NOVEMBER MUSIC PICKS for ON TAP MAGAZINE in DC

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Mayhem at Sonar

One of Norway’s most notorious black metal bands will be at Sonar this November. Mayhem paved the way for the way for Scandinavian groups influenced by Slayer, Venom, and Celtic Frost, and the controversy surrounding them is legendary. The suicide of lead singer Dead in 1991 sent shock waves through the underground, when founding member Euronymous took a picture of the deceased vocalist, who took his life with a shotgun, and made it the album cover for their next record, “Dawn of the Black Hearts.” Then in 1993, Burzum bassist Varg Vikernes, who had recently joined the band, murdered Euronymous during a confrontation, stabbing him multiple times. Vikernes was sentenced to 21 years in prison, but was released on parole in 2009 after serving sixteen years. The band has also been linked to the infamous plague of church burnings across Norway during this time. The lineup has changed considerably since then, with founding bassist Necrobutcher and long-time drummer Hellhammer remaining as the only original members. This newest incarnation sees Attila Csihar on vocals and Morfeus on guitar. Joining them on this North American onslaught is Keep of Kalessin, Hate, and Abigail Williams. Alos along for the massacre is Strong Intention, Apothys, Visceral Violation, Grieve, and Throne of Carrion.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20 general admission/$50 VIP. - Jason Walsh
Sonar: 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD; 410-783-7888;www.sonarbaltimore.com

THE MISFITS

The Misfits are back, now supporting their first record of new material in over twelve years. “The Devil’s Rain” released in October and has horror punks in a frenzy, with songs like “Land of the Dead,” “Curse of the Mummy’s Hand,” and “Ghost of Frankenstein.” Founded in Lodi, New Jersey in 1977 by Glenn Danzig, The Misfits were one of the most influential American hardcore and punk bands from the early years of the movement. In the six years of the bands existence, the lineup changed frequently with only Danzig and bassist Jerry Only remaining constant. Only’s brother Doyle replaced Bobby Steele in 1980, which made up the band’s core lineup of which most of the released material was recorded, such as “Walk Among Us” and “Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood.” Danzig went on to form Samhain in 1983 and the Misfits ceased to be, until Only and Doyle resurrected the band in 1996. Danzig refused to take part, having found success as a solo artist. They enlisted a young Michael Graves on vocals and released “Famous Monsters,” a collection of new and original songs. The new incarnation lasted until 2000, with Graves and drummer Chud quitting. Doyle left shortly after and Only restructured the Misfits again, taking on vocal duties, with Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena. Drummers during this third version of the band included Marky Ramone, Robo from the Misfits and Black Flag, and now current percussionist Eric "Chupacabra" Arce from Murphys Law. This November, fans in the area will have two opportunities to see The Misfits with a November 3 date at the Recher Theatre and November 6 show at Jaxx. Juicehead provides the main support for this tour to promote “The Devil’s Rain,” with Singleton, Wasabi, and Chasing Morgan on the night at the Recher Theatre, and Pharmacist, Pain, Stitch The Lids, and Idol Minds opening at Jaxx.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Starts at 6:30 p.m. $18 advance $20 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Recher Theatre: 512 York Rd. Towson, MD; 410-337-7178;
www.rechertheatre.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Starts at 5:30 p.m. $23 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Chuck Ragan at the Red Palace
Chuch Ragan is one of many aged punk and hardcore frontmen who have found a successful outlet later in life with folk music. Ragan was best known for his time in Hot Water Music out of Gainesville, Florida. The hardcore outfit had an acoustic side project called Rumbleseat, and when the band parted ways in 2006, Ragan began his solo career, releasing his first record, “Feast or Famine” in 2007. Currently he is out on the road supporting his fourth studio release, “Covering Ground,” which dropped this year on Side One Dummy records. The new record is an ode to his transient life as a balladeer, and Ragan will be covering ground on this tour.
Starts at 7 p.m. $10 advance/$12 day of show- Jason Walsh
The Red Palace: 1212 H St. NE, D.C.; 202-399-320; redpalacedc.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Scratch Acid and Kepone at the 9:30 Club
Austin’s Scratch Acid have reunited for their first tour since 1987. The noise punk blasters were among the early acts in the 80s to arise in the punk and hardcore scene. They were a steady lineup from ‘82-’87, and went on to different musical paths, with members going on to the Jesus Lizard, Ministry, Rapeman, and the Big Boys. In 2006, there was a brief reunion, with three shows in Austin, Chicago, and Seattle, but this marks the first full tour for the band. They influenced a number of underground bands, including Kurt Cobain, and there is limited amount of material recorded from their early days on the labels Rabid Cat and Touch and Go Records. Opening for Scratch Acid is Kepone, a heavy 90s indie band from Richmond, who have also just recently reunited, comprised of former members of Gwar, Holy Rollers, Eek-A-Mouse, and Burma Jam.
Starts at 7 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Enter the Haggis and Scythian at Recher Theatre
It will be a night of great Celtic rock at the Recher Theatre this November. Enter the Haggis have returned stateside and will be sharing the stage with DC’s own Scythian. The Canadian five-piece band are based out of Toronto and have just released their seventh full-length studio album, “Whitelake.” Enter the Haggis tour relentlessly and play several of the big annual Irish festivals throughout North America. Scythian is no stranger to DC stages, having appeared frequently at the ShamrockFest since forming in 2002 and are supporting their newest offering, “American Shanty.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
Recher Theatre: 512 York Rd. Towson, MD; 410-337-7178;
www.rechertheatre.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Fall Brawl 2011 at the Ottobar
It’s a night of some of the biggest names in hardcore at the Fall Brawl 2011 this November at the Ottobar. Leading the way are two of the biggest names from the New York Hardcore scene, Madball and Murphy’s Law. Led by frontman Freddy Cricien, Madball started as a side project for Agnostic Front’s Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma. Miret is Cricien’s older brother and this was a way for him to get the young Freddy on stage doing what he loved. Cricien has since taken the reigns, turning Madball into one of the most important hardcore bands in modern days. Madball released “Empire” last year, the band’s eighth studio release and followup to 2007’s “Infiltrate the System.” In the annals of hardcore, Murphys Law needs no introduction. The true pioneers of NYHC, led by front man Jimmy G, Murphys Law is the band that has kept going since their early days in 1982. Their self -titled debut and “Back with a Bong” are standard in any true hardcore record collection and the always outspoken Jimmy G will be sure to give the crowd a good show. The stacked lineup includes No Redeeming Social Value from New York and Bitter End from Texas, as well as Creepout from Japan, Dead End Boys, Stout, Lifeless, and Mindset.
Starts at 5 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
Ottobar: 2549 N. Howard St. Baltimore, MD; 410-662-0069; www.theottobar.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Anthrax, Testament, Death Angel at the Fillmore
It’s not the BIG 4, but it’s still a pretty BIG 3. Anthrax has taken to the road alongside fellow head-banging pioneers Testament and Death Angel for one of the biggest metal tours of the Fall. A lot has changed for Anthrax in the last year. After flipping through three vocalists since his departure from the band in 1992, Joey Belladonna returned to the group last year and the “classic” lineup from the “Among the Living” era is back together. This year, Anthrax released their first record in eight years. “Worship Music” is the powerful return for Anthrax and the first record Belladonna has been on since 1990’s “Persistence of Time.” “I guess it’s like the old days,” Belladonna said. “And if anything, it’s even more fresh because we’re all matured, everybody’s musicianship and talent, all the achievements and the growth of being a musician has gotten way better.” Since Belladonna’s return, Anthrax has been a part of some the recent BIG 4 events, which have included Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. The first performance of this legendary roster was at last year’s Sonisphere in Sofia, Bulgaria where members from all the bands came on stage together to perform Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” Belladonna said it was an amazing experience. “You know I never thought I’d be asked to go up and sing in that setting with them, you know maybe on some other place, but even to do a song that I’ve never done before was kind of challenging. It was fun. I remember getting the email late at night, we’re riding in the bus, saying we’re going to do a song together, so learn a section, and there we went, you know. It was really very cool, you know. I’m glad to be a part of it. I hope we can do it again maybe.” Testament is one of the more renown 80s thrash bands to come from the Bay Area metal scene and they have remained together consistently through the years with numerous lineup changes. Their tenth studio record, “The Dark Roots of Earth” releases next year. Rounding out the bill is Death Angel who also spawned from the Bay area with their lightning fast guitar lines. They are still on the road supporting last year’s “Relentless Retribution.” For a show with some of the great originators in thrash metal history, this is a show no head banger will want to miss.
Starts at 7 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; 301.960.9999; fillmoresilverspring.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Everlast at Recher Theatre
Whitey Ford is back. Former House of Pain MC Everlast has a new solo record out, “Songs of the Ungrateful Living.” The Grammy-Award winning rapper had a resurgence in 1998 with the two-time platinum “Whitey Ford Sings the Blues,” which dropped the hits “What it’s Like” and “Ends” to an unsuspecting public that had no idea that Erik “Everlast” Schrody could play guitar. The followup, “Eat at Whitey’s” was also well received and went gold. In recent times, Everlast has been linked to the La Coka Nostra crew and was apparently involved in a street racing incident with Justin Bieber this past August, in which Bieber crashed his Ferrari. Who would have thought?
Starts at 7 p.m. $12 advance $15 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Recher Theatre: 512 York Rd. Towson, MD; 410-337-7178;
www.rechertheatre.com


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at the Fillmore
The son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is taking his father’s music to big venues across the U.S. Dubbed Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, Bonham will be performing all the great hits from his dad’s band, that were the masterwork of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. Bonham played drums with Zeppelin at the 2007 reunion at London’s O2 arena and this newest incarnation is an homage to his dad, but the rest of the band as well. Aside from the great music from one of the most legendary 70s rock bands, the performance will be a visual experience, including archived video from Zeppelin and surely some laser lights. Bonham has assembled and all-star band for this tribute to his father and his mates and any Zeppelin fan won’t want to miss this one.
Starts at 8 p.m. $35-125. - Jason Walsh
The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; 301.960.9999; fillmoresilverspring.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Foo Fighters, Social Distortion, and the Joy Formidable at Verizon Center
Dave Grohl is a very busy guy, and currently he is back on the road with his band the Foo Fighters. Grohl, once drummer for Nirvana and founder of the Foo Fighters, is always bouncing around between projects and this tour supports their newest and seventh studio release, “Wasting Light,” which Grohl has called their “heaviest album yet.” The single “Rope” preceded the album’s April release date, and since fans have heard three other rocking singles, “Walk,” “Arlandria,” and “These Days.” Unlike some of the more polished Foo Fighter records, “Wasting Light” was recorded in Grohl’s garage. “There's poetry in being the band that can sell out Wembley but also makes a record in a garage,” Grohl said. Grohl started the Foo Fighters in 1994 following the suicide of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Aside from the Foo Fighters, he has worked on side projects like Probot, Them Crooked Vultures with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, and Queens of the Stone Age and has done session work with Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, and The Prodigy. Also on the night’s marquee at the Verizon Center is Social Distortion. Led by Mike Ness, the original L.A. punk scene group has transformed over the decades, with a more rockabilly influence in recent times. “Mommys Little Monster” may be their classic contribution to the early punk movement, but it was the more commercially accepted “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell” that brought them notoriety, most notably from the success of the hit “Ball and Chain.” Social D’s newest record, “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes,” released in January on Epitaph records, their first release of new material since 2004’s “Sex, Love, and Rock 'n Roll.” Rounding out the night of music at the Verizon is Joy Formidable, an Alt-rock trio from England, who have just released theur first record, “The Big Roar,” on Atlantic Records.
Starts at 7 p.m. $37.50-$57.50. - Jason Walsh
Verizon Center: 601 F. St. NW, D.C.; 202-628-3200; www.verizoncenter.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Agnostic Front, The Mongoloids, and Naysayer at the Ottobar
Bet the Devil and Behind the Masses
The godfathers of hardcore are coming around again, this time with their newest collection of old school New York Hard Core anthems. “My Life My Way” was released on Nuclear Blast records in March and is a record of all new material from founding members Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma, and the producing credits go to Miret’s brother Freddy Cricien of Madball. The Lower East Side Crew has been paving the way in hardcore since their early beginnings three decades ago in the NYHC underground, changing the sound of hardcore in the era of Sunday Matinees at CBGB’s. This followup to 2007’s “Warriors” is a classic example of why Agnostic Front has had such a successful longevity in the hardcore scene. Hundreds of HC bands have been influenced by Agnostic Front, who brought unity and pride into their scene which is rooted deeply amongst the five boroughs. On the tour with AF are the Mongoloids and Naysayer, and opening acts include Bet the Devil and Behind the Masses at this Ottobar hardcore event.
Starts at 7 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
Ottobar: 2549 N. Howard St. Baltimore, MD; 410-662-0069; www.theottobar.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Chimaira, Unearth, Skeletonwitch, and Molotov Solution at Jaxx
This will be a night of very heavy music. Headlining this head pounding evening is Chimaira from Cleveland. Started in 1998 by founding guitarist Jason Hager and vocalist Mark Hunter, Chimaira has evolved over the past thirteen years, with some lineup changes and six studio records, including 2011’s “The Age of Hell.” Sharing top billing is Unearth, a metal core band from Massachusetts, who are promoting their newest record as well. “Darkness in the Light” is Unearth’s fifth studio release and hit stores this past summer. Skeletonwitch is an extreme thrash metal band from Athens, Ohio, who also have a new record, “Forever Abomination.” Rounding out the bill of heavy-hitting outfits is Molotov Solution, a deathcore crew from Las Vegas. It you like it heavy, loud, and painful, then this lineup at Jaxx is for you.
Starts at 5 p.m. $18 advance/$20 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The Smoker’s Club Tour Part Deaux 2011 at the 9:30 Club
The Smoker’s Club Tour Part Deaux 2011is the return of Method Man and crew to share their two favorite things with audiences: music and medicinal marijuana. The Smoker’s Club started in 2010 by the like-minded weed connoisseurs that included founders Jonny Shipes, Shiest Bubz, Steve-O, and Smoke DZA. The crew decided to take the music to the streets in an event that would celebrate their favorite hobby. They had a successful tour run last year as well as a performance at SXSW, and decided to hit the road again with the extended family. This 2011 tour includes Method Man at the helm, alongside rappers Big K.R.I.T., Curren$y Spitta, Smoke DZA and The Pricks. “I grew up off High Times and there was the ‘Up In Smoke Tour,’ which I used to go to when I was a kid,” said founder Jonny Shipes. “I loved Snoop, Cypress, Redman, et cetera. Now, you have us and we’re just an extension of what we grew up on. We’re basically taking our lifestyle on the road to party with our supporters.” This 35 city run winds its way into DC this November, so be sure to make sure your lighter is working.
Starts at 7 p.m. $35. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Mastodon, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Red Fang at the 9:30 Club
The heavy sludge metal madmen from Atlanta are on tour with their fifth studio record, “The Hunter.” The stoner rock outfit have been a popular touring act since their 200 debut, “Remission,” harkening back to the days of Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy, as well as more modern groups like Neurosis and the Melvins. Sharing the bill with Mastodon is Dillinger Escape Plan, the mathcore shredders from New Jersey who are still supporting last year’s “Optiion Paralysis” from last year. Opening the night’s show is metal band Red Fang from Portland, Oregon.
Starts at 6:30 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

OCTOBER MUSIC PICKS for ON TAP MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
Henry Rollins at Grosvenor Auditorium
It may seem hard to believe that punk legend Henry Rollins would be having a performance at National Geographic's Headquarters in DC, but the content of his current new book, "Occupants," makes him the perfect candidate for the Society's "Music on...Photography" series. The former Black Flag and Rollins band frontman is an avid world traveller and found himself thrust into the project.

"Many years ago I started working on a collection of photographs for eventual publication," Rollins said. "I do a lot of traveling and as much as I write when I am in these places, a photograph speaks a different language, so I started hauling a camera around with me everywhere I went and documented moments as best as I could."

Ben Folds, Moby, Neko, and Andy Summers from the Police have all been past guests for the "Music on...Photography" series which began last year, featurning professional musicians sharing their photography and thoughts concerning its impact on the world around them. Rollins has always had a unique insight concerning the state of the world and this was a chance for him to include the thoughts in his writing with visual imagery to support it.

"I decided to call the book Occupants," he said. "I figure that's what we are. We get some time on the planet and that's it. I'm not a photographer, just someone with a lot of visas in his passport and a camera on his shoulder. The last thing I wanted was for someone to think I was being pretentious. I thought about what I could do to make the book be more time intensive on my part, so there would be more for the person who endeavored to get the book. I came to the conclusion that I would write something for each photo. In fact, I would write two things: an impression of the photograph and a caption that provided more of the practical information about where the image was captured, et cetera."

Always busy, Rollins is also the host of a new show on the Society's Nat Geo WILD channel called "Animal Underworld." The show focuses on people who have an affinity for different types of animals, whether it is to own or eat. Rollins presentation will be on October 7 at the Grosvenor Auditorium. Later this month, Pattie Boyd, former wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton and inspiration for the songs "Something" and "Layla," will be host for the series on October 12, sharing images of her life with her two famous former husbands.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $38 Nat. Geog. members/$40 General Public. - Jason Walsh
The Grosvenor Auditorium: 1600 M. St. NW, DC; 202-857-7700; events.nationalgeographic.com/

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Gwar at the 9:30 Club
Winter is coming, and Gwar at the 9:30 Club is the first sign. The insanely amazing shock rockers, gods of their own design, will be once again reeking havoc on crowds in DC this October. Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, these early beginnings saw film students that were heavy metal enthusiasts create the unholy stage show that is now Gwar. From their secret lair in Antarctica, led by the most brutal Oderus Urungus, Flattus Maximus, Beefcake the Mighty, and Balsac the Jaws of Death, Gwar will be sure to share their blood-spewing theatrical mayhem that fans have come to expect from the band. The notorious shock metal creatures released their twelfth studio album last year, "Bloody Pit of Horror," on Metal Blade Records following up 2009’s "Lust in Space." GWAR is not a band for the weak of heart, or stomach, as you have to expect the unexpected from one of the craziest stage shows ever executed. Be prepared to duck or run, as you just never know what may come flying into the audience. Adorned in nightmarish armored costumes as sacrifices performed by slaves regularly share the stage, a night with Gwar will never be forgotten, but be sure not to wear your best Sunday clothes. Gwar has continued their campaign of filth, decadence, and destruction for the past three decades proving the immortality of the outfit. "Eons ago, there existed an elite group of chaos warriors who ravaged the galaxy with a boundless hatred of all things alive.” Yes, Gwar is returning to DC, this time with Every Time I Die and Warbeast along for the carnage.
Starts at 7 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

41, part 3...

The Search for the Dust Bowl, 2011

August Concert Previews for ON TAP Magazine

MONDAY, AUGUST 1
Merle Haggard at the Birchmere
While Johnny Cash may be one of the most renown country outlaws, Merle Haggard has to be one of its most authentic. During an interview with Haggard and Cash about the famous San Quentin prison performance, Haggard told the Man in Black he had been there. “I don’t remember you being on the bill,” Cash said, to which Haggard replied, “I was in the audience.” The early years in California for the Bakersfield youth were tough: his father passed when he was nine, he dabbled in truancy and petty crimes, and eventually was sentenced to three years at San Quentin for attempted robbery in 1957. Life in prison changed Haggard’s outlook and when he was finally released, he took a more serious approach to music, which he had dabbled with before his incarceration. Alongside Buck Owens and his band, The Stranglers, Haggard had begun to develop what would later be called The Bakersfield Sound, a rougher style of country than Nashville’s Honky Tonk, with a signature Fender Telecaster driving the way. Nearly fifty years later, “The Hag” has countless number one hits and Country Music Awards, three Grammys, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Alexandria will play host to one of Country Music’s greatest legends.
Starts at 9:30 p.m. $79.50. - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com
http://merlehaggard.com/

MONDAY, AUGUST 15
Summer Slaughter Tour at 9:30 Club
One of the heaviest and darkest tours of the summer will be invading the 9:30 this August. Now in its fifth year, the Summer Slaughter Tour sees The Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel leading the pack, with veterans like Six Feet Under and Darkest Hour providing support. The Black Dahlia Murder hails from the Detroit area and recently released their newest studio album, “Ritual,” which Vocalist Trevor Strnad says represents their outlook on live performance. “When we play a show, it's like a ritual, a group catharsis,” Strnad said. “We are unified with our fans through the platform of live performance. There is a real magic there. Like the album cover represents, there are two halves required; us and you. Yes, we are an evil band. Yes, we sing about Satan. But really, how I see it, our evil is for your own good. The character Satan in our music represents the freedom to think for yourself.” Whitechapel from Knoxville, Tennessee brings their deathcore mayhem to the slaughter, still promoting their third record, “A New Era of Corruption.” DC locals Darkest Hour found their way on this tour as well, with “The Human Romance” being their current output of new material. One of the most brutal acts on the roster is Six Feet Under, part of the Florida death metal explosion in the 90s, who have released eight studio full-lengths since their inception almost twenty years ago. Rounding out the bill are Dying Fetus, As Bloos Runs Black, Oceano, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Powerglove.
Starts at 2:30 p.m. $24. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Marginal Man, Strike Anywhere, Damnation A.D. at Black Cat
One of DCs seminal hardcore bands will be headlining the Black Cat this month with their unique underground anthems. Marginal Man rose from the ashes of their first project, Artificial Peace, which was one of the many infamous acts found on the classic Dischord compilation, “Flex Your Head,” as well as the band Toasterhead. They rose out of the streets of DC with groups like Minor Threat, Government Issue, Faith, Void, and S.O.A., which featured Henry Rollins. In the 80s they release “Identity” and “Double Image,” hardcore classics found in any complete collection of the era and some thirty years later, Marginal Man will still get the mosh pit moving in the Capitol. Richmond’s Strike Anywhere will be at the Cat along with Damnation A.D., who are also from the District. For a night of local hardcore history, this will be a fun show not to miss.
Starts at 8:30 p.m. $15. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
Warchild at Rock and Roll Hotel
Thrash metal will be annihilating the stage at the Rock and Roll Hotel as DC’s own Warchild brings their “beer fueled” mayhem to another hometown show. This relatively new group will be releasing their first album this year and their song, “Back to the Mines,” is featured in the Relentless Energy Drink “2011 Clash” skate video. If you want an idea of what you’re getting into, hit up their website (warchilddc.com) and check out their insanely hilarious interview around town with Rochelle Relton. Warchild slays in the vein of Municipal Waste and all those great 80s thrash/mosh bands from yesteryear, so all you headbangers should hit up the Rock and Roll Hotel this August for your shot of metal.
Starts at 8:30 p.m. $10. - Jason Walsh
Rock N Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, D.C.; 202-388-ROCK; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
The Pietasters and The Thrilltones at Jammin’ Java
The two-tone locals are back again and the mad ska beats will be dropping at the Jammin’ Java. The Pietasters were conceived on the campus of Virginia Tech and for the past two decades have proved themselves to be one of the most talented and diverse ska outfits in the States. They were one of the early bands on Rancid founder Tim Armstrong’s fledgling label Hellcat Records in the mid-nineties, alongside The Slackers, Hepcat, and Dropkick Murphys. They have opened for Joe Strummer, played on the Warped Tour, and released six studio albums to date. But, their live performance is what they are all about, crashing dancehalls at every given chance. Providing support on this evening’s bill are The Thrilltones from DC. Tight quarters at the Java, so this will be skankin’ room only.
Starts at 9:30 p.m. $17 advance/$20 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com

July preview for SUBLIME WITH ROME

FRIDAY, JULY 29
311 and Sublime with Rome
“The Unity Tour 2011” rolls into Bristow this year headlined by 311 and Sublime with Rome for yet another summer festival that promises good vibes and easy skanking. 311 formed in the late 80s in Nebraska and hit their stride in the 90s with hits like “Down,” “All Mixed Up,” and most recently with “Sunset in July” off their newest offering “Universal Pulse,” which hits shelves this month. Sublime was a groundbreaking outfit from Long Beach that changed the music landscape, fusing reggae, ska, punk, and hiphop with the acoustical stylings and lyrical genius of the late Brad Nowell, who died of a heroin overdose just two months before the release of their most successful album, the self-titled, “Sublime.” Bandmates Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh continued on after Nowell’s death as the Long Beach Dub Allstars, but crossed paths with the talented Rome Ramirez, resurrecting the music they created as Sublime. The trio has finished recording their first album together, “Yours Truly,” which releases this month. Ramirez said he is very optimistic about joining the Unity Tour this summer. “We’re so excited to hit the US with 311,“ Ramirez said. “We’ll have our album out and will be playing new original songs alongside the fan favorites. This will be an epic tour that will forever be remembered. Can't wait for summer.” Supporting 311 and Sublime with Rome on the “Unity Tour 2011” is DJ Soulman and DJ Trichrome.
Starts at 6:30 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr. Bristow, VA; 703-754-6400; www.livenation.com

85th street surf session with the kids...

Williamsburg 2011

June Concert Previews for ON TAP Magazine in DC

SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Dinosaur Jr., Henry Rollins, and OFF! At 9:30 Club
J Mascis and Lou Barlow grew up in Western Massachusetts, starting a hardcore band called Deep Wound. From there it was Mogo, Dinosaur, then Dinosaur Jr., what they themselves have called “ear-bleeding country.” Along with drummer Murph, Dinosaur Jr. built a strong following with their unique slacker alternative sound in the late 80s and early 90s before disbanding in 1997, with Barlow going on to form Sebadoah. The three reunited in 2005 and have since released two records, 2007’s “Beyond” and “Farm” in 2009. The night’s performance will include the 1988 “Bug” performed in its entirety, along with an interview of the band held by none other than Henry Rollins. There’s no telling how that will go.

However, opening for Dinosaur Jr. is the most revolutionary collaboration of the last year. Following a falling out amongst the members of the Circle Jerks while trying to record a new album, Keith Morris and Dimitri Coats of Burning Brides went on to enlist the talents of old school Red Kross bassist Steven Shane McDonald and former Rocket from the Crypt drummer Mario Rubalcaba to form one of the heaviest outfits to come from the streets of Los Angeles in a long time. OFF! is a refreshing throwback of the honest and aggressive punk days Morris rose out of with his early bands Black Flag and the Circle Jerks, yet it’s fresh and current, coming from the unique blend of band members assembled. Releasing the four song E.P., “1st EP,” the band shot four separate videos for each song on the record which went viral quickly. Following up the four songs, along with 12 new ones, OFF! released their debut full-length, “First Four Eps” and has been on the road and playing festivals ever since.

“I’m excited, I’m happy, I love this band, I love the guys in this band,“ Morris said. “There’s not a lot of head trips. There’s a little bit of ego, but that’s OK, a little bit of ego doesn’t hurt, doesn’t kill anybody. The songs pretty much speak for themselves, the energy of the songs, the way that they blast out at you. I’m just totally psyched over this, totally jazzed.”
Starts at 8 p.m. $30. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Loudness, A Sound of Thunder, The Maiden Project, Dirty Passion at Jaxx
The “rock and roll crazy nights” of the 80s are on their way to Jaxx this June all the way from Japan. Loudness, formed in 1981 in Osaka under the name Lazy, gained much notoriety due to their friends in Twisted Sister in ‘85 when they released “Thunder in the East” on Atco Records. The single, “Crazy Nights,” introduced the world to the first noteworthy Japanese heavy metal band, who later toured with many of the big-time acts of the decade and were renown for their incredibly loud live performance. Opening for Loudness is a stacked roster which includes A Sound of Thunder and Iron Maiden tribute band, The Maiden Project. Rounding out the bill is Dirty Passion from Sweden, War Machine, and Seelow Heights.
Starts at 7 p.m. $23 advance/$25 day of show. - Jason Walsh
Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd. Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Stiff Little Fingers at the Black Cat
Formed in Belfast during the worst times of “The Troubles” in Ireland, Stiff Little Fingers is on of the most recognizable bands in the early years of the punk movement. Started as a Deep Purple cover band called Highway Star, they discovered the revolution of punk rock in ‘77 and changed their name to Stiff Little Fingers, based on a Vibrators song of the name. They went on to release “Inflammable Material” in 1978, influenced greatly by the insurgence they were experiencing daily in Northern Ireland, which became one of the truly important punk records of the early years. They played together and released 4 albums between ‘77-’83 before calling it quits, reforming again in ‘87 and playing off-an-on, through various incarnations from then until now. For a night of punk history, this is one not to miss.
Starts at 9 p.m. $16 $18. - Jason Walsh
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, D.C.; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 11
US Air Guitar Championships at 9:30 Club
Oh yeah, it’s back. All those insane performance junkies and exhibitionists will be giving it their all at this year’s regional US Air Guitar Championship on the stage of the 9:30 Club. Judged by technical merit, stage presence, and “airness,” the best and brightest have left the mirrors in their bedrooms to bring you their thoughtful rock interpretations. The DC engagement is one of 18 engagements across the nation, winding to Chicago on July 23 for the National Finals. What can you say, just hit up the internet for some clips and you’ll see exactly what you’re in for…Hendrix is crying somewhere.
Starts at 7 p.m. $20. - Jason Walsh
9:30 Club: 815 V. St. NW, D.C.; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Dave Alvin and Los Straitjackets at the Birchmere
The “King of California” is hitting Alexandria this June with his folk-blues interpretations that have helped him make a name for himself. Dave Alvin has been rocking since the late 70s, having played in the underground bands The Blasters, X, The Flesh Eaters, and the Gun Club before going solo in 1987 in a new direction. He received a Grammy in 2000 for a collection of traditional blues and folk classics and most recently has provided the song, “Harlan County Line,” for the FX series Justified. Providing support for Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones is Nashville’s Los Straitjackets, who play surf and rockabilly instrumental jams, all while donning Mexican wrestling masks.
Starts at 7:30 p.m. $25. - Jason Walsh
The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500;www.birchmere.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown at Regency Furniture Stadium
Country music royalty is bringing some of the best and brightest of the genre for a true day of down home tunes. “Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown 2011” hits the road with Willie headlining, alongside great artists like Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, and Lee Brice. Willie is a legend, with a career spanning decades, and having been a part of the rise of “outlaw” country which included Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. The festival will also include the talents of Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Drake White, and Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.
Starts 3:30 p.m. $40. - Jason Walsh
Regency Furniture Stadium: 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf, MD; 301-638-9788; www.countrythrowdown.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Black Country Communion at 9:30 Club
Yet another “supergroup” has emerged from the ranks of rock royalty. Black Country Communion began as a collaboration with former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes with guitar “phenom” Joe Bonamassa, later recruiting Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, along with Dream Theater keyboard player, Derek Sherinian. The four-piece released their first record “Black Country” in 2010, and has a June 13 release date for their aptly named sophomore effort, “2.” Taking their name from the British industrial region where Hughes and Bonham grew up, Black Country Communion is a throwback to the great rock and blues of yesteryear.
Starts at 7 p.m. $49. - Jason Walsh

Flogging Molly: The Speed of Darkness

An interview with Dennis Casey
by Jason Walsh
photos by Jez Beasley

The city of Detroit was a once thriving manufacturing powerhouse, home to the “Big Three” in the automobile industry, Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. A large percentage of the city’s workforce was employed by these three industrial giants until the economy plummeted. Chrysler declared bankruptcy and was bought by Fiat, General Motors filed Chapter 13 as well and was bailed out by the Federal Government, and Ford remains on life support. The people of Detroit have not fared well over the last few years and their once proud community lies in ruins.

Dave King and his wife, Bridget Regan, from Flogging Molly moved to Detroit prior to the recession. It was Regan’s hometown and the newlyweds watched as the city crumbled around them. When the time came to write the latest Flogging Molly record, the band came together at King and Regan’s home in the former Motor City, drawing inspiration from their surroundings. “Speed of Darkness” is the band’s fifth studio release, with stories and observations about the struggles of not only Detroit, but the entire world. The record’s first single, “Don’t Shut ’Em Down” is a battle cry for the blue-collar worker, in a time when they need a pat on the back.

I had a chance to speak with guitarist Dennis Casey about the new album and his experience in the city, as well as the band striking out on their own with their new label, “Borstal Beat Records.”

So tell me about the new record.

Casey: Well, it was recorded in Asheville, North Carolina and in El Paso, Texas. It’s called “Speed of Darkness.” What else can I tell you about it?

A lot of this record revolves around Detroit. Tell me about the Detroit influences.

Casey: Well, Dave, our singer who writes the lyrics and the majority of the songs, moved to Michigan with his wife, Bridget (Regan) who plays the fiddle. So, they have a house in Detroit and they bought this house a couple years ago and then the economy collapsed. Dave was very moved by what he saw, living in Detroit and seeing the effects of an economy collapsing has on a city like Detroit, which is pretty much a blue-collar city. He was inspired by that but he was also inspired by home because Ireland started having their fair share of problems as well.

On the record, you guys have a lot of songs that are talking about basically what everyone has been going through for the past couple years. Detroit is kind of like the model of what’s going on all over but just on a larger scale, and then you talk about Ireland. I mean you’ve got a lot of songs on here that talk about the perspective of what’s going on in the world right now.

Casey: Yeah, Dave actually said “it’s a record I had to write, it’s not a record I wanted to write.” I was of the same mind, I was like “how come nobody else is singing about this stuff, nobody’s writing about it?” I thought I’d hear more about it, but now I am. But for a while there, I was like “Jesus, isn’t anybody going to write about this, talk about this.” There’s a lot of people out there that are in a bad way, and as you know, lost their jobs, lost their homes.

I have family that live outside of Detroit in Kalamazoo and I go up there a couple times a year, and just seeing, even on the outskirts of the city, just how bad things are. But then again, you go around the country, I mean you guys travel a lot and go to different cities, and you can see the breakdown all over country over the last few years.

Casey: Yeah, we as the band got together in Dave’s basement in Detroit and we actually wrote and rehearsed the record there, so we spent a lot of time in Detroit and I’ve never spent that much time there. We did like three different writing sessions, each session was about two weeks, and I have to say, I’ve never seen any city quite like Detroit. It’s very unique unto itself, how it’s all spread out and it was just pockets of areas that are thriving somewhat and then there’s pockets of areas where it’s just completely run down, houses are boarded up, buildings abandoned. The city is so spread out. I didn’t realize how far and wide Detroit was. It just keeps going. I’ve never seen, in all my travels, a city quite like that.

That had to be a big influence on you guys being in that environment, and a lot of the tones of the songs being about that city and what’s going on there. What did you take away from your experience being up there?

Casey: The way things get destroyed, at the speed of which things get destroyed, like the train station there. We took a band photo there. We all thought that would be a great idea, because we were going to call the album “Speed of Darkness.” It just shows this beautiful structure that’s probably 50-60 years old, is in complete ruins, completely abandoned, completely destroyed, vandalized, and you look at this mammoth structure that’s just sitting there, not being used, and I just walk away with my head in my hands, just like “how can this happen? How can this be?” This is the richest country in the world supposedly. And this building, I don’t know if you’ve seen the Detroit train station, it’s beautiful, it’s like 25 stories high and just mammoth, and it’s done, it’s gone. It’s just sitting there, and that’s the other thing, they just leave things sitting there. But I will say this, there’s been a lot of artists moving into Detroit. I did notice that, because it is so affordable and artists usually don’t make a lot of money. What they’re talking of doing is just getting rid of a lot of the houses. There’s just a lot of houses that are sitting there abandoned, nobody knows who owns them, can’t find who does own them, and there’s talks of just leveling the houses and planting gardens so people can grow food. I think like that’s a solution. These are things that I’ve taken away from spending all that time there.

And that’s the thing. When you have a community that’s been demolished, how do you make the best of it? And like I said, a lot of themes I’ve seen on these songs are talking about resilience in the face of hardship. And you know, how do you overcome, when you’ve come all the way to the bottom?

Casey: Right. The one thing I will say and the other thing I noticed, it’s all coming to me as we talk (laughs) is that there is a lot of local community pride and ambition to keep things going, to build the city up again. And the people, almost all the stores I went into advertised “locally grown food” or “locally made clothes.” They really pride themselves in keeping businesses local. You know, they have breweries there, we’d go out to bars and the bars carried the local brews. I think that’s the sense of pride and perseverance that is still prevalent there among people that live there. It was really inspiring for me, because like you were saying, this is a city that, I mean I don’t know what a bottom is for a city, but it’s certainly not thriving and doing well. It’s in a transitional phase and it’s taking people that are living there and sticking it out, putting their hard-earned money and time and effort into making the best of it. I guess my hope is that it will flourish in a different way. It will be a different city, it won’t be this big automobile manufacturing city.

It sounds like you were definitely moved by your experiences there.

Casey: Yeah. It’s like you can’t not be. You’re spending all that time there, you know you go out to the pubs and the bars and talk to people. It’s just all around you. When you drive, you know we would drive, we didn’t stay close to where Dave’s house is so we had a fairly long commute and we’d go through neighborhoods and you just get a sense of it. You can’t not be moved by it.

Let’s talk about the record. There’s some great songs on there. I’ve had the chance to listen to it a couple of times. I’m really happy to hear what I heard, and you know, it’s not a your typical Flogging Molly record, but then again, what is a typical Flogging Molly record? You guys have always kind of evolved to different things through the course of years you’ve been doing this.

Casey: Yeah, I’m stealing your quote. I’m going to use that one, it’s a good one (laughs). It’s not a typical Flogging Molly record because what is a typical Flogging Molly record. Yeah, we always try to expand our comfort zone or challenge ourselves, because we’re a band of seven very different people that come from very different places and we’re different ages, different sexes, and completely different backgrounds and there’s a lot of musical influences in that and this band. It’s going to take a long time to exhaust them all. Having said that, it’s never a conscious decision to decide how you are going to maybe play on a song. For me it’s just, Dave plays it and whatever comes to me comes to me and I think playing in the band for almost 15 years now, it lends itself to that. We’ve just grown so much closer as a band, all the touring we do and the time we spend together. There’s just a sense of each other and what we do is get in a room and just do what you do. It’s not really that mathematical or thought out, so to speak. We tend to make different sounding records because we’ve also been doing it for 15 years. It’s no fun to make the same record over and over. I can’t imagine doing that.

When you guys first come together and start working on new material like this, is that still exciting for you? Is that a favorite part of doing this or more a labor of love?

Casey: I don’t really have like a favorite part about being…well, I think playing on stage for an hour-and-a-half or two hours is probably my favorite part. But I will say that, we don’t do it enough, make records, so I think it’s real burst of creativity and energy when we do, and I do think that’s another reason why the records maybe sound different. We tour so much, it’s hard for us to be in the studio as much as maybe we’d like to, maybe three years in between records. Personally, I just have a ton of ideas, bursting at the seams of all this music that you want to get out so I like the process. It is…don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy. Sometimes it’s super easy, it takes like a half hour to write a song with the whole band, sometimes it takes a couple days.

One of the songs on there I noticed, “The Power’s Out,” it felt like you were channeling some Delta Blues on that one.

Casey: Yeah, actually that’s one of the one’s I’m most proud of because it is a song that has that Delta Blues but it’s got this traditional Irish part to it as well and I think we pulled it off, I mean if I say so myself. It isn’t like that it doesn’t sound like it fits, it fits perfectly and it sounds good and I think that just like kicked a whole new door open for Flogging Molly. I think it just turned into that. Dave is a very sparse guitar player so his songs are really open to interpretation.

Now you guys had been on Side One Dummy records for a long time. What made you to decide to start your own label, Borstal Beat Records?

Casey: It goes back to being in the band for almost 15 years and we were with Side One I think for 13, and we decided that it was maybe time to try and stand on our own and see what happens. I mean this could be a complete flop or failure, we don’t know, but we just thought it would be nice to try and go on our own. With the music business changing like it has, it seems like the right thing to do. We’d also like to maybe sign some our bands that we like, some of our friends, and then bring them out on tour with us, which we did with Side One quite a bit, brought along a lot of Side One bands, so we just thought why don’t we do this for ourselves.

And that’s a good thing. You’re creating your own home, but then somewhere that other people you admire, a home for them as well.

Casey: Yeah, because we all know, well everybody in the band knows, how hard it is to just get a tour, to be in a band that can tour, to get your foot in the door maybe for something like that is so hard, so very hard for so many bands, and how great would that be to offer that to someone. I mean I think that inspires us a lot.

The record comes out the end of May. For the rest of the year, it looks like you guys are booked here, then overseas, then back here, then over there. You guys are going to be doing a lot of touring and a lot of traveling.

Casey: Well, I’m on tour right now and we’ll finish up at the end of the week, take a couple weeks off, and go back and do a tour when the record comes out of the West Coast and then we’re going to head right over to Europe for the whole month of June. July, regroup again, then July we’re going to do more touring in the U.S. Then August, I think we go back to Europe and then, uh, you can just go back and forth with that. We’re going to be on tour now for a couple years. That’s what happens when you put a record out and that’s basically what we’re going to be doing.