X

Just returned from a show at Slim's. Purchased the ticket to see the band 50 ft. Wave, a spin off of Throwing Muses. My ears are ringing like mad and the body a bit sore for being tossed to and fro while the nearby mosh pit worked it's sway of the crowd. The pit was not created by the 50 ft. Wave fans. These concert goers were seen as the mild, mellow crowd and most left after the performance. The front quarter of the venue was truly occupied by the X fans who were there to rock out and rock out hard. 50 ft. Wave was merely seen as a speed bump or distraction and the crowd really wasn't all that receptive. I on the other hand thought they tore the place up and put on the most tight performance thus far in their short career as a band. (About a year or so, perhaps more.)

X is an old school punk band with a rockabilly twist. Think Ramones with a chick singer and a bit more talent. Formed in 1977 in LA, they caught on like wildfire and soon developed an underground following and signed to an independent label. Clearly one of the oldest US punk bands. There were two guys standing behind me giving one another the run down of shows they have seen, favorite albums, band membership changes and back again. It was my own personal behind the music and history lesson prior to the first chord being struck.

Lights go down. Crowd goes absolutely apeshit as all 4 members hit the stage one by one. At first glance it appeared someone's grandparents had snuck up on stage, not the punk band X. It is apparent they have lived the rockstar lifestyle for quite some time and the wear and tear of hard drugs and alcohol have aged them a tad bit prematurely. First a hard bass line, then the drums kick in followed by some dude named Johnny Zoom on the guitar. Grandma chick singer pops in lyrics to an old favorite and it's off and running to a real live punk show. The pit was quickly formed, elbows, arms, heads spinning out of control while the push and shove of those supporting the pit just on the outside of the mayhem keeps it a well oiled machine. Drinks are thrown, the floor gets slippery, people dropping like flies but the outer pit community picks them right back up and in they go! A few minor fights break out here and there but for the most part everyone moshing got along well without incident. Which is the point I suppose. X played song after song and the energy build throughout the evening while it finally popped with the very last encore. (3 total) Don't think I will be running to Amoeba to purchase X albums anytime soon however I do feel fortunate to have seen such legends, or as they were explained.

Now I just have to stop this ringing in my ears!