Countdown To It’s Not Dead 2 – Part 1

Countdown To It’s Not Dead 2 – Part 1

One of the country’s largest punk rock festivals, It’s Not Dead is returning to Southern California’s Glen Helen Amphitheater Festival Grounds, on Saturday, August 26, after a two-year break.

Presented by Vans Warped Tour mastermind Kevin Lyman, It’s Not Dead 2 goes back to the roots of punk rock with an all-out vengeance.

Headliners this year include Rancid and The Dropkick Murphys!

The guaranteed hot day in the blazing sun will also features standout performances from The Adicts, Buck-O-Nine, The Casualties, Channel 3, Good Riddance, and Love Canal – all of whom are interviewed here in our Countdown To It’s Not Dead 2 – Part 1.

Find out what to expect from the festival, current albums, stories from the road, favorite punk rock records, and a whole lot more!  Read on as we Countdown to this year’s mighty addition of It’s Not Dead 2…

It’s Not Dead 2 on Facebook

The Adicts

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Monkey: Monkey, all around mess around guy based out of abnormalities
Pete: Pete Dee I play the Guitar and make sure shit gets done.

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
Monkey: Ice cream
Pete: Putting on a great show and rockin out.

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
Monkey: Proof that its not dead
Pete: Well we know its going to be very hot and we hope everyone goes home happy

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Monkey: Single, Picture the Scene, it is a message from god who dosen’t exist about Salvador Dali who did exist but painted things that didn’t.
Pete:  Monkey is losing his mind hahaha but we all know that..Picture the scene a little story about surrealism. Written by Kid and I suppose that makes Kid a god. and Dali a freeky artist, A bit like us really. We are all Freaks.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
Monkey: We have a new song called Why Bother with lyrics inspired by being lazy, the rest are instrumentals
Pete: Well we haven’t written the set yet. Probably play Fucked up world and Talking shit. Two new ones that we are already playing live and they are going down very well live. We shall see.  As you can see Monkey takes his Music very serious.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
Monkey: No its all very very tedious
Pete: Lots of strange things happen but we keep it to ourselves…but here’s a good one fr you..Stage time was 2AM yes Two in the morning in Barcelona. Kid missed the plane because he was in the bar relaxing. Then managed to get another flight at another airport. That got delayed twice due to thunder storms…He finally arrived at the festival 15 minutes before we went on stage…Madness.

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why…
Monkey: The Ying Tong Song by The Goons, it speaks across the generations
Pete:  Hard one to answer but its certainly not The Yingtong Song by the way by Spike Milligan…One of my favs was Borstal Breakout by Sham 69 – such energy. Another I liked and can think of right now Down in the sewer by The Stranglers… another one for ya The Jam – In The City – all classics. I could name so many songs I loved so much….Some great shit came out then and fabulous bands.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Monkey: no one really wants to open…
Pete: One band we never got to play with was The Ramones and now they are no longer with us. That will never be.
And it was So.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
Monkey: Wear sunscreen on yer old bald heads boys and girls
Pete: – It’s Not Dead Yet. and for those who are not bald or old, have a great time. Everyone have a great time and we shall be walking around and hangin out with you all. Not backstage eating bananas.

The Adicts on Facebook

Buck-O-Nine

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Hi, my name is Craig Yarnold and I play tenor sax in Buck-O-Nine. We’ve been based out of San Diego, California since we formed in late 1991, although a few of our members now live elsewhere.

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
Overall, getting to see so many great bands in one day! But more specifically, getting to see some bands I’ve never seen live before, like The Buzzcocks, Channel 3, GBH and The Adicts.

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
Our show is going to be a huge burst of positive energy! We mostly play in smaller clubs, so when we get the opportunity to play on a bigger stage in front of a larger audience, it’s really invigorating, and I think the audience will feel it. We’ll be playing a set of our more recognizable songs as well as a few covers that seem to be crowd favorites – songs that we like to play as much as we think the audience likes hearing.

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our last proper release was the album, Sustain, back in 2007, although we just recorded a Halloween song for an upcoming compilation, and we are in the process of writing and recording songs for a new release, hopefully out sometime in 2018 (no title yet). Sustain was inspired by the music and comradery of the band. We do this for fun nowadays, and the enjoyment we get out of playing music and hanging out together sustains us through good times and bad. It sounds cliché, but we’re really like seven brothers after all these years. If we didn’t truly enjoy ourselves we would have packed it in years ago.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
“Screaming from the Suburbs” – This is one of our favorites to play off the last album, Sustain. It basically reflects the suburban upbringing that most of us experienced. The Southern California suburbs were a hotbed for teenage angst and rebellion against the cookie-cutter makeup of the surrounding landscape of tract housing and strip malls. This led many to build backyard skateboard ramps, form garage bands, and seek out the edgy counter-culture that took root in the 1980’s and forced its way into the mainstream in the ‘90’s.

“Barfly” – This is the song we usually close our set with, from our second album of the same name. The song was partially inspired by the movie “Barfly” as well as the fact that, well, we spent a lot of time hanging out in bars back then. It’s just a rowdy, aggressive ska-punk song that captures the overall spirit of our live show, and the party-like atmosphere that exists when the seven of us hang out together.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
Well, this is an old story, but it bears repeating. On one of our early tours, in Lawrence, Kansas, we were hanging out in front of the club, and this crazy guy, who I think was on acid at the time, actually made a feeble attempt to eat our tour van. There were teeth marks in the hood from it. That one always stands out, probably because we were so new to being on the road at the time and were having surreal experiences like this almost nightly. I think we ran into the guy again a few years later, and we had a good laugh about it.

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why?
Tough question, but probably The Clash, “The Clash”. Front to back it just lashes out at you, with a raw sound and songs that are catchy anthems. It also showcases their interest in reggae, with the cover of Police & Thieves. I don’t think any other band at the time was putting their finger on that pulse, until 2-Tone came along.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
That would probably be a toss-up between The Clash and Operation Ivy. The mashup of sounds produced by both those bands are a huge influence on us as individuals, and as a band. When we first started in the very early 90’s, the only “ska-punk” or “ska-core” was Operation Ivy, who had already broken up, and Fishbone & The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who we have been fortunate enough to open for several times over the years. The Clash was probably the first punk band most of us ever heard when we were younger, and the way they mixed punk, reggae and ska, plus numerous other styles, rubbed off on so many bands that followed.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
We’re very excited to be on this festival, and we hope that people of all ages will enjoy what we have to offer. We’re just as much fans of the bands on this lineup as anyone, and it’s a privilege to be part of what should be fantastic day of music.

Buck-O-Nine on Facebook

The Casualties

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Meggers. I am the drummer of The Casualties, based out of New York. I recently moved out to Austin after 39 years of living in New York.

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
I’m looking forward to seeing at lot of old friends, meeting some new ones.

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
A revitalized band. We have a new singer now. David Rodriguez formerly of the Krum Bums. It’s a huge change for a band that’s been together with the same line up for over 20 years but David brings a new energy to the band. He’s an amazing front man with strong vocals and a spider monkey like stage presence.

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our latest record is title Chaos Sound. At the time of writing it seemed our band and our personal lives were all over the place. We’re getting older and we’re trying to balance out our personal lives and our band life. It was a chaotic time for us, still is. The songs reflected our lives, the songs we wrote were a sound of our chaotic, hectic lives.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
“Unknown Soldier” and “We Are All We Have“

Unknown Soldier is written about an individual that joins the military because he sees no other options. We’ve had a few friends over the years who have joined the the armed forces and told us about certain regrets of their decisions.

We Are All We Have is our anthem of unity. About sticking together through thick and thin. About how grateful we are to be a part of this punk rock community and have people support this band for so many years. We truly understand and know, that we are nothing without the support of our fans.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
After 20 years of touring, there are 100’s of weird, unusual stories. This is not a normal life we live. Our first time we played in Russia, there was an early show and a late show at the venue. Udo from Accept was the early show. So while we’re loading in and getting ready fucking Udo is belting out Balls to the Wall. Their show was over and all of us and Udo, his band and crew were all sharing the backstage. Weird, but not that weird. Fast forward a few hours, we are on stage. About halfway through our set. People are dancing and having a blast. Out of nowhere, about half of the crowd just leaves. We stop. Some kid takes the mic and speaks in Russian, the rest of the crowd leaves. We go backstage, the promoter is there with a weird look on his face. We asked him what the hell happened. He said there was a fight outside with punks and nazis and that a punk kid was shot and stabbed and most likely dead. All our faces and hearts just dropped. He asked us to please continue playing but we couldn’t. We went into the crowd and tried to talk to as many people as possible to find out what was going on. We heard mixed stories that the kid was going to be ok, to that he was already dead. About 4 years later we were back in Russia. Our promoter introduces us to this kid. He says “this is boy who died at your show years ago!” He was wearing The Casualties shirt he was wearing that night. It had 4 knife holes in the back. He showed us a scar on his head where a bullet grazed him. We all stood up ran over and hugged this guy. He sat down and had dinner with us and beers throughout the night. And told us of his experience. It was such a relief to know he was alive and well. Fuck nazis!

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why?
That’s a tough one. I’m gonna for for Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables by Dead Kennedys. Not only is that album amazing sonically and lyrically, it also takes me back to a times where I was discovering this whole new world of music and thinking. A time where all I cared about was skating with my friends and discovering new bands. Oh the glory days.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Unfortunately it will never happen.
Band: Motörhead
Why: Because they’re fucking Motörhead.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
Have fun! Check out a band you may never heard of. This music is everyone.

The Casualties on Facebook

Channel 3

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Hello! I’m Kimm Gardener with the band Channel 3. We are based in Southern California in the Long Beach Area. I play Guitar and sing backup in the band—now in our 36th year!

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
Looking forward to seeing so many of our friends—both playing at the show as well as friends coming to the show from all over Southern California and points across the US.

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
We are excited to be playing new tracks from our ‘Put Em Up’ LP that is coming out August 18th, 2017. We are pretty pumped about the new record and also will be playing some of the better known tracks that go back to the beginning as well.

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
The new LP “Put Em Up’ is coming out on TKO Records. The record is a cohesive collection of tracks that pulls together thoughts in this post-election year of craziness, on our country and our personal lives.
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Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
Put Em Up is a call to all of us to not stand by and be taken advantage of—no matter what race, religion or age you are. The news this year is just crazy—every day seems to make me feel like ‘Did this really happen?’ From the talks about building walls in our country for keeping people out, to the threat of nuclear war with North Korea—some scary times!

I am sure we will also play ‘I Got A Gun’ ….a tongue in cheek take on what power you have when you have a gun…somehow that old song still rings true these days…

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
We got to tour heavily in the early 1980’s early punk scene before cell phones, GPS, even clubs that would normally allow punk rock music. We would go out for months—playing peoples basements, playing squats, playing VFW or American Legion Halls. Met amazing people everywhere and we played at a time when so many people were tuning into what punk music meant and could be. Met a lot of girls out on the road too, but that’s another story….

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why?
More like how many can I list here? The 1st Ramones was the most influential to us—really gave us the idea that we could do it! We realized that you did not need to sit in your room for 3 years and try to play like Jimmy Page. The Clash’s London Calling is my favorite all time LP…every single one of those songs is amazing. Loads of different styles and the messages across the board are amazing. Also love the Misfits Walk Among Us….Met and played with the original Misfits when they were all together…that record makes you just want to raise your fist and pump as you listen to those tracks!

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
The Clash most likely—love all the releases for them—and we know they won’t be back together with Joe Strummer’s passing—too early! Would love to play with The Replacements as well—saw them in their drinking prime, and also the reunion shows a few years back—Amazing stuff.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
It’s going to be Hot as Hell at the fest! Stay Cool and plan to find some shade that day. Make sure you check as set times won’t be posted till the day before the fest—which means you need to plan to come and check out all the bands…some great bands to catch: Spider, Murphy’s Law, Off!, Left Alone, GBH, Love Canal, the Buzzcocks, and of course-Dropkicks and Rancid!  Looking forward to seeing you all!

Channel 3 on Facebook

Good Riddance

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Russ Rankin, Vocalist, Santa Cruz, CA

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
Seeing our amazing fans, catching up with old friends & bands we don’t get to see or play with regularly

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
Hopefully a fun, positive, energetic, and powerful set with lots of dancing

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our last album I called “Peace In Our Time,” named after the quote by Neville Chamberlain. It’s about hope for the future.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
“Waste,” it’s an animal rights song, a pro-vegetarian song. 3 of us are either vegetarian or vegan, and it’s something we are very passionate about.

“Mother Superior,” it’s about American imperialism, the ways in which the USA subverts democratic governments around the world who don’t cow tow to entrenched American wealth & power, and the ways we arm and fund fascists & despots.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
Last time we played Dallas, TX, Bob Mould was playing at a venue across the street, so we got to watch several songs of his set before our show. Very cool.

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why?
Mine is the Adolescents self-titled debut album. I love every song, and I think it is a visionary recording, considering the technology which existed at the time, and how young they all were.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
We have been able to play with so many of our heroes, we’ve been very fortunate. I would love to open for Articles Of Faith if they ever played again.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
Have fun and think about ways that you, personally, can affect positive change in the world around you on a daily basis.

Good Riddance on Facebook

Love Canal

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Eric Von Arab aka A-Rab – Guitar Player – Love Canal based out of Huntington Beach, Ca, I believe we may be one of 2 bands from Orange County ca playing Its Not Dead Fest 2.

What are you looking forward to the most about the It’s Not Dead Festival 2?
Getting to share the stage with so many great bands that are either our friends or bands we all grew up liking like The Buzzcocks, GBH, and The Adicts to name a few and also being able to see some of the newer bands that are carrying the Punk Rock Torch into the future for the rest of us old fuckers that have been digging away in the trenches for 30+ years……..

What could one expect from your live show at the It’s Not Dead Festival?
Just some good ol H.B. Punk Rock, we may all be in our 50s, but dont think for a second we won’t be rocking our asses off for our old and new fans, we still have a few good years left in us!!!!

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
After 30+ years we finally got our shit together and have a new album coming out on Hostage Records called “If It Ain’t Broke, Break It!!!”
It was produced by Grammy Award winner Cameron Webb who is responsible for the last 8 Motorhead Albums, a couple NOFX, Pennywise, Social Distortion albums, here’s a song from it, hope you like it!!!

LOVE CANAL “Time Out” from the new LP “If It Ain’t Broke, Break It” on Hostage Records

One of the founding fathers of the OC punk scene, LOVE CANAL returns with their 1st new LP in over 30 years. All killer, no filler. get it at fine record stores …

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
“We Got Yer Number” is a song I wrote a few years ago that regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, we are fed up with the political bullshit and we want to let all our politicians know we hold them accountable for their actions.

“Leave Me Alone” is another song I wrote some years ago that is about how people whether it be Family, Co-Workers, Govt etc always trying to bring you down, the chorus is “I’m Not Happy, Til Your Not Happy“, its a song about miserable people trying to make everybody else around them miserable.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road or at a show?
We played a show recently with Agent Orange, from our first note til the last there was a constant slam pit, with the exception of when somebody puked in the pit and people were sliding around and slipping and falling in it. Security came out with a mop and bucket and cleaned it up and the punkers carried on like nothing happened, you gotta love the spirit of punks and their music, nothings gonna stop them from gettin their punk on!!!!

What is favorite punk rock record of all time and why?
Thats a tough one, but I think The Damned’s “Machine Gun Etiquette” is probably one album I’ve listened to more then any other with the exception of T.S.O.L.’s “Dance With Me“, both are just what a great punk album should be in my eyes, I’m a bit biased though as I’ve worked for both bands for many years, which is an honor unto itself for me being able to work for two of my favorite punk bands ever.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Love Canal has been very fortunate to be able to play with some great bands over the course of our 35 year span, from X, The Cult, Dickies, TSOL, Vandals, GBH, Exploited, Descendants, Black Flag, Circle Jerks to name a few, but I think being able to play It’s Not Dead Fest 2 this year with Buzzcocks, OFF and Rancid is definitely Bucket List type stuff.

Do you have any messages for It’s Not Dead Festival attendees this year?
Punks Definitely Not Dead!!!, Thanx for supporting all the bands and keeping the flame alive for bands like Love Canal to come play for you!!!

Love Canal on Facebook

Part 2 of our Countdown To It’s Not Festival 2 coverage will be posted on August 20th with seven other bands!

Be sure to check out It’s Not Dead 2 at the Glen Helen Festival Grounds in San Bernardino on August 26th!

(Interview by Ken Morton)

It’s Not Dead 2 Official Home Page