Carbondale’s famous sons of ska returned to a rousing welcome back to a home state crowd at Concord Music Hall. They were supported by Chicago’s Celtic kings The Tossers, and by Weaker Youth Ensemble. My first knowledge of Blue Meanies came shortly after I moved to Chicago in 2009. I noticed cool-looking ink on my […]
Carbondale’s famous sons of ska returned to a rousing welcome back to a home state crowd at Concord Music Hall. They were supported by Chicago’s Celtic kings The Tossers, and by Weaker Youth Ensemble.
My first knowledge of Blue Meanies came shortly after I moved to Chicago in 2009. I noticed cool-looking ink on my new friend Anthony’s arm. It was a Blue Meanies tattoo. Flash-forward 14 plus years and I got my first chance to document the group. I am so happy I was in the photo pit for its return.
The band, founded in 1989, reunited for a rare performance. It was packed; a palpable excitement buzzed through the venue.
The band gave the crowd a night to remember as they tore through the set, playing in their 1995 album Kiss You Ass Goodbye in its entirety. Highlights included “Acceleration 5000,” “Vote No,” “Grandma Shampoo,” “Polka in the Eye,” and “An Average American Superhero.” Blue Meanies also covered Naked Raygun classic “Rat Patrol.” The hyper-kinetic Billy Spunke on vocals and megaphone, changed from a crisp all-white Perry Ellis suit to a more traditional but sharp-looking black suit during the show. His performance, however, remained consistently entertaining with quite a bit of playful banter between Spunke and his bandmates. Hopefully, this will not be as one-off reunion, a sentiment I can safely say most of the crowd likely shared.
Chicago’s The Tossers are one of the most popular Celtic punk bands in the United States. The group’s headliner St. Patrick’s Day performances are legendary for being fun celebrations, lasting hours. The group is far more than a holiday band though and this raucous performance made that clear.
Lead singer Tony Duggins was playing injured with one finger securely bandaged. A week prior to the show, he accidentally severed part of a finger on his left hand. Duggins referenced the incident with humor as some in the crowd showed expressions best described as in the aghast neighborhood. Lest anyone wonder if that would negatively affect his performance, they soon found the answer: no, it did not. Duggin’s growling vocals were as strong as ever, as was his mandolin playing.
The Tossers drove through “Rocky Road of Dublin,” The South Side of Town,” “Emerald City,” “Siobhan,” “Buckets of Beer,” and “Sláinte.” The performance was a lovely complement to returning headliners on this night.
Weaker Youth Ensemble, a two-tone group out of Madison, WI, kicked off the evening with a blaster of a set. It was far more than just the warm-up act as the group kept the crowd in rapt attention. I look forward to seeing this group again!
Please see more images from the show. Thank You and Cheers!
Sludgeworth, the1990’s beloved Chicago punk band, returned to the stage on a recent Saturday night. With support from Chicago’s Permanent Residue, and rapidly ascending Minneapolis band Tightwire, it was an incredible night on stage and a helluva fun one offstage at Cobra Lounge. Longtime fans who were there at the start and have been waiting […]
Sludgeworth, the1990’s beloved Chicago punk band, returned to the stage on a recent Saturday night. With support from Chicago’s Permanent Residue, and rapidly ascending Minneapolis band Tightwire, it was an incredible night on stage and a helluva fun one offstage at Cobra Lounge. Longtime fans who were there at the start and have been waiting decades to see them play again were thrilled. Some even expressed disbelief that this was even happening. Others in the crowd, whether not born yet at that time, too young to remember them, or not from Chicago, instantly became new fans. Cobra Lounge was packed at this sold-out show. This was a momentous show, but this night also helped demonstrate why, though Chicago may be called the Second City, for some many it is #1 when it comes to its punk rock community.
First, a note about that community: It is a tight-knit one. Like a family, there are many different personalities and perhaps not everyone gets along. But far more often it is easy to witness the support those in the community have for each other, including most musicians, most of the venue owners and staff, other behind-the-scenes people, and yes from my experience most of the photographers and writers covering the shows. This night was no exception, though it did seem to be an all-star event. Tobias Jeg, founder and owner of Red Scare Industries returned to the Windy City to support one of his label’s band, Tightwire, do business, and hang with so many good friends. There were some heavy hitters among the punk rock musicians on hand to celebrate the return of Sludgeworth. Among those spotted at the event were Naked Raygun‘s Jeff Pezzati, Daryl Wilson and Ken Fitzner from The Bollweevils, Joe Principe of Rise Against, Deanna Belos aka Sincere Engineer, Brendan Kelly from The Lawrence Arms and The Falcon, Steev MF Custer from Death and Memphis, 88 Fingers Louie‘s Denis Buckley, and Joe Sowinski, currently of Static Age, but formerly of The Evictions, Major Threat, and The Old Comiskeys. Dave Simon, of Deal’s Gone Bad, The Crombies, and Anger, a popular bartender at Cobra, was on the job this night but is definitely a prominent member of the Windy City punk rock family. I would be remiss if I did not mention him. I’m guessing there were others but in the cozy confines it was sometimes hard to see much else around me as I documented the festivities.
For a smaller venue, such as the case with Cobra Lounge, that’s quite an impressive turnout. Witnessing this amount of support for each other is one of the biggest reasons this Long Island born and raised, Chicago transplant, who spends a good deal of time each year traversing the Lower East Side of NYC, loves the Chicago punk rock scene. Oh, and the oftentimes very good, sometimes great and occasionally, phenomenal music factors in too.
Ok, now that the scene is set, on to the show. I moved to Chicago in March of 2009, so I had no idea of Sludgeworth until very recently. However, in the weeks leading up to it, I was repeatedly told I had to be at this show by various friends They argued that this was going to be an important one. Fortunately, this came from close friends who were on the ground during the first Sludgeworth era. So of course I had immense trust in them. All I can say is damn! Well, that and thanks to those who insisted I attend. And of course, all that I am about to say in this piece. Because, wow! Sludgeworth is straight-up phenomenal, both in music and performance. Oh and there was the live performance debut of a future punk rock star. More on that in a bit.
Having documented Dan Schafer as the lead singer for Dan Vapid and The Cheats multiple times and also seeing him front another of his groups, The Methadones, I knew going into this event that he is a dynamic performer and musician. But with his Sludgeworth bandmates, this was taken up a notch. He worked the cozy stage, engaged the fans about as much as one can without actually jumping into the crowd. Schafer spent much of the time extending his arm, microphone wielded tightly in his hand into the upfront scrum. Yes, this is a common movement in shows. Yet the frequency with which it was done here, coupled with the frenzied glee from fans who seemed to remember every lyric to all of the songs from long ago, surely set this apart. No doubt Schafer and bandmates were having a blast.
Mike Hooten on bass, Adam White and Dave McLean on guitars, and drummer Brian McQuaid aka Brian Vermin behind the kit, each commanded their spots on the stage individually. Collectively, they powered the music against which Schafer’s vocals were set.
Red Scare Industries recently re-issued the band’s 1995 record, “Losers of the Year.” They opened with, the appropriately titled for this event, “Never Say Never.” From there Sludgeworth drove through an electrifying set that included fiery renderings of “Follow,” “Another Day,” “She’s Not Disposable,” “Waste It Away,” “Angry Man,” and “Two Feet on the Ground.”
Every band member appeared very glad to be together on the stage again. McQuaid, with Yankees cap (per McQuaid “It’s 100% Jay-Z and 0% baseball.” That said, Let’s Go Mets!) turned backwards on his head, spent most of the set with a giant grin on his face as he slammed through, in the very best way, the setlist. McQuaid was also celebrating a very special moment on stage, and he had reason to be proud.
Brian McQuaid’s 13-year-old son, Max McQuaid, made his live performance debut when he took over on the drums for the song “Anytime.” The kid crushed it. This is no generous hyperbole to encourage Max, who has been playing drums for five years. He legit killed it on the the song “Anytime.” Fans showered the younger McQuaid with some of the loudest cheers of the night, immediately adopting him in a sense as the newest member of their beloved band. Almost jumping into a bear hug with his Dad on stage just added another verklempt-inducing moment. Later, Max stage-dived, and crowd-surfed, the only one to do so this night and Schafer jokingly put the kibosh on him invading the stage to try it again. Instead, Max had to make do with rocking out on the shoulders of a family friend named Mikey. Max signed a drumstick for me after the show. I’m going to hold onto it because this young man is a drummer who we should all keep an eye on. He is part of the next generation of great Chicago punk musicians preparing to take over. I have no doubt about that.
As great as the show was, I was curious as I am sure many or most of the fans old, and new were. The obvious question being, how did this event happen?
I caught up with Schafer by DM a few days post-show to get some answers.
“We had the reissue of “Losers of the Year” on Red Scare records, and I believe, if memory serves me correct, the idea was floating during various Zoom interviews back in December. It was met with a resounding no, which turned into a maybe, into a yes, and into an enthusiastic, hell yes. How? I’m not exactly sure. There were some problems to work out, but we did.”
And the welcome news: “Yes. We will be playing again in 2023 and will have a new single.“
Indeed the band, played a new tune called “Together, Not Together.” Fans were euphoric.
Schafer shared the genesis of the new song,
“Through the excitement of playing again, they suggested it to me. I was dead set against it. They sent a riff to me, and I was like, “Hmmmm…”
He continues, “Next thing I know, words pop into my head, and we go back and forth with voice memos. We made the final touches on it the day before the show.“
So Schafer’s verdict on the show?
“I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better. I felt well-rehearsed, relaxed, in good spirits, great camaraderie, enthusiastic fans.“
“The passage of time was a mind trip. It’s been 30 years since we broke up. Aside from a handful of reunions over the years, the thought of these songs being in somewhat of a demand in 2023 is pretty incredible.”
Incredible? Yes. Incredible news that there is more to come this year from Sludgeworth? Absolutely.
When you have such a major event headlined by a beloved band, you better make sure the two support bands measure up to the importance of the night. The organizer of this show hit the jackpot.
Playing in the middle spot was Tightwire, a band on a rocket ship to greatness, ready to blast off. I have covered the band a few times for Dying Scene since our resurrection and know that there are plenty more to follow. The Minneapolis quartet are big fans of the Windy City, and the Windy City has many big fans of the band.
The group, on the Red Scare Industries label, had the energy to match the headliners. Singer Tane Graves shredded his vocal chords, and his bass. Both guitarists Noelle Stop, often in close proximity to Graves, and Paul Mullaney, lurking in the darker corner of the small stage, contributed powerful vocals whilst driving the music. Drummer Parker Thompson seemed to be happily destroying his kit in proper service of the music.
Tightwire kicked off its set with the appropriately titled for this night, “Party,” and ended with “AYL.” In between they jammed through “Six Feet Deep,” “Told Yah,” “Hidden Planet,” “Spell On Me,” and “Anyone But You.”
I look forward to seeing them again in short order. I’d hazard a guess anyone else who has witnessed them live feels the same way.
Another band I had the pleasure to document previously, as support for The Brokedowns a few months back, is Chicago’s own pop-punk Permanent Residue. It’s a fun crew led by singer, guitarist, and harmonica player Kate Manic, also from Fuck You Idiot. Her bandmates are Jake Levee of Canadian Rifle, on bass. drummer Victor Lord Riley, and guitar player, Vince Miller. The band, off the Long Island label, Dead Broke Rekerds, provided a great opening for the show. Its music is played at a full-throttle pace, with the songs clocking in under two minutes long. The speedy set started with “Ogden Avenue,” the title referencing a well-known street named for Chicago’s first mayor, William B. Ogden. It was followed by “O Well,” “Resignation,” and “I Don’t.” The last song in the set was the delightfully titled “David Gilmour Girls.” I expect the band to be headlining more and bigger shows. But wherever they are on the bill, make sure you check them out.
This was a top-shelf night of great music, equally great friends, and massive talent amongst the fans. Please see below for more photos. Cheers!
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Drumstick used by 13 year oldMax McQuid in his live debut as a drummer. He played with Sludgeworth, his father, drummer Brian McQuaid’s band.
Max McQuid rocks out after his live debut performance, playing drums for Sludgeworth on a song.
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Chicago all-stars aka Sludgeworth friends and fans.
Before this show started, Dr. Daryl Wilson of The Bollweevils aka The Punk Rock Doc, introduced me to Mike Wiebe of The Riverboat Gamblers as “the best front man in punk.” Coming from Wilson, a magnetic front man himself, this is high praise. The Riverboat Gamblers headlined a Reggie’s Rock Club, with support from The […]
Before this show started, Dr. Daryl Wilson of The Bollweevils aka The Punk Rock Doc, introduced me to Mike Wiebe of The Riverboat Gamblers as “the best front man in punk.” Coming from Wilson, a magnetic front man himself, this is high praise. The Riverboat Gamblers headlined a Reggie’s Rock Club, with support from The Mizzerables, Wrong Life, The Figbeats, and Publicity Stunt on December 17, 2022, and proved, again, Wilson knows of which he speaks.
The evening was more than just a regular Saturday night show. It was also a Zuma livestreamed celebration of the release of Starstruck: A Tribute to the Kinks. The album, from Wicked Opossum Records, showcases bands covering some of the Kinks’ most important and popular songs. This includes the five bands on this night’s bill. As the Kinks at Nassau Coliseum (during its “Come Dancing” hit song era in the 1980’s) was my first rock concert, this was especially nostalgic for me.
Mike Wiebe is, indeed, a dynamic frontman. The Riverboat Gamblers, comprised of Wiebe, Fadi El-Assad, Ian MacDougall, Rob Marchant, and Sam Keir, put on an electrifying performance. Wiebe was non-stop from the first note, climbing down from the stage, climbing up a side bench-like area to the side of the floor, Crowd surfing, and crouching down with fans only to have them all jump up in unison. On stage, he repeatedly jumped around and tossed the microphone in the air and twirling the cord like a lasso. He did not always catch the mic but that did not put a hitch in his step or cause a missed note. The rest of the group kept the music pulsating just as vigorously as their bandmate’s movements. The set list included: “Let’s Eat,” “Don’t Bury Me…I’m Still Not Dead,” “The Curse Of The Ivory Coast,” “Blue Ghosts,” “DissDissDissKissKissKiss,” and “A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology.” The band’s cover of “Father Christmas” was appropriately timed, even if the lyrics evoke a mood the polar (pun sort of intended, sort of not) opposite to the mood expressed by Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.” This is NOT a bad thing.
The Mizzerables released their record Whatever…This Sucks and then the pandemic hit. And things definitely did suck for a while for obvious reasons. It also prevented the band from touring in support of the record. Finally Joe Mizzi, Korey Brisendine, and Dave Vazzano are able to take to the stages to perform the infectious gem of a title tune and others off of Whatever…This Sucks and their other releases.
Mizzi and Vazzano were amped up at this show and Dan “Dan Precision” Wleklinksi (88 Fingers Louie) filled in last minute for Brisendine who, unfortunately, had fallen ill. The trio performed quite energetically, as they punched through a set including the aforementioned title tune, “Better Off Dead,” “FKI,” “Crabby Crab,” “Still Kickin’ ‘Round,” and a cover of Green Day’s “Basket Case.” The band also led a rousing edition of its contribution to the Kinks’ tribute album, “Lola.” If Mizzery (there are so many possible word plays on Joe Mizzi’s surname) loves company, surely The Mizzerables were as smitten with the crowd as the crowd was with them.
The Figbeats, a garage punk band out of Valparaiso, IN, are comprised of Brad Skafish, Felix Baeza, Jim Senderhauf, and Adam Hazlett. The group’s fizzy performance was quite welcome as it ripped through “Ultraviolet,” “Your Ghost,” “Bootstrap Paradox,” “Radio Killed Radio,” and “Phillip’s Lament.” Covering “Apeman” for the tribute album, The Figbeats dialed up the verve for a fun take on a classic.
Scotland’s Fraser Murderburger, formerly of The Murderburgers, now plays under the name Wrong Life. His intense, hard-driving vocals and guitar playing, backed by strong musicians (including Noelle Stolp of Tightwire) resulted in a powerful set that included “Talking/Talking,” “Digging,” “19 11 19,” and “New Sun,” all from Early Workings From An Idea (2022). Wrong Life’s contribution to The Kinks tribute album is “Strangers,” which was performed very solidly this night. Wrong Life might be in the early stages but is working from a great idea. Even greater ones no doubt on the horizon.
Publicity Stunt, another group on the bill hailing from the Hoosier state, is also where you will find Mike Paniccia, the founder and sole employee of Wicked Opossum Records, on drums. Starstruck: A Tribute to The Kinks is the first release from the new label and Paniccia is responsible for putting this show together. If this particular evening was a bellwether, the label has a promising and exciting future. Paniccia, and fellow Publicity Stunt members Adam Lingenfelter (vocals/guitar), Josh Claussen (guitar/vocals), and Dru Sheffer (bass) performed, with gusto, a set which included, “First Crush,” “Things To Think About,” “Tail Whip,” “Half-Way Written,” and “Pineapple Dandy.” Publicity Stunt’s entry on the tribute album was “Love Me Till The Sun Shines.”
Just over a week post-show, Mike Paniccia and I discussed the tribute record. He told me that,
“Starstruck is the first release. The Kinks were a big influence growing up and I knew a tribute compilation of a “bands’ band” was the type of thing I wanted to put out first — to get the interest of other musicians and show them what I can do.“
His take on how the event went off?
“Everyone seemed to have a great time, which is what it’s all about.”
Just as the Punk Rock Doc was spot on the money about Mike Wiebe, so too was Paniccia re: this show.
See more photos below!
Riverboat Gamblers’ Mike Wiebe serenades his friend Dr. Daryl “The Punk Rock Doc” Wilson of The Bollweevils.
Heart Attack Man have embarked on a headlining Freak of Na-Tour across the United States to mark the release of their third full-length record, Freak of Nature, released on May 26, 2023. On May 31, with support from up-and-coming Ontario-based emo band Arm’s Length, Heart Attack Man brought the Freak of Na-Tour to New York City’s […]
Heart Attack Man have embarked on a headlining Freak of Na-Tour across the United States to mark the release of their third full-length record, Freak of Nature, released on May 26, 2023. On May 31, with support from up-and-coming Ontario-based emo band Arm’s Length, Heart Attack Man brought the Freak of Na-Tour to New York City’s Racket.
Arm’s Length play New York City amidst their rapid rise to the forefront of modern emo and on the heels of their debut record, Never Before Seen, Never Again Found, released on October 28, 2022 via Wax Bodega. The band’s raw emotion, combined with quintessential twinkly guitar melodies and thick chords, made for a moody but energetic set that had concertgoers moshing, crowd surfing, and singing along to every song. The band’s eight-song setlist was well crafted, featuring their most popular songs from their 2019 EP What’s Mine is Yours, their 2021 EP Everything Nice, and their debut full-length record. The set included fan-favorite “Watercolour”, the track that propelled the band forward after going viral on the popular social media platform Tik-Tok back in 2021. Since then, the band has continued to grow in popularity and it shouldn’t be long before Arm’s Length are headlining tours and taking on larger stages.
Heart Attack Man returned to New York City to celebrate the release of Freak of Nature, their third full-length record. Heart Attack Man’s 14-song setlist was filled with tracks new and old, including standout tracks “Like A Kennedy”, “Stick Up”, and “C-4” from Freak of Nature. The band opened their set with the title track, “Freak of Nature”, an anthemic track glaringly reminiscent of early 2000’s pop-punk, featuring classic pop-punk power chords, whiney and monotone vocal delivery, and an infectious chorus: I’m a freak of nature / Broke out of my cage / I’m on my worst behavior / Freak of nature. As the first verse began, vocalist Eric Egan appeared from side stage wearing a ghillie suit, befitting of the track’s opening lyric: What the fuck are you looking at? Heart Attack Man ripped through their set, and there was no shortage of stage invaders two-stepping and crowd-surfing to nearly every song.
Amidst the pop-punk chaos, the band took a few moments to banter with the crowd. Egan teased about concertgoers’ personal hygiene at pop-punk shows to boast the band’s cheeky, exclusive Freak of Na-Tour deodorant available at their merch table and bragged about his hydration and the consequent clarity of his urine while on tour. These elements, Heart Attack Man’s carefree, “I don’t give a fuck” attitude and their catalogue of pop-punk bangers, is what fans have come to know and love about the band and their shows. I saw Heart Attack Man for the first time this past Fall at the Warsaw in Brooklyn when they were opening for beloved pop-punkers Tiger’s Jaw, and I immediately took notice of the thrilling synergy created by the band and the crowd. Despite there being a barricade between the stage and the crowd at the Warsaw, fans were nearly pouring over the barricade. At the Racket, this dynamic was in full-force once again, with Heart Attack Man giving fans their all and concertgoers giving it right back with mosh pits, stage-invading two-steps, and crowd surfing throughout the night.
Setlist:
Freak Of Nature, Pitch Black, Low Hanging Fruit, Sugar Coated, Out for Blood, Old Enough 2 Die, C4, Late to The Orgy, Stick Up, Like A Kennedy, Fake Blood, Cut My Losses, Cool 2 Me, Leap Year
Don’t miss Heart Attack Man on the Freak of Na-Tour!
The War on X-Mas continues. No, not the fictional War on Christmas some people peddle as a political weapon. Here we refer to the 8th Annual War on X-Mas weekend stand, held at Reggies Rock Club this year and featuring The Falcon, The Dopamines, Tightwire; and Won’t Stay Dead on night two. The second night […]
The War on X-Mas continues. No, not the fictional War on Christmas some people peddle as a political weapon. Here we refer to the 8th Annual War on X-Mas weekend stand, held at Reggies Rock Club this year and featuring The Falcon, The Dopamines, Tightwire; and Won’t Stay Dead on night two. The second night was a plugged-in evening with full bands but night one showcased singers performing alone with their acoustic guitars and a microphone.
Night One
As Sincere Engineer, Deanna Belos typically has a full band with her on stage. On a very chilly Friday night, Belos delivered a set full of warmth and humor. She set the tempo for the low-key enjoyable evening with a setlist including “Bottle Lightening Twice,” Shattering,” “Out of Reach,” “Overbite, and Trust Me.”
English singer-songwriter Sam Russo recently participated in our World Cup coverage and on this weekend, his own national football club was still in the hunt. As I write this, it still is. But his own performance was just as is strong, albeit on a smaller stage, as those of his fellow countrymen. Running through “Runaways,” “Letting Go,” “Small Town Shoes,” “Young Heroes,” Sometimes,” Russo most surely earned new fans. Oh and playing “Merry Christmas, Baby, I’m Sorry,” was a nice nod to the holiday known for its nog.
Josh Caterer performed a setlist mostly comprised of songs by his band The Smoking Popes. He started with “Simmer Down,” then followed it with “Let’s Hear It For Love,” “Rubella,” “Paul,” and “First Time.” Caterer ended his set with a cover of the Nick Lowe penned, made famous by Elvis Costello classic, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.” He was joined by what seemed to be most of those in attendance. If it wasn’t quite Christmas caroling, it was close enough for this holiday season evening. It was also lovely.
Brendan Kelly, unlike years of X-Mas past, wasn’t fronting The Lawrence Arms. However, his X-Mas present to the crowd was a set full of the aforementioned group’s songs, including “The Devil’s Takin’ Names,” “Demons,” and “Quincentuple Your Money.” Kelly added “Suffer The Children Come Unto Me,” from another of his groups, Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds. In a tip of the hat to one of the night’s earlier performers, Kelly performed “Young Heroes,” by Sam Russo. Neil Hennessy, Kelly’s bandmate in The Lawrence Arms and in The Falcon, as well as a member of The Smoking Popes, joined Kelly onstage for “Old Mexico Way.”
Night Two
Won’t Stay Dead might seem well-suited for Halloween shows, with its spooky aura and members dressed in all black, in what might be called “punk rock semi-formal.” Not to mention the fact that the band page describes the group as “Grungy horror pop punk from Chicago.” However, the band composed of Saffron Lair, Violet Staley, Tyler Palermo, and Will Lange, fit in perfectly as the Saturday night kick-off band. After all, it was the War on X-Mas. They band was as sharp as a “Rivers Edge,” which was also the first tune they played. This was followed up in quick succession by the rest of the set, including “Wicked Plans,” “Hack To The Bone,” “Somebody Put A Cross On My Head (And It Burned)” and “Sink Your Teeth.” Won’t Stay Dead closed out its spirited set with “Damaged Brain.”
Tightwire from Minneapolis, MN delivered a fierce set including “Party,” “Six Feet Deep,” ”Body Language,” “Spell on Me,” and “Pentagram Tattoo,” “Bitter Pill.” Group members Tane Graves, Paul Mullaney, Noelle Stolpe, and Parker Thompson brought the energy and the fun as they tore the stage up. The crowd was there for it.
The Dopamines, from the Queen City aka Cincinnati, OH, had the weekend’s penultimate time slot. The band, comprised of Jon Lewis, Jon Weiner, Josh Goldman, and Michael Dickson, roared through its set, injecting the atmosphere with a heavy dose of adrenaline. Included in said set were “You’d Make A Good Horsecop,” “Straight Papers,” “Cincinnati Harmony,” and “Heads Up Dusters,” as well as “The King of Swilling Powers Part I, II, III,” “Ire,” and “Dan Teets Runs a Marathon.” Frenzied done right.
The Falcon closed out the weekend with a forceful set and a dash of cheeky humor. band members Brendan Kelly and Neil Hennessy were, on this night, joined by Joe Principe (Rise Against) and Kody Templeman (The Lillingtons). All four were sporting matching black t-shirts with The Lawrence Arms logo, except in this case, the logo was covered over by the iconic red “NO” symbol. A wink and a nod to the fact that The Lawrence Arms was unable to make this year’s show. The setlist included a collection of some of the most unique and colorful song titles you’re bound to come across over a stretch of time. The Falcon performed, among others, “The Celebutard Chronicles,” ”Huffing The Proverbial Line Off The Proverbial Dong Or The Blood and the Frog,” ”Hasselhoff Cheeseburger,” “The Fighter, The Rube, The Asshole,” ”Feed The Monkey, Drown The Worm Or Goin’ Home,” “Building The Perfect Asshole Parade Or Scratching Off The Fleas.” The Falcon surpassed the already-high expectations. So did the weekend as a whole. Looking forward to next year’s event already. Maybe The Lawrence Arms will be on the bill?
Bad Planning, The Reaganomics, Space Age Zeros, and Burn Rebuild all shared the small stage at Reggie’s Music Joint in Chicago. It was a solid night of spirited performances by bands staffed with veteran musicians. Bad Planning, a pop-punk/melodic hardcore band founded in a couple of Chicago suburbs but now based in Chicago itself, headlined […]
Bad Planning, The Reaganomics, Space Age Zeros, and Burn Rebuild all shared the small stage at Reggie’s Music Joint in Chicago. It was a solid night of spirited performances by bands staffed with veteran musicians.
Bad Planning, a pop-punk/melodic hardcore band founded in a couple of Chicago suburbs but now based in Chicago itself, headlined the more intimate stage at Reggie’s. Whatever planning Alex Crook, Jack Coombs, Kevin Levonyak, and Laurence Bactat, may have put into this show, it was anything but bad. They tore through their set which included, “Full Stomach” “Actors,” “Dead Ends and Amends,” “Midwest Classic,” and “A Year Without Sleep.” The set also featured, at the very start, “FMN,” and “Sad Truth,” both of which are 2024 newly released singles. It was an exhilarating performance.
Up next, per Alex Crook, is a short East Coast tour this spring. One of those stops will be in Queens, NY for the Music Fests Here II. Bad Planning, off of Jump Start Records, will be sharing the bill with, among many others, Warn the Duke, which includes one of Dying Scene’s occasional contributors, Dan McCool.
The Reaganomics, from Joliet, IL, has recently made a few appearances on this site, for good reason. The band – made up of Terry Morrow, Greg Alltop, Nick McLenighan, and Eddie Cantu – continues to deliver entertaining performances since its start a decade and a half ago. This night was no exception. The driving set was drawn from across the band’s discography, and included, “Directive Five (Robocop’s Always Down),” “Don’t Worry, We’ll Play First,” “Grown Ass Man,” “Four Cliches,” “Dear Jaymez,” and “Smug Punx,” among others.
Terry Morrow told me they are writing new music now. I’d hazard a guess there will be more opportunities for you to catch The Reaganomics in the not-too-distant future. Do yourself a favor and make sure you are near the front of the stage when that future becomes the present.
Chicago’s own Space Age Zeros may be on their way to being local pop-punk heroes. The band members, who go by Nathan Zero, Tommy Zero, Steev Zero, Jason Zero, and Brian Zero, made their first live appearances in late 2022 and had a busy 2023. Presently, it is finishing up the recording of its debut album with producer Dan “Dan Precision” Wleklinski at The Bombshelter.
The band’s name was inspired by a carnival kiddie ride known as Space Age Umbrellas, according to Jason Zero. However, he told me,
“We changed it to “Zeros” to sound more punk rock.”
Jason Zero also told me he came up with something else. Short sleeve button-down shirts adorned with the group’s logo, a lightning bolt.
“I had come up with the idea for the matching shirts. All were on board aside from Nathan who does his own thing. But being a frontman I think that works well.“
On this night, Space Age Zeros blasted through a strong set, including, “Merry Go Round,” “Smile,” ” “Wishing Well,” and “On A Date With Suzi Moon.”
You can next check out Space Age Zeros at Beat Kitchen, on February 25, 2024. The band will share the stage with The Winks, and Zoanoids.
Burn Rebuild, from the southside of Chicago, is, in 2024, celebrating its 20th anniversary as a band. It also laid the foundation for this show with a combustible performance. Band members, Frank Tsoukalas, Brian Hampson, Andy Paik, and Kyle Prillaman, ripped through a set, which included “Save The Date,” “Monsters,” “Skin and Blood,” “Ignite,” and “A Decade of Hating Yourself Gets Old.”
Frank Tsoukalas, also of Much the Same [he mentioned he does not like to use the MTS card when it comes to his other projects], told me how Burn Rebuild got its name,
“The name came from Brian and I revamping our lives, attending UIC in our mid-thirties. Both of us were in this creative purgatory while trying to navigate what people have been asking since B.C. times, “What am I doing with my life.” The line, burn and rebuild, worked its way into the first song we wrote and seemed to fit where we were and what we were doing artistically and with our lives.“
Tsoukalas also updated me on what the band is doing now,
“Currently, we are writing and have a few ideas sketched out we’re excited about. We’d like to release new music ASAP. No shows right now; we’ve emailed the Chicago venues a bunch so if you read this, we want to play your place.”
With regards to this show, Tsoukalas described it this way,
“The Music Joint show was so fun and in 20 plus years of playing punk shows, Reggie’s is my favorite place in the city to play and has always been good to us. Bad Planning is a great upcoming band, I’ve known most of The Reaganomics for over a decade, and how fun are they to watch play? This was also my second time playing with Space Age Zeroes who couldn’t be nicer. It was an honor to open the night up with a nice group of people, and thanks to Chris [Tracy] with 630 Productions for calling us in. Being our first show back since the shutdown, it felt really good to be back on stage.“
Please check out more photos from the show! Thanks & Cheers!
Mexican skaterock/fuzzpunkers Cardiel are on tour with Atlanta-based Puerto Rican garage punkers Ladrones. At their Bay Area stop in Albany, Oakland duo Cut-rate Druggist opened. We were there. Oakland, CA’s Cut-rate Druggist are a two-piece, bass and drums, with bassist/singer Squeaky playing her Fender like a distorted lead guitar and wailing. They have an upcoming […]
Mexican skaterock/fuzzpunkers Cardiel are on tour with Atlanta-based Puerto Rican garage punkers Ladrones. At their Bay Area stop in Albany, Oakland duo Cut-rate Druggist opened. We were there.
Oakland, CA’s Cut-rate Druggist are a two-piece, bass and drums, with bassist/singer Squeaky playing her Fender like a distorted lead guitar and wailing. They have an upcoming single in August on Australian label Fantastic Mess Records and kicking off a 9-date Pacific Northwest tour on July 20th.
Ladrones hail from Puerto Rico, though are now based in Atlanta, GA. This was a high-energy set of garage-y punk and possible the best thing we’ve seen this year.
Drummer Samantha Ambrosio and guitarist Miguel Fraíno of Cardiel are originally from Valencia, Venezuela but formed the band in Mexico City in 2010. This is a fun mix of skate rock, punk and dub.
Chicago, IL saw the debut of another multi-genre music festival. The one-stage Cultivate Music Festival was at the same time, a celebration of Cannabis Culture. For festival organizers, vendors, musicians, and attendees, it was a good time. It was also a celebration of the fact that in the year 2023, citizens are able to use […]
Chicago, IL saw the debut of another multi-genre music festival. The one-stage Cultivate Music Festival was at the same time, a celebration of Cannabis Culture. For festival organizers, vendors, musicians, and attendees, it was a good time. It was also a celebration of the fact that in the year 2023, citizens are able to use cannabis not only medicinally but recreationally and in the open sans fear of prosecution. Of course, there was also some really good music and performances, including one of the more famous marijuana anthems in decades. Punk was just one of the genres, but those representative bands presented rollicking sets in an otherwise, yes, mellow weekend, including for those who don’t partake in cannabis themselves but agree its use should be legal.
Rewinding the festival from Sunday, August 27 to back to Friday, August 25:
Day 3
Fishbone had the crowd in hand. Angelo Moore led his bandmates through a non-stop set with his legendary facial expressions and dance moves. Strutting across the stage, kicking out his legs at times, other times playing the sax, Moore was electric.
As hyper as Moore was, John Norwood Fisher on bass and vocals was just as powerful in his stoicism while Walter Kibby aka Dirty Walt blasted away on his trumpet.
The trio, along with the rest of the band members, kept Fishbone sounding as fresh and as powerful as ever.
Afroman is not considered to be in the punk genre. However, watch the video to “Lemon Pound Cake,” the first song he performed at this fest, then look up the events that inspired Afroman to write the song. The man is punk AF.
Afroman, whose real name is Joseph Edgar Foreman, announced in December 2022, that he was running for President in 2024. I am not sure of the present status of his campaign but his judging from his abundantly fun set at this fest, I wouldn’t bet against him getting more than a few votes. Backed by DJ on The 1, Afroman led the crowd in a rousing rendition of his most famous tune. Many members of the crowd, those who partake holding up their various cannabis delivery implements, and those who don’t holding up their empty hands, sang loudly, when the title lyric came up.
Oh, and the set was especially a treat for Vee Sonnets of The Crombies, as Afroman borrowed his guitar to play during his set. Afroman shows you don’t have to be “Punk” to be punk.
The Crombies, one of the Chicago punk scene’s favorite hometown two-tone ska outfit, put on an exuberant performance. Lead singer Mike Park (note his Instagram and yes that is me in his most recent image, with long-time friends, including those in the band, and familiar-looking new acquaintances. Photo by Corinne Lydon) in his signature chilled out mode. Despite a recent very serious clavicle break earlier this year, guitar player Dave Simon spun around the stage, as bass player Kevin Lustrup pogoed in place.
Guitar player Vee Sonnets, drummer Matt Meuzelaar, and keyboardist Karl Gustafson provided powerful, if not flashy, work. They put the steady in rock steady. Gustafson sported a t-shirt emblazoned with words that perfectly sum up the spirit of the festival: “Everything Dope About America Comes From Chicago.” As a born and raised on Long Island transplant to the Windy City, I have slightly conflicted feelings about it. But I dig it and think much is true about it, sans pizza. (NY Slices for life!) Prodigious trombone player, Andrew Zelm added a dash of classic 2-tone ska flair at the far side of the stage. Though Zelm is not always on stage with the band, he has played trombone on every The Crombies recording.
Speaking of horns, Park, who started playing trumpet in the 4th grade, showed off his considerable skills on the instrument.
I never get tired of watching a Crombies set. I am not alone in that, by far.
Milwaukee’s Highball Holiday returned to Chicago and gave an energetic and affable performance. Paraphrasing the band’s lead singer, Shahanna McKinney Baldon, after spotting my cap with this site’s name emblazoned across it, she loudly alerted the crowd that “Dying Scene is in the house!” And we were, though the house was actually a parking lot on a steamy day. She also held up her phone throughout much of the set as she live-streamed the band’s performance.
Highball Holiday also dedicated its performance to Matt Norberg, a member of the band who died on July 18, 2023. David Wake of De La Buena joined the band on stage to make sure they could still perform in the absence of Norberg.
McKinney Baldon spoke of the struggles of mental illness, and had the crowd recite back to her, various crisis hotlines numbers. The national crisis hotline number is 988.
But the band members also celebrated all of their loved ones, and life in general with a delightful set.
Finally, McKinney Baldon made sure to point out sports teams in Milwaukee are better than those in Chicago, while simultaneously bemoaning that Wisconsin has not yet decriminalized cannabis use.
These highballers sure know how make every single day a holiday.
Day 2
Day 2 was an easy one for DS, as there was just one band on our “to cover” list. The Goddamn Gallows, with Mikey Classic, at the helm, put on a rambunctious set. Baby Genius, was a spark plug on both on drums and when he took the mic and the headed to the front of the stage. The hard-hitting ensemble, which also included Jayke Orvis and Bafunfa, tore through its performance. The Goddamn Gallows are currently on tour so check them out when they hit your town. It’ll be a favor you grant yourself.
Day 1
Lucky Boys Confusion, another Chicago group, gave a forceful performance as the day moved into evening. It was an enjoyable set and the popular band fit well on the bill.
Andy Frasco & the U.N. put on a set easily described as dynamic. Frasco, at the keys, gave a magnetic performance. This was even more so when he moved to the hot pavement of the crowd area sans shoes. Dancing joyfully, Frasco requested those in attendance to hold hands as they sang a rendition of the Jewish Folk song Hava Nagila. Naturally, the crowd enthusiastically complied. Hava Nagila is traditionally played at various celebrations, perhaps most notably weddings. Andy Frasco and the U.N. left little doubt it found this Friday a time for celebrating.
Mac Sabbath, the fast food-themed Black Sabbath parody band, may seem silly at first and indeed they elicited many a laugh. But underlying the goofiness of musicians dressed as demented and eerie versions of the mascots for a certain fast food behemoth, there is actually a more serious message. Vocalist Ronald Osbourne, guitar player Slayer MacCheeze; bass player Grimalice on bass, the Catburglar on drums, are sending a warning. The warning being how fun, corporate-created characters are actually devices used to manipulate children into unhealthy eating habits which may last a lifetime. Neither the fun nor the message lost on a certain heavy metal legend and loving “Papa” to a young girl name Pearl in 2018.
OTNES, out of Nashville, TN, kicked off the music at this fest in a solid way. Self-describedas gender-bending pop, OTNES aka Emily Blue, might not be considered punk. However, the pleasant performance was a great way to kick off the festival.
Please see more photos from Cultivate Music Festival. Thanks, and Cheers!
Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day a bit early. The city partook in its traditional Dyeing of the Chicago River, followed by a boisterous post-downtown Irish parade afternoon. The events draw thousands, most seeming to be decked out in various formed of green plastic, t-shirts slightly updated, often vulgarity or cheesy wise, from the classic of […]
Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day a bit early. The city partook in its traditional Dyeing of the Chicago River, followed by a boisterous post-downtown Irish parade afternoon. The events draw thousands, most seeming to be decked out in various formed of green plastic, t-shirts slightly updated, often vulgarity or cheesy wise, from the classic of bygone years “Kiss Me I’m Irish,” and silly hats. More than a few people remarked that the only thing seemingly missing were actual Irish people. The accuracy of that last part I do not know.
However, after a day accented by a few celebrants puking up green beer on the “L,” Reggie’sacted as a sort of refuge from the shenanigans (yes, I use that word sans apologies). The pride of Southside Chicago Celtic punk, Flatfoot 56, as it often does at this time of the year, stormed the stage. The band had hearty support from The Rumjacks, The Drowns, and another of Chicago’s own, Criminal Kids.
To say that a Flatfoot 56 show is always a good time is an understatement. Led by the affable founding members the brothers Bawinkel, Tobin and Kyle, the band roars through its set. Tobin Bawinkel, the towering lead singer, exudes the energy of a preacher leading an old-time revival under a big tent, the charm of your favorite high school teacher, (he actually is a high school social studies teacher in the Chicago Public school system), and the requisite charisma of a veteran frontman. Kyle Bawinkel, with a good-natured, but slightly mischievous grin, slams on bass, Drummer Dan Alfonsi, aka singer of another windy city band “Still Alive,” works in tight conjunction with Kyle for a sturdy backbeat. Original Flatfoot 56 Pipes player Josh Robieson rejoined the band a few years back, much to the delight of the Ollie Mob.
The band is well-known as a Christian group. But during the secular shows, you won’t witness proselytizing. However, you will hear stories of forgiveness, redemption, unity, and faith laid bare in FF56 lyrics. Two of the band’s most popular songs played live are actually covers of Christian hymnals. Tobin regularly encouraged, pre-pandemic, fans to hold the hands of their neighbors at the show, as they slowly build then burst into a very up-tempo rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Tobin still encourages fans to take a moment to introduce themselves to those around them they do not yet know.
On this particular night, however, the hymnal of choice, was the joyously rowdy version of “I’ll Fly Away.” And whether fans describe themselves as believers, atheists, agnostics, or by any other religion-related description, the crowd joins in, triumphantly singing the chorus.
“I’ll fly away, oh, Glory I’ll fly away When I die, Hallelujah, by and by I’ll fly away.”
It’s quite a moving moment. Decency is a word you will often hear associated with this band. It fits, in part, because it requests one thing of its fans, to bear cathartic witness to our shared humanity. But a FF56 show is no solemn affair, Its reliable strength is neither generic nor boring.
This was demonstrated as the members of Flatfoot 56 blasted through the set, also including “Brotherhood,” “Knuckles Up,” “Winter In Chicago,” a terrific cover version of “The Wild Rover,” “Courage,” and “We Grow Stronger.
Flatfoot 56 shows, simply put, are the very definition of a rip-roaring good time free of judgment, full of joy.
Celtic punk band The Rumjacks, was founded in Sydney, Australia but now its members are based in Europe.
Lead singer Mike Rivkees, who is actually from the United States, spent most of this time on stage in perpetual motion, springing lightly on the front of his shoes. Also playing tin whistle throughout the set, Rivkees commanded the crowd with his strong vocals. He led the bandmates, including his Mickey Rickshaw bandmate Kyle Goyette on accordion, through a rollicking set proper for a modern-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the USA. The Rumjacks easily satisfied the fans as it tore through “One for the Road,” ”Kirkintilloch,” “Bloodsoaked in Chorus,” ”A Fistful O’ Roses,” “Sainted Millions,” and “An Irish Pub Song.”
Hopefully we will not have to wait until the next St. Patrick’s Day celebration to welcome The Rumjacks back to Chicago.
The Drowns, out of the Emerald State helped celebrate the Emerald Isle with a spirited performance. The Seattle band has a stacked festival year. Among the upcoming highlights are Punk Rock Bowling, Punk in Drublic, and Rebellion Festival, as well as Sjock Festival. So it was a treat for those who can’t travel to a big festival to be able to see them at Reggie’s. The boisterous set included “Black Lung,” “Lost Boys Of Suburbia,” “One More Pint,” “Wolves on The Throne,” and ”Hold Fast.”
Band members felt compelled to point out one of their tour highlights or perhaps lowlights. The band hit White Castle pre-show. For at least one of its crew it was the first taste of the iconic fast-food joint. There is a White Castle right around the corner from the venue. Unsurprisingly (at least to me, as I am not a White Castle fan), the band expressed more than a little regret at that dinner choice.
The Drowns also played a barn-burning cover of Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz.” Of course, that classic song was featured in the classic comedy “Wayne’s World,” which has several keys scenes set in the Windy City area. The crowd was absolutely all for it.
Regret is something you may experience if you don’t catch this The Drowns live at your first chance. Whether it is at a huge festival or in a more intimate setting, the crucial thing is to catch them. You will be glad you did.
I am always delighted to see Southside Chicago’s own Criminal Kids on the bill. The band fired up the hometown crowd to kick off the party.
The rough and tumble but sweet attitude befitting a band with this name was demonstrated as Criminal Kids blasted through “Little Bitch,” “Night,” “Outcast,” “Vanity,” and “Life.”
The band’s rambunctious cover of The Undertones classic from 1978, “Teenage Kicks,” was a notch above terrific.
Is this where I say it’d be a crime to miss Criminal Kids? Ok, I will apologize for that groaner. The manner of expressing this idea might be dorky. But the sentiment is not.
The second night of this year’s Sounds of the Street Festival was capped off by yet more Texas punks. In this case, the capital city’s Lower Class Brats. The Austin-borne legends were joined several popular Chicago groups, as well as bands from across the United States. (Check out our coverage of Night #1 here.) Lower […]
The second night of this year’s Sounds of the Street Festival was capped off by yet more Texas punks. In this case, the capital city’s Lower Class Brats. The Austin-borne legends were joined several popular Chicago groups, as well as bands from across the United States. (Check out our coverage of Night #1 here.)
Lower Class Brats, originally from Austin, TX, but presently based out of California, have been tearing up stages for nearly 30 years. The band brought its ferocity to 2105 South State, wasting no time demonstrating why it has such a devoted following. Lower Class Brats, with a song called “Ultraviolence,” takes some inspiration from “A Clockwork Orange.” One of the nods to the Stanley Kubrick film adaption of the Anthony Burgess novel, was the black Bowler atop Bones’ skull. Bones, one of the two remaining founding members in the band, was perpetually in motion throughout the set, He and his bandmates powered through their performance leaving throngs of fans sweaty and satisfied.
The Subversives, out of Minneapolis, MN, have been around since the 1990’s. However, with a new singer, there’s a renewed energy in the form of an intense young singer with the moniker Quinn T. Sensual. Sensual confidently led his veteran bandmates through their time on the stage with piercing confidence. It was a solid set, keeping the fans moving on the floor. The Subversives are back. And quite a few were glad to see it.
Killing Pixies, from Detroit, MI, came out full throttle. Buoyantly fresh sounding, the pop-punk quartet, delivered sweet sounding tunes which also serve as razor-sharp anthems. The band members are far from shy about calling out those who would deny them basic human rights; perhaps the biggest such targets being the men who work to end access to safe and legal abortions. Killing Pixies gave one of my very favorite performances during the weekend. I am excited to see what else they have for all of us in the future. I’m hazarding a guess it will sting in the very best way.
There are many different types of Rotten in the world, and two of them were on display during night 2: Rotten Stitches and Doc Rotten. The latter was up first. Its new lead singer, Johnny Douglas, alternatively scowling and smiling, was clad in an English football-looking Adidas t-shirt. But instead of an advert for a sponsoring airline or cell phone company, the words “Unite” across the front, and “Resist” on the back. Not only do those two words make up the title of band’s 2022 release, but they are a sort of mission statement for the Trenton, New Jersey crew as well. Known for politically charged tunes, this Rotten was relevant while honoring the spirit of the its street punk ancestors.
The other bands on Saturday’s line-up: Squared Off, The Oi!takus, The Decayed, Anti-Feds, and Fear City, all showed off their own brands of street punk, contributing to yet another exciting musical weekend here in Chicago, Check out more photos from Sounds of the Street Festival night 2 below!
