announced a nice chunk of fall dates, including October 4th in San Diego, October 7th in Los Angeles, and November 5th at Punk in the Park Fest in OC. Tickets went on sale today, so be sure to catch them!
THE BRONX LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Then the man everyone was there for: Frank Turner, accompanied by his band, The Sleeping Souls. Turner and crew were playing 50 states in 50 days and they showed zero sign on being tired! Turner is best known for songs “The Road,” “Recovery,” “The Way I Tend to Be,” “Losing Days,” and “The Next Storm,” and he released his newest album, “FTHC” earlier this year.
FRANK TURNER LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
I had considered leaving early because I was tired, but Turner grabbed my attention instantly and there was no way I could leave. I was worn out just watching him jump around! His 24-song set included “Out of Breath,” “The Work,” “The Next Storm,” “Polaroid Picture,” “Recovery,” “Try This at Home,” and “I Still Believe.”
Plus fans were treated to asolo performances of “There She Is,” “Dan’s Song,” “Be More Kind,” and “The Ballad of Me and My Friends.”
FRANK TURNER LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Joining Turner on stage were Ben Lloyd on guitar, Tarrant Anderson on bass, Matt Nasir on piano, and Callum Green on drums. The band was certified electricity in a bottle. Sadly Turner and the guys left the US and are headed back to Europe where they will tour through the rest of 2022.
FRANK TURNER LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Turner was solid and gave us so many punk rock, sing-a-long pub songs and it was a fantastic show and wonderful performance.
