Neighbors Dog CoDependents The Stitches The Crowd China White The Grabbers February 15, 2002 @ The Galaxy Theatre Okay, I’ll be honest, I didn’t show up in time to see the opening band Neighbors Dog. But I did get a chance to talk to one of their band members back stage who offered to write the review for me. He grabbed my pencil and paper and wrote the word "SUCKED" in big huge letters. Which for the most part says it all… either A. They suck, B. They are awesome and have learned the art of humility, or C. The guy was drunk and thought he was giving me an order… lol d I will be getting a hold of one of their CD’s soon and will review it later in time. I did get to see the CoDependents and I must say they put on a great show. I’ve heard rumors about them before good and bad, but I am glad I got to see them play. They were raw punk rock. The kind that curls your toes and hurts your ears, just like I like it. The Stitches gave a performance to be expected. Good, fast and sweaty. Unfortunately the sound system was not cooperative with them and they were plagued by feedback. They still gave a great performance in spite of the troubles beyond their control. The Stitches are one of those bands you don’t get to see that often anymore and it really doesn’t matter what problems they have, you enjoy them- period. Speaking of bands you don’t get to see much anymore, how about The Crowd? Honestly, The Crowd was just phenomenal. From the vocals to the guitars to the drums to the bass, I haven’t heard hair raising music like that in such a long time. Watching these guys jump around, smile, and rock like they were still 18 years old really excited me. I migrated my way to the front of the stage, sat there in awe for a moment and then just closed my eyes. It was like a fine wine to me, greatly anticipated and savored slowly and sweetly making sure to taste every single bit of it. I could’ve left after this set and gone home satisfied. But no, can’t go home yet... the night progressed… and next on were China White. I moved back to my seat by this time to be reminded of just how long China White has been around. In front of our table were a group of Mid Life Crisis Victims. One in particular, by the looks of him had to be a car salesman- I’ll guess his name was Guido or Paulie, he had the gold rings on every finger, gold watch, comb over hairdo, hair everywhere on his body but the back of his head, an American Flag bomber jacket on, and a girlfriend who looked like she stepped off the cover of an 80’s Metal album cover. Anyway, him and his 3 buddies knew EVERY word to EVERY song, and continued toasting each other with their cups of beer, screaming and high-fiving each other every time a new song came on. I don’t know who I enjoyed more, China White reliving their youth, or these old men reliving theirs. I’m not sure how long China White’s set was, but I think they played EVERY song they have ever recorded since 1978 till now. THE FIGHT… I’m not sure what it is, but every time I go to write something for this webzine, there is a major fight there. Got to watch the antics of many-a- testosterone charged males and females get into a huge brawl. Decided to go back stage and see the rest of the action. So shocked to find probably the WHOLE Santa Ana police department in the back stage area keeping on their toes. I had to laugh though, because there was- as there always is- ONE old lady who gets in the pit and gets pissed when she gets hit. She was the one who called the police. SHE STARTED THE FIGHT and SHE CALLS THE POLICE- gotta love that. I have to give a high-five to the S.A. police department for their handling of the situation. Visualize this scene: She’s standing there going, "are you gonna arrest them? Look at what they did to me! (at least I think that’s what she SLURRED out of her mouth while showing them her ripped up shirt with her womanhood hanging out)… and the officer calmly and politely looked her straight in the eyes and said, "If you can’t handle your shit- don’t get in the PIT!" I had to applaud as they backed her out of the backstage telling her to go home as she’s screaming "I WANT YOUR BADGE NUMBER AND YOUR CARDS… EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!!!!!" China White finished their set after the mayhem calmed down. But by that time the club had pretty much cleared out, only the true connoisseurs were left over (a rumor had come out that the show was going to be shut down). Those of us who stayed around "just in case’ got an awesome show by THE GRABBERS! These guys are just incredible musicians, not to mention people. There is a feeling of excitement, sexiness, and soul in the air when these boys are on stage. The set list was a little too short for me, I would’ve liked another half an hour or so more, but I guess that will just mean I’ll have to go to the next show or throw one of their CD’s in my CD player to get more. I loved the duct tape pants Tommy strolled lazily out in, but I think even more than that- I liked the see through board shorts better. Yes, I said SEE THROUGH. We got to listen to his jewel of a voice, while staring at his family jewels. Well, I’ll be honest, I didn’t really look… I was a little shy, but the woman next to me seemed to be enjoying the visual of him jumping up and down and his package bobbing to the beat. (I’m still blushing) The Grabbers didn’t have time in the night to give me an interview, but I’ll get that next time. I just wish I could’ve seen them at the first Warped Tour… it would be a great reference point to write about. For now, I’ll just say this… Rob, Maurice, Tommy and the boys are a true punk rock experience. I just wish they would’ve played Goop. I love that song. The boys are now playing in different projects aside from the Grabbers. Such acts you may have heard of are Manic Hispanic, US Bombs, The Hunns, and of course Tommy’s new band Just Like Jesus who have been tearing up the scene here in OC. Do yourself a favor, GO SEE THESE GUYS… in ANY of the bands they play with. You will have a treat. It seems what they touch becomes golden… and now, I’m going to go finish the orgasm which I missed out on tonight with the short set- and listen to my personal GRABBERS CD by myself in the dark. (aah) --Franki Photos by Miss Cindy Hardy