Formed in ’77, X is one of the first innovative punk bands with all original members who have remained true to their sound: Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Billy Zoom, and DJ Bonebrake. Few bands from that era have evolved into the 21st Century while keeping that glorious thrashing punk sound all their own. X harbors the unique ability to keep it fresh and exciting. They headlined The Regent on July 25 with the Beat Farmers playing support; on the 26, it was Starcrawler. Both shows sold out fast. All their shows are selling out fast and have been billed as their final tour. I was able to catch the show on the 26th, with Starcrawler starting the night.
Starcrawler‘s lead singer, Arrow DeWilde, gave props to the legendary band X during their set, saying what an honor it was to perform with them before diving into “I Love LA.” Catching this band live was a blast; performance-wise, their stage presence is phenomenal, and they’re a great LA act to see live. Plus, I really enjoyed their version of Stephen King and The Ramones classic “Pet Sematary.”
Still maintaining their iconic trademark sound, album after album, concert after concert, the second X hit the stage, the crowd danced, sang, and rocked out with the pioneers of 70’s punk rock. The band sounded brilliant as always. Queen Exene Cervenka stood with the kings —John Doe, Billy Zoom, and DJ Bonebrake—delivering intense and exciting energy as always. Exene‘s vocals harmonized playfully with John’s, and the sold-out venue loved every minute of their raw energy. Exene and John did an acoustic set which the crowd loved, before they went into their encore.
The four original members just dropped another album, “Smoke & Fiction,” which the band says is their last, and are on their “The End is Near” tour, which started July 6 Kansas City, Missouri, and ends on October 30 in Columbia, South Carolina. My Christmas wish this year is one last X-mas show… or more.
Article and Photographs by Maggie St.Thomas
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