Fear is playing Alex’s Bar in Long Beach. That’s it. That’s the story. Go buy tickets immediately before this sells out. Okay, for the very few of you who still need more convincing, let me entice you on why you need to go out and purchase tickets ASAP.
Fear is one of the most iconic punk bands, and truly one of the early pioneers that helped open the doors for bands who came after them. Often crass and never apologetic, their live shows were things of lore, featured firsthand in Penelope Spheeris’s gritty documentary, “The Decline of Western Civilization.”
They have the distinct honor of being one of the few musical acts to ever be permanently banned from “Saturday Night Live,” after fan and former cast member, John Belushi got them the gig (the ban stems from slam dancers, including Belushi, who eventually caused $20,000 in damages). Normally, just getting to see a band of this status would be reason enough to go, but a press statement released just before Punk Rock Bowling this year makes a more compelling reason to come see Fear.
On May 18th, the band posted on social media that a recent doctor visit “unveiled a medical condition that may prohibit us from touring in the near future.” The post was vague on what the condition was, and which band member had the undiagnosed condition, but made it clear that touring for the foreseeable future would at least be winding down, if not halting altogether sometime soon. The post also listed a few dozen upcoming shows taking them through September and promising nothing after.
After the post, fans were thrilled when the band announced they would be playing a handful of shows on the West Coast, Las Vegas, and Arizona to close out the year. Originally, they were scheduled to close out with a show at Alex’s Bar on December 22nd, but due to popular demand, a second night was added for December 23rd.
Night one will be supported by Orange County punk icons, CH3. These SoCal punk legends will be coming off their first ever tour of Japan. The band has a real pension for holiday shows as they have also played Christmas shows with the Adolescents and the Vandals in the past. Also playing will be a pair of Orange County punks, Long Beach’s Hardship Anchors and longtime CH3 friends, Spider.
Night two will feature a relatively new-er act, Slaughterhouse, which has gotten a lot of buzz the past few years. Having played at Punk in the Park, as well as Bad Religion, Alice Bag, and T.S.O.L., they have caught the attention of a new generation of punks with their explosive live shows. The night will kick off with sets from The Rails and The Sleeperz.
Hopefully you are now convinced and your next move involves a “click to purchase.”
