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Volume 40, Issue 12
April 8, 2003
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April 8, 2003
Slamboree’s high energy
stokes fans’ love of punk
By Matt Mueller
For the Mesa Legend
A cloud of dust rises from a swirling crowd, a
sea of people stir in one fluid movement.
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Photo By Matt Mueller/Mesa Legend
Warren Fitzgerald ofThe Vandals helped make Slamboree a
great success |
Onstage the reason for the organized chaos projects blaring music into
the mass of humanity and into the night sky. Lit only by colored lights
hanging 30 feet over head, the quick snap of flashbulbs and the glow of
cigarettes, the band tells its punk rock tales to the mass of enthralled
fans.
This was the scene at The Edge’s Ska/Punk Slamboree on March 29.
The local radio giant and strong supporter of punk music, rounded up five
of the most popular national and local bands to grace the stage at the
Mesa Amphitheater.
Local sensation Redfield kicked off the evening with their own brand of
energetic pop-punk.
Slickshoes took over the second slot on the bill and picked up where Redfield
left off, broadcasting their energy to thousands of screaming fans.
As night fell over the open air venue Divit and current pop sensation
Riddlin’ Kids took the stage only to stir those in attendance further
into a frenzy of punk rock fueled fun.
As if ticket holders had not already gotten their $32 worth out of the
three hours of debauchery that had already passed, there were still two
more bands slated to perform.
Punk rock legends The Vandals marched out in front of the crowd and spread
their sometimes silly, sometimes serious, political anthems into the crowd
like seeds onto a field.
For more than an hour their antics held the attention of the masses with
typical jumping, screaming, dancing and spinning. But the bands unpredictability
is what makes them fun to watch.
“I thought the best part of the set was when the guitar player was
up on the speaker in his undies,” recalls Melanie Kemp, an Edge employee.
Aside from their wacky stage presence and political rhetoric, The Vandals
play quality punk rock music that is more or less easy to listen too and
makes for a great show.
Spiked, mohawked and multicolored hair topped the heads of many of those
in attendance. Homemade patches and buttons dotted the torn attire of
some while others chose to sport the t-shirt of their favorite band, either
take on punk rock fashion and self expression was in abundance.
Everywhere bodies could be seen shouting along with the band, metal signs
thrust firmly into the air above the masses. Toward the back of the grass
arena those on the more tame side could be seen enjoying a beverage, and
nodding their heads to the hypnotic beat.
During the lull in the action, while the alcoholics mounted their attacks
on the beer tent, and others assaulted the bathrooms, the hardcore Pennywise
fans massed in front of the stage.
Those who grew up with punk music understand how crazy Pennywise shows
can get.
“Yea dude, you don’t wanna be in a pit at a Pennywise show,
those kids are nuts,” said Jordan Warner of Girl Repellent.
A familiar chorus rose out of the throng, “Pennywise Pennywise”
fans shouted, calling for the final act.
The calm before the storm was coming to an end, all hell was about to
break loose.
A united cheer overwhelmed the troop of fans as Pennywise took the stage.
“Hello, we are Pennywise from Hermosa Beach, California. Thanks for
comin’ out,” said Jim Lindberg, vocalist and front man for the
band.
These were the last calm words uttered seconds before the band snapped
into action.
At once, the crowd instantly erupted into a rhythmic disorder.
Moving as one huge figure, the crowd writhed and churned with the music.
The band’s fast pace and high energy songs stoked the already well-fueled
crowd.
“It was pretty violent, but that’s good,” commented Amy
Burr, one of the many female fans who turned out for Pennywise.
“My earring almost got ripped out, but it was worth it,” exclaimed
Leila Carroll. “Then someone pulled out a bunch of my hair, but it’s
all right!”
Story after story of injuries were swapped just outside of the swirling
mosh pit.
“I hurt my shoulder, but I’m glad I got thrown onstage,”
shouted Brent Moffeit as he walked away, shirt torn, hair messed up and
grinning ear to ear.
After the concert, one barefoot fan walking to his car was overheard muttering,
“My mom is gonna kill me.”
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