I’m super excited to catch Circle Jerks at First Avenue on March 24th and hope to see you there!
Circle Jerks emerged from the punk underbelly of LA’s South Bay in 1979. After serving as a co-founder and lead vocalist of Black Flag during the recording of its essential Nervous Breakdown EP, Keith Morris joined forces with former Redd Kross guitarist Greg Hetson to form what would become Circle Jerks, along with bassist Roger Rogerson and jazz drummer Lucky Lehrer. Unlike much of the unapologetic hardcore that seeped through the cracks of American suburbia, the music of the Circle Jerks was thoughtfully steadfast, yet relentless and ferocious in nature. Bringing together a potent, articulate rhythm section with earnest yet oftentimes derisive lyrics and themes, the band was thereafter heralded as a leader of the pack – and a force to be reckoned with.
Opening up the show will be the legendary 7 Seconds! American hardcore punk band from Reno, Nevada which was formed on January 17, 1980, by two sets of brothers. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the subsequent years, with only Kevin Seconds and Steve Youth remaining constant members.
As if those two weren’t enough, let’s add the fact that Negative Approach is kicking the night off. Negative Approach was born in Detroit, MI. in 1981 with John Brannon on vocals, OP Moore on drums, and Rob & Graham McCulloch playing guitar and bass, respectively. They released one ten song 7″ and a full length (both on Touch and Go) before disbanding in 1985. John Brannon went on to form Laughing Hyenas. Negative Approach’s minimalist (read: 30 second songs) and aggressive brand of punk-inspired countless hardcore bands around the globe. Their classic LP, Tied Down, is still in print and considered paramount by most any hardcore abecedarian.
Tickets are still available HERE!
