Antho

My memory is for shit. I’m not always good with chronology, but I remember I still had long hair. I was at Skater Cross (Kross) in Reseda. I was watching some older kids skate in the pools and they were listening to The Clash’s first album. I remember clearly the opening guitars to Clash City Rockers, I remember the line “or shut your mouth” and I though it was fucking magic. I think I remember some other stuff, but I’m not sure if it happened on the first day that I heard The Clash or not. It took a while before I actually cut my hair. It was past my shoulders. I think Ralph cut my hair in the back yard with a pair of regular office scissors, using maybe two fingers as his guide. I think he also cut a few other kids hair that day. 🤣🤣

I used to work for JEM Records in the warehouse, back in late 80’s.
My father promoted several legendary shows at Devonshire Downs in Northridge; Black Flag, FEAR, The Stains and TSOL, DOA and Circle Jerks, Bad Brains, Circle One. My brother and I were responsible for making the initial contacts with the bands. After bands and “managers” realized it was legitimate, it became easy.

Today I am married and have one kid and live in POMONA!!!

I have been reading a lot of books about the early punk scenes in LA, NY and London. This has left me with mixed feelings. I still love and listen to a lot of early punk Stooges, Pistols, Clash, Germs, X, Damned – but I’m starting to feel like an old man trying to relive these glory days, but nothing else has been able to grab my attention and heart like punk did.