Those familiar with Circle Jerks and Descendents know these bands are not a cup of decaf coffee. The co-headliners had The Agora Theater packed with merchandise lines wound through the lobby for the special design combining both iconic band logos. In addition to the t-shirts featuring the artists, Black Flag and All memorabilia adorned fans. With Surfbort opening, the show was high-energy, loud, and punk-tastic.
Circle Jerks began their set with a series of shortened songs, all fast-paced with heavy guitar riffs. Lead singer Keith Morris drove the music, centered in the performance while the crowds below began their nearly never-ending mosh. Only those around the edges of the floor were spared from the churning of people. A fight even broke out in the midst of it all, though it fizzled out as quickly as it started.
Part way through their set, the crowd surfing began. People of all ages had their turn being lifted overhead, carried across the room, and dropped into the arms of security, only to run back around and try it again. The upper level seats were full of kids with ear protection and older folks headbanging, though most were seated while doing so. With the rapid drumming, intense bass lines, and driving chord progressions, Circle Jerks truly got the blood flowing. After their final song ended, Keith let the audience know when Descendents would be on. The singer and Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson were both members of the punk-rock band Black Flag.
Where the crowd surfing had held off for the previous act, it began right out of the gate once Descendents began their performance with “Feel This.” At times, extra help was needed in order to catch all the surfers safely, though that only fueled the energy with the continued moshing. Lead singer Milo Aukerman often stood on top of the bass speakers that filled the pit adorned in his punkly decorated water bottle, giving the mic to a number of fans to join in the singing. Classic after classic– “Silly Girl,” “Clean Sheets,” “Everything Sux,” “When I Get Old,” and “Suburban Home” –filled their 28-song setlist.
For a band that has outlasted the challenges of time, the passion and fun the members have were clear in the joy of their performance. From grinning to each other to joking about stinking up the tour bus with farts, the lasting friendships were on full display. Stephen Egerton, the guitarist, went full force for his guitar solos, and bassist Karl Alvarez took in the scene of a group of people collectively having a night of carefree enjoyment.
Known for honest, quirky, and straightforward songs, even “I Like Food,” “Wienerschnitzel,” and “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” riled people just as much as their more radio-friendly tracks such as “Coolidge,” “I’m The One,” and “Thank You.” The band closed with “Smile” but returned for an encore of “Good Good Things” (chosen by an audience member), “Global Probing,” “Grudge,” and “Get the Time.” Where three members exited following the final number, Bill–the driving force of Descendents since nearly day one–lingered as the audience filed out. Needless to say, it was an epic night.
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