Review by Junkman
Photos by TourBusLive.com
One of my favorite traditions every year or two is the return of the legendary punk band X, who play a series of shows in the greater Los Angeles area just around Christmas time. With 2015 being a tough year for the band (guitarist Billy Zoom was off the road undergoing treatment for cancer), it didn’t seem likely the band would play. But, just like a holiday gift for all X fans, it was announced that Zoom would indeed be joining the band for their series of holiday shows.
I happened to catch the show at the spacious Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, a “dinner theater” setting, all seated as opposed to so many X shows I have attended that are like one huge mosh pit. The band’s equipment was decked out in Christmas lights, highlighted by a huge lighted box at center stage, adorned with the X logo. It sort of resembled a mix of Christmas gifts and the cover of the band’s Wild Gift LP.
Tonight it was all original members — John Doe on bass and vocals, DJ Bonebrake on drums, singer Exene Cervenka, and, of course, guitarist Billy Zoom — who hit the stage. Doe announced that: “We will NOT be playing any Christmas songs tonight.” In true punk rock style, Cervenka immediately launched into an impromptu a capella version of the classic “Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer,” much to the delight of the crowd.
And it was on! The band performed a 24-song set, highlighting many parts of their long career. which started in the late 70s and arose out of the punk rock scene in Los Angeles at the time. Opening with the roots rock of “Beyond And Back” from the aforementioned 1981 release Wild Gift, the band was pumped and ready. The stop-and-start beat of “In This House That I Call Home.” from the same album, spotlighted the fret work of Zoom on his beautiful Gretsch guitar.
Having two vocalists like Doe and Cervenka, with their slightly off-kilter harmonies, has always caught my ear. “Drunk In My Past,” from 1983’s More Fun In The New World, is a fine representation of this. Doe and Cervenka feed off each other with each verse, and go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Hell, they used to be married, and even though that didn’t last, their voices are still united
The 1950s R&B style song “Come Back To Me,” from 1982’s Under The Big Black Sun, featured Zoom on saxophone. I actually had no idea he played one. The crowd adored every riff, and as always, he smiled right back at them. Bonebrake even played the vibes, which gave a real “lounge-y” feel to a few of the numbers and added to the festive holiday atmosphere.
Bonebrake’s drumming on “Hungry Wolf,” a radio hit from 1982, is very similar to the big band swing drumming sound of Gene Krupa, and, melded well with Doe’s pounding bass beat and Zoom’s stinging guitar. This is a song that makes the adrenaline rise.
The Coach House crowd was really struggling to remain seated, especially when the band launched into the title track of 1981’s Los Angeles album. This is usually when a “Circle Pit” happens, and crowd surfers do their thing, but tonight, audience members were content with simply pumping their fists into the air during the songs 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 stop and starts.
Another favorite, “Johnny Hit And Run Pauline,” brought out smiles on the faces of everyone in attendance. It’s always fun to watch people attempt to sing the chorus, which can be a mouthful to sing along to, considering the song’s torrid pace. Cervenka was clearly on a roll tonight, and she grinned throughout the evening, something she doesn’t always do.
The VERY topical song “New World” brought the audience singers to full stride, as the lyrics and cadence are fun and easy to follow. Lines like, “It was better before they voted for what’s his name” typify my thoughts about politics. Doe’s vocal pacing and great bass line make this song a classic, as does Zoom’s dirty-sounding guitar line throughout.
“We’re Having Much More Fun” is another song by X that magnifies their style. A frantic but steady pace, great harmony, steady guitar, bass riffs and solid drumming — simple but perfect. One of X’s most popular numbers “White Girl” is always well received, and tonight, they absolutely nailed it. They then shifted gears and ended their set with the esoteric “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts,” a cerebral song from 1983 with a mellower tempo.
The band then left the stage to a thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd, clearly pleased in every way, but wanting more. “Once Over Twice” started the four-song encore. Zoom really let loose for this one. Although he was seated on a stool for most of the night, he brought out his best for the encore.
“Adult Books,” another favorite of mine, with a Ricky Nelson style guitar riff, added to the greatness that is Billy Zoom. He provides such a great mix of cranked-up guitar playing that leads the band to try so many different styles, yet keeps it simple. By the time they cranked up “Devil Doll,” the crowd was on its feet, loving every minute. And, just like that, the show was over.
No question, the four original members of X can still slay an audience any night of the week. They are a true slice of Americana, and such a great crossover in styles from bluesy roots rock, to rockabilly, and punk. Not many bands have been able to do this for as long and with the consistency of X, and they have no plans to slow down. The mini tour goes on through New Year’s Eve, and they plan on hitting the road in 2016 from there. Go see them if you can.
