The 4th annual OC Punk Rock Picnic is happening this Saturday, and the lineup of bands is epic. Six stages will showcase a few foundational American regional hardcore bands, as well as young up-and-comers that keep the scene alive today.
But first, we must pay our respect to our elders. Here are five locally grown bands that made their mark in the early '80s. (And yes, they are worth taking a break from drinking in the parking lot, I promise.)
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You might remember these guys from their cameo appearance on the exaggerated-punk '80s favorite, Suburbia. They started up in 1979 in Long Beach and to this day, still put on an amusing show. Front man Jack Grisham's self-deprecating humor will either enthrall or disgust you, but to hear the group play the weirdo-personality-affirming anthem, “Code Blue” is worth hearing him talk about all of his groupie experiences.
2) Ill-Repute (6 p.m.: Main Stage #2)
3) Angry Samoans (7:30 p.m.: Living Dead Stage)
4) Dont No (6:30 PM- Living Dead Stage)
These Huntington Beach hardcore veterans are so punk rock, they don't even have a YouTube video available. But they do have a MySpace page, so check them out before you go. The band plays with a unique heaviness (with even heavier lyrics backing them up), and this is the first time I've ever see them in a lineup, so you should all be excited.
5) Agression (3 PM: Main Stage)
So, there you have it. See you all in the pit! (Check out a few photos from last year's event here.)