Mustard Plug stopped in Chicago last month for their 21st Annual Holiday Spectacular, featuring some of our favorite ska bands and Celtic punk rockers Flatfoot 56. Check out the full gallery for each band! Bumsy and the Moochers J. Navarro & the Traitors Flatfoot 56 Mustard Plug
Mustard Plug stopped in Chicago last month for their 21st Annual Holiday Spectacular, featuring some of our favorite ska bands and Celtic punk rockers Flatfoot 56.
San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall was built in 1907 after the Great Fire and Earthquake of 1906. After many uses and incarnations, it opened as a music venue in 1972 and has been open since. This January, it hosted some veterans of the California punk scene for a night of great music. Frightwig started […]
San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall was built in 1907 after the Great Fire and Earthquake of 1906. After many uses and incarnations, it opened as a music venue in 1972 and has been open since. This January, it hosted some veterans of the California punk scene for a night of great music.
Frightwig started in 1982 as an all-woman San Francisco punk band with a distinctly feminist message. They released two albums in the ’80s which proved to be an enormous influence on the Riot Girl movement. After breaking up in 1994, they reformed in 2014 and released a new record, We Need To Talk, on Label 51 Records.
Kid Congo Powers has been making music since the ’70s including stints with Gun Club, The Cramps and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, before founding The Pink Monkey Birds in 1997. Since then, they have released four albums on In The Red Records with a new album, That Delicious Vice, coming this April.
The Avengers were among the first punk bands to form in California in 1977, famously opening for The Sex Pistols at Winterland. Their initial incarnation only lasted two years and produced two EPs, the second of which was produced by Pistol Steve Jones and released after the band had split. Original members Penelope Houston and Greg Ingraham reformed the group in 1999 and have been playing regularly since 2004.
Check out all our photos from the show below!
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Frightwig at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Kid Congo Powers and The Pink Monkey Birds at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
The Avengers at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, January 10th, 2024
Black Flag are continuing to tour the US and Canada with a show that begins with a full performance of their second studio album, My War. After an intermission, continues with a lengthy ‘Best Of’ set. We caught up with the tour at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge for our first show of the year! Check […]
Black Flag are continuing to tour the US and Canada with a show that begins with a full performance of their second studio album, My War. After an intermission, continues with a lengthy ‘Best Of’ set. We caught up with the tour at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge for our first show of the year!
Check out our gallery below!
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
“An Evening with Black Flag” – DNA Lounge, San Francisco, 1/5/24
The Eradicator squashed out the winter blues the night before the day before the New Year. In support at Reggie’s Music Joint, was Mulva, a band whose name, like The Eradicator, has its roots in U.S. television from decades prior. Distants and Royal Dog were also on hand and on stage to round out the […]
The Eradicator squashed out the winter blues the night before the day before the New Year. In support at Reggie’s Music Joint, was Mulva, a band whose name, like The Eradicator, has its roots in U.S. television from decades prior. Distants and Royal Dog were also on hand and on stage to round out the night.
Chicago’s The Eradicator returned to Reggie’s Music Joint on a chilly late December evening. As we have noted previously in DS, Andy Slania’s on-stage persona was inspired by a famous 1989 Kids In the Hall skit of the same name.
The Eradicator was clad in his standard punk rock uniform of tennis shorts with white tennis shoes. A pink polo shirt, topped off by a ski mask covering his entire face completed the outfit. Waving a squash racket, The Eradicator paced back and forth on the small stage. Growling out tunes such as “You Can’t Play Me,” “The End of The Line,” “Can’t Play Well With Others,” and “Squash Queen.” Of course, The Eradicator also played his classics, “I’m A Squash Man,” and “Eradicator Out.”
Punk rock is so often ultra-serious as musicians belt out songs addressing issues of the day and relationship woes. These subjects make for some of the best songs.
But every once in a while, we need a respite from the darkness, to counter it with light. The Eradicator serves (pun intended) that well. There’s no trickle boost at an Eradicator show, just straight drives to your funny bone.
Distants visited Chicago from its relatively not-so-distant hometown of Grand Rapids, MI (just 179.1 miles between the two cities). The rambunctious set included “12 St. Beach,” “Forfeiture,” “To Roost,” and “Odds and Ends.” Distants gave the crowd a terrific performance which perfectly complemented the band’s bill-mates on this evening.
Royal Dog, another Chicago crew was founded as a solo project in 2018. However, it grew into a full band just this past year. Royal Dog drove through a rowdy set, including,” “Pickle, “All Your Shit,” “Haha Fer Sher Fer Sher,” and “Crabbed.”
Royal Dog has both bark and bite. Hopefully, it will unleash more treats in the near future.
Mulva’s moniker was inspired by the infamous Seinfeld episode, “The Junior Mint” (but to be fair, can’t most of the show’s episodes be described as infamous?). The Milwaukee/Chicago group self-describes as “Indie-ish /Punk-ish DIY.” But whatever the name and labels, the band, first to hit the stage, performed a lively set, blasting out “Stay With Me (Forever),” “Believe,” “I Can’t Wake Up,” “Hypocrite,” and “I Keep Fucking Up.” The band certainly woke up the crowd whilst doing anything but fucking up.
Please see more photos from the show below. Thanks and Cheers!
A pre-New Year’s Eve rock’n’roll night at San Francisco’s best dive bar…Benders! The BPMs are so new that the paint is still drying on their logo. We believe that this was their 2nd show. However Eric, Atom and Mic are all veterans of the Bay Area music scene, and bring tight poppy punk. Flexx Bronco […]
A pre-New Year’s Eve rock’n’roll night at San Francisco’s best dive bar…Benders!
The BPMs are so new that the paint is still drying on their logo. We believe that this was their 2nd show. However Eric, Atom and Mic are all veterans of the Bay Area music scene, and bring tight poppy punk.
Flexx Bronco don’t play so often anymore, as one of the members moved to Southern California. They’ve been around since 2001, and consistently bring driving hard rock, so we catch them when we can.
See a gallery of all photos from the show below:
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
The BPMs at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Flexx Bronco at Bender’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, 12/30/23
Iconic music venue Metro Chicago hosted hometown hero Sincere Engineer as the band celebrated the release of their newest record, Cheap Grills. Fellow Windy City punk bands, The Brokedowns, and Canadian Rifle provided crucial support. Sincere Engineer provided cool thrills with Cheap Grills at the legendary music venue nearly adjacent to Wrigley Field. There was […]
Iconic music venue Metro Chicago hosted hometown hero Sincere Engineer as the band celebrated the release of their newest record, Cheap Grills. Fellow Windy City punk bands, The Brokedowns, and Canadian Rifle provided crucial support.
Sincere Engineer provided cool thrills with Cheap Grills at the legendary music venue nearly adjacent to Wrigley Field. There was even a quick cameo by Deanna Belo’s father Nick Belos, the star of the new record’s cover photo. Well, from the waist down, anyway. Deanna Belos described to me how her father came to be the subject of the album’s artwork,
“I found it [the photo] in a box of pictures in my parents’ basement! It’s my dad from the ’80s. The name came shortly after I found the picture, just thought it was kinda a funny pun that fit the record cover well.”
Nick Belos, clad only in pair of running shorts similar to those on the album cover, strolled calmly on stage at the start of his daughter’s set, tapped a Weber Grill placed near the drum area and walked off.
Tunes from Cheap Grills, including, “Old Coat Pocket,” “Anemia,” “Inside My Head,” “California King,” “Fireplace,” and “Landline,” made up the bulk of the setlist for Sincere Engineer’s buoyant and delightful set.
As this was a record release show, I naturally asked her to describe how the creation of Cheap Grills differed from making previous releases. Belos told me,
“This album was different because we recorded it in Massachusetts with a new producer, Mike Sapone! Had a blast doing it. All the others were done in Chicago so it was a different vibe getting away from town for 2 weeks and being kinda isolated and recording the songs.”
As for this new year for Sincere Engineer per Belos,
“Not sure what 2024 is looking like yet! I imagine more touring and stuff like that! “
Dying Scene will be there for Sincere Engineer’s 2024 “stuff.” I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be.
The Brokedowns were name-checked in Sincere Engineer’s first big hit, “Corn Dog Sonnet No 7,” in some of its closing lyrics,
“So I listen to The Brokedowns They remind me of you and I feel sorry for myself.”
But The Brokedowns, founded more than two decades ago, have built a very loyal following for a reason. The band’s own catchy and compelling lyrics set to driving music means strong and memorable songs. With a solid and tight stage presence, the quartet never fails to keep the crowds excited. This night’s set, which included, “Obey the Fumes,” and “Ernest Becker at a Costco” was a non-stop no exception.
I’m looking forward to Dying Scene covering more of The Brokedowns’ shows in 2024.
Canadian Rifle kicked off the show with a rollicking set. The band blasted through, among other tunes, “When in Doubt,” “Investments,” “Peaceful Death,” “You Are My Junk,” and “Just for You.” It was a powerful performance and the perfect start for the night.
Please check out more photos from the show! Thanks and Cheers!
About 45 years ago, Crass made one of the most iconic and important statements in punk history. In their poignant critique of the commercialization of punk, its rise in popularity, and the state of the scene in the late ’70s, Steve Ignorant boldly declared that Punk is dead. For the following decades, this question remained […]
About 45 years ago, Crass made one of the most iconic and important statements in punk history. In their poignant critique of the commercialization of punk, its rise in popularity, and the state of the scene in the late ’70s, Steve Ignorant boldly declared that Punk is dead.
For the following decades, this question remained a topic of debate, with many individuals eager to contribute their thoughts. From The Exploited responding with their iconic song “Punk’s Not Dead,” to this very publication’s namesake— the question is still out there: Is our scene alive, or is it dying?
Honestly, Crass’ brutal criticism of their more famous peers and the zeitgeist of the punk scene at the time remains as relevant today as it was back then. Now, nearly half a century after the movement began, the generational divide between those who witnessed its inception and those just discovering their first punk record or strumming their initial three fast chords widens. This leaves us in a precarious position, uncertain about the future of the subculture we are a part of.
But there is a lifeline, though. Amidst big production companies, ticket sellers and their scummy practices, unaffordable music festivals, and multi-million dollar fast fashion companies appropriating and turning punk aesthetic into a product still exist people who do this for the very same reason this scene started. People who are sick and tired of the routine, of music tracks that are too long and slow, who want to be the bridge between those who were there when it all began, and those who will keep it going. Punk Rock Tacos and the folks behind it are a prime example of those that keep this whole damn thing going.
Noah Corona and the Punk Rock Tacos team have consistently organized shows for the past couple of years. These DIY, grassroots events, born from a love for music and the scene, might not appear as such at first glance. Despite that, they exhibit excellent organization, high production quality, and showcase incredible bands. While their professionalism might deceive you into thinking this is their primary occupation, it’s actually a passion project that has steadily grown, establishing itself as a vital part of the Chicago suburban punk scene.
On the evening of Friday, December 15th, our friends from Punk Rock Tacos put together a very memorable all-ages show featuring five bands from all over the Chicagoland area and as headliners, the iconic punk rock trio, The Queers. The venue, a Mexican restaurant serving some tasty tacos, was filled to the brim with punk rockers eager to mosh and slam dancing during the sold-out show.
The show started with Downhill Runner taking the stage. Seeing this band live for the second time remains an absolute treat. They’ve skillfully captured the sound of early-aughts pop-punk and skate punk, refining and reintroducing these sounds, ideal for an evening of partying and drinking. If I was any good at it, these guys would definitely make it to my skating playlist, but since I am not, I will just listen to them as I walk places.
One of the more exciting characteristics of Downhill Runner is the back and forth between the drummer and the bass player on vocals. It definitely gives the songs an extra layer of vocal complexity which, paired with the slightly grittier vocals that you would expect from a band playing this type of punk, make them stand out. But the vocals are not the only interesting bit about this band, as their songs generally are energetic and fast with some tempo changes to keep the crowd invested, as well as some instrumental breaks changing up the pace of the songs.
Downhill Runner will be taking a short break from live performances, but don’t fret as they’ll be putting out some cool stuff during early next year, stay tuned! In the meantime, check out their new-wave(ish) alternative-punk song La Resistance from their album Rebel Radio.
Next up on the lineup, The Run Around takes the stage by storm. This self-proclaimed ensemble of friendly party hooligans thrilled the audience with their rendition of classic Midwestern punk rock. Their live performances stand out due to their knack for crafting irresistibly catchy tunes that have the potential to become anthems. It’s nearly impossible not to have a fantastic time when they’re in action.
Their song ‘Bombs Away,’ for example has all the ingredients for a punk rock song that could become a classic any moment, and seeing it performed live reinforces that as it made me want to jump and sing along, which I would have had I not been juggling a camera and maybe a can of PBR.
The Run Around put on an excellent show. Their music is solid, and the vibes they create are fantastic. I’ll definitely be humming their songs for the rest of the week and keeping an eye out for their upcoming shows. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out their song ‘Bombs Away‘ from their EP of the same title.
Sushi, the third act of the night among the five bands, marked the halfway point of the event. Hey Fat Mike, wondering when punk rock became safe? Well, Noah Corona challenged that notion—at least for the workplace. Stripping down to his vibrant Keith Haring underwear, flaunting a summer body in the midst of winter, Noah delivered a wild punk rock performance.
It was hectic, violent, erratic as hell, it was awesome. Sushi opened up their set with the song “the Alcoholic,” a self-aware confession about self-destruction screamed over a catchy surf-punk riff and followed up with some intentionally raw hardcore punk akin to that of early Black Flag.
As their set progressed, the energy surged, with Noah engaging the stage, singing with the crowd in the mosh pit, and even rolling on the floor—creating an electrifying atmosphere. What struck me most was their riff-heavy compositions; had Sushi emerged in the early ’80s, they’d undoubtedly have shared stages with Black Flag and Dead Kennedys. Sushi picked a very specific style of punk rock and it was the right one for them as all the musicians in the band were in their element, I would say like fish in water but more like… fish on a plate… raw… like Sushi? Ok, that analogy does not quite work, but the point is that all four members of the band knew what they needed to do and did it well. Check out the live recording of their set that day!
With an imposing presence, The Usuals made it to the stage. Their time to blow us away had come, and that they did. With over twenty years of experience, these dudes have created a pretty wide array of songs that go from melodic to a more classic punk sound, and honestly everything in between.
Playing a tight set, and displaying some great musicianship, what stood out to me the most is that they were having just as much fun on stage as we were in the crowd, well, that and their guitar player was wearing an incredibly funny tropical button up shirt with what I believe was the face of his bandmates surrounded by Monstera leaves. As these guys played their faster and more aggressive songs, the pit just kept on getting more and more active, a sign of a great set.
A few songs into their set, there was an unexpected surprise as Curt Harrison, the lead singer, invited his young son onstage. The budding punk rocker grabbed a guitar and stood beside the microphone, becoming the band’s rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist alongside the seasoned members. As The Usuals neared the end of their set, bass player Justin Schenk decided to share his bass with the crowd, sparking absolute mayhem! The instrument became a tool for the frenzied punters in the pit, doubling as a prop and, at times, a mock weapon. If you enjoy these kinds of shenanigans, I would highly recommend catching this band live, but in the meantime my recommendation would be to listen to their song ‘Cheers to No One’ from their EP From the Valley to the Alley.
And finally the band everyone had been waiting for, the one band of the evening that needed no introduction, The Queers. With an iconic and immediately recognizable melodic and sometimes leaning more towards pop punk, the entire venue erupted into singing and jumping to their more well known songs like ‘Fuck the World’ and ‘See You Later Fuckface.’
Playing their signature songs filled with obscenities, crass lyrics, and eternally youthful angst, us in the crowd were able to enjoy a true classic act of punk rock. Not having had the opportunity to see The Ramones live, I think this is probably as close as I will ever be to listening to that very particular type of what some people refer to endearingly refer to as bubble-gum punk.
Despite Joe Queer’s pleasant and occasionally sweet vocals, in contrast to the raw and abrasive styles of the earlier bands, it did not stop those up front from moshing, slamming and pushing people around in a frenzy fueled by the fast guitar, and driving beat of the drums. Singing about crushes, and the frustrations that come with growing up as an outcast it is easy to see how this band would still be relevant to this day, and how they were able to connect both with the older folk at the show and also with the younger members of the audience.
With an extensive setlist spanning across The Queers’ active decades, the phenomenal night drew to a close. Standing under what seemed – at least from the perspective of a photographer – the world’s brightest spotlight, it was time to say goodbye. With a prolonged and well-deserved ovation, Joe Queer concluded the set offering an encore with a few additional songs before concluding the night.
Head below to check out the full photo gallery of that great evening!
Octopouple made his way to the shores of Lake Michigan from Korea by way of Mexico and found himself with a great opening line up at Liar’s Club. The opening bands consisted of Pray for Death, Stiff, Real Bad Real Fast, and Bad Chemicals. Dying Scene was on their to witness it all. Octopoulpe is […]
Octopouple made his way to the shores of Lake Michigan from Korea by way of Mexico and found himself with a great opening line up at Liar’s Club. The opening bands consisted of Pray for Death, Stiff, Real Bad Real Fast, and Bad Chemicals. Dying Scene was on their to witness it all.
Octopoulpe is a solo hardcore punk project! Literally, Jean-Philippe “JP” Lejal plays drums while controlling the lights, audio, and video. DS captured this magnificent creature in action! Find him here.
Pray for Death is a father and son heavy music duo from Chicago. Be sure to catch them.
Stiff is a thrashy punk rock band from Lake County, Illinois. Stiff played a great set.
Real Bad Real Fast put on a great performance. The audience danced and had a great night.
Chicago’s own Bad Chemicals is led by vocalist and author Kyle Decker. They put on a great show.
Reggie’s Rock Club played host to a strong night of melodic punk. A Wilhelm Scream out of New Bedford, MA, with Counterpunch, and Much The Same, both from the Chicago area, added up to a knockout bill. A Wilhelm Scream is a cinematic sound effect in use for many decades and the name inspiration for […]
Reggie’s Rock Club played host to a strong night of melodic punk. A Wilhelm Scream out of New Bedford, MA, with Counterpunch, and Much The Same, both from the Chicago area, added up to a knockout bill.
A Wilhelm Scream is a cinematic sound effect in use for many decades and the name inspiration for the headliners this evening. Witnessing frontman Nuno Pereira belt out the vocals, the name choice seems appropriate. However, the screaming done by Pereira is quite a bit more of a pleasant listen than the iconic bit of film audio. A Wilhelm Scream blasted through a fiery set which included as highlights, “Me vs. Morrissey in the Pretentiousness Contest (The Ladder Match),” “These Dead Streets,” “Jaws 3, People 0,” “Figure Eights in My Head,” “Famous Friends and Fashion Drunks,” and “Boat Builders.” Pereira appeared emotional as he spoke of how special it felt to be back in Chicago, and Reggie’s Rock Club.
Counterpunch, one of the two melodic skate punk bands on this bill, tore through a set including, but not limited to, “No Man’s Land,” “Destroyed by Lions,” “Collateral Damage,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Paradise Lost,” and “Waiting in the Wings.”
The hometown crowd was all in for the band’s set, and it was rewarded with a powerful performance. Make sure to check out Counterpunch the next time the group hits your area.
Much The Same kicked off the night and its name works as a description of its set. That is, much the same as Counterpunch in that the hometown crowd was ecstatic to see them. However, running through a set including “American Idle,” “Snake in the Grass,” “Gut Shot,” “Skeletons,” and “Living A Lie,” among others, Much The Same demonstrated its own hard-worn identity, standing out in the Windy City punk scene.
Please check out more photos from the show. Thanks and cheers!
It is often forgotten that activism is an essential element of punk culture. While, yes, we enjoy complaining about the system and bringing awareness to personal and social injustices, actively doing something to address them is what this is all about. On the second Sunday of December, Chicago’s legendary Liar’s Club hosted a sold-out show […]
It is often forgotten that activism is an essential element of punk culture. While, yes, we enjoy complaining about the system and bringing awareness to personal and social injustices, actively doing something to address them is what this is all about.
On the second Sunday of December, Chicago’s legendary Liar’s Club hosted a sold-out show to raise funds for KT’s Kids, a Chicago non-profit that specializes in providing kids and youths with disabilities with fun and enriching activities such as field trips, camps, and holiday parties throughout the year. You can learn more about how to support KT’s Kids by checking out their website.
During this particularly warm(ish) winter evening, people were waiting outside before the sold-out event even started. Some had their tickets ready, others were waiting in case a spot opened up to get in.
The first band opening that evening was Lost Legion. These guys were not playing around; they were loud, aggressive, and put on one hell of a show. The lead singer kept the crowd engaged and fired up, while the rest of the band had us all headbanging to some great tunes. Had it not been early, you would have thought they were a headliner band.
The next band needed no introduction as everyone at the venue seemed to either know them personally or at the very least of them. The Bollweevils made their way onto the stage and the crowd immediately knew it was time to party. In between the in-band bickering over the set list order and friendly banter with the spectators, The Bollweevils delivered a performance that proved that these experienced punks still got it.
Frontman and birthday boy of the evening, Daryl ‘The Doc’, showed us that you do not need to be in your twenties to jump around and keep up with punk music’s fast tempo. Showing off some strong knees, Daryl kept the crowd entertained by jumping off the stage into the pit to give the chance to the fans to join him singing some of their classic songs. The rest of the band kept up as well, delivering a great and memorable performance.
The Bollweevils have been nominated for “Best Punk Band of Chicago” as well as “Best Local Album Of The Year” by The Chicago Reader. If you enjoy their music, you can support them (as well as other artists and venues) by voting in the poll.
The last band of the evening, Off With Their Heads, swiftly took over the venue and made it their own for the rest of the evening. The gruff-punk trio originally from Minnesota truly put on a great show; no wonder they have been able to do this for over two decades.
Lead singer and guitarist Ryan Young as well as the rest of the punk power trio put on a solid performance going through songs from their extensive repertoire including songs from their album Home, which is one of those punk albums everyone should give a listen through at least once in their lives.
Head below to check out the full gallery of the evening, and do not forget to support KT’s Kids.
