Punk! [#594]
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Punk! [#594]

Courtney Love totally tore Festival Hall a new one last month. I have to admit, I was expecting some drunkenness or, at the very least, a tantrum of some sort to take place on stage. What we got was a solid, professional, fun two-hour set, complete with an extended encore! Brava!
The Eat the West festival is happening at The Barking Dog in Footscray on Saturday, October 4 in support of Lentil as Anything – and the line-up is a ripper! Dixon Cider, Cabin Fever, Citywide Wildcat, The FckUps, Antichrists Anonymous, Hopes Abandoned, Bottlecaps, Kodiak Throat, Bombs are Falling and buttloads more!
So, Soundwave, huh? Well, I’m assuming you all have seen the posters by now, but I gotta admit it’s not quite the line-up I was expecting. Sure, it’s a great day for Melbourne ska fans (Area 7 and The Bennies) and sure, there’s a big market for nostalgia acts (Soundgarden, Faith No More, Slash, Marilyn Manson) and metal bands (Slipknot, Lamb of God), but where are the bands we HAVEN’T seen a million times before? I’m stoked to see Lagwagon and New Found Glory on the bill, don’t get me wrong, but they tour here all the time. Yes, it’s a huge line-up, but it’s not an exciting one. Here’s hoping for some serious surprises in the next round of announcements!
Well it seems KISS bassist Gene Simmons has pissed off a LOT of people with comments he made concerning people with depression in a recent interview, just days before actor Robin Williams took his own life, saying that they (sufferers of depression) should just kill themselves. Critics, including Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, have been quite vocal in their disapproval. Henry Rollins also drew criticism for going public with his views on suicide AFTER the death of actor Robin Williams, saying that he felt nothing but disdain for people who selfishly take their own lives. Both Simmons and Rollins issued “sincere heartfelt” apologies in the wake of the public backlash. Personally, I have nothing but the utmost respect for people who speak their minds and have the courage of their conviction. Whether I agree with their stance or not, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed when people backtrack after having their views challenged.
So the first round of announcements for Up the Punx has finally dropped, and it’s a whopper! Cult Killers (NSW), Strawberry Fist Cake, Hopes Abandoned, Glen and the Peanut Butter Men, The Murderballs, Citywide Wildcat and The Revengers (Bendigo) will be amongst the Aussie punk, ska and rockabilly bands to rock two stages at The Tote in Collingwood on October 11. Mark it in your diaries – now!
Friday, September 5 sees Ballarat Ramonescore heroes Agent 37 launch their debut album, Reporting for Duty, at the Brunswick Hotel. All We Need, Joe Guitton and Hopes Abandoned will all be along for the ride, so don’t miss out! Free entry, too! Bam!
More next time, kids!
By Christopher Cruz