Descendents address controversial London performance

Posted by aubin on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 7:35 PM (EDT)

Descendents have posted a statement addressing their less than well-received performance from last week. Frontman Milo Aukerman's voice gave out in the beginning of the set leading to many disappointed fans of the beloved punk/hardcore outfit. The band said this:

When we got on stage on the 25th, we had absolutely no reason to expect things to go the way they did. Milo's voice had been fine at the two previous shows we'd done, and his voice was clear all day before the show. We take a lot of pride in our live shows, and would never want to deliver a less than killer performance. Milo's voice "gave out" at about the 3rd song, and while he did his best to go forward with the show, he was simply not able to perform once his voice was gone. There has been understandable frustration from many people who attended the show. They waited a long time to see us, paid good money to do so, and they feel that we gave a less than satisfactory performance. We couldn't agree more.

We are working with the promotors in London to plan a free make up show. We have just arrived home and so no plans have been made yet, but we know that we owe you one hell of a show, and we promise to deliver on it.

Find the full statement here.

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Descendents

News (110 comments)

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

mowlio (April 30, 2011)

I hope this applies to people going to the show on the 26th... They cancelled at 5 and the doors were at 7, it was a joke... Lost around £30 in travel fees. I'm obviously not the worst off though...

matttgs (April 30, 2011)

i understand the frustration...but if they explain that they held out because they thought they'd be able to play until they had soundcheck, it's hard to say that it's a "joke." These guys have had nothing but excitement for these shows. I saw them in Austin, TX and they killed it, I hope you're able to see the free show, it'll be worth it. I promise.

mowlio (April 30, 2011)

Yeah but personally when I lose my voice it's obvious from the moment I wake up if I can sing or not waiting for a soundcheck isn't an excuse.

jimmynorville (April 30, 2011)

"his voice was clear all day before the show"

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

the one and only time I lost my voice was on a flight from florida to las vegas. I was perfectly fine at takeoff, could barely manage a whisper by landing.

moistphily (April 30, 2011)

Please explain this I'm actually really interested ha.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

I wish I knew, but it was within probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life, so I think that was a big part of it. Some kind of crazy hysterical laryngitis.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

the vegas part was just incidental. I think the same would have happened if I had been flying to topeka kansas.

facetofacereunion08 (April 30, 2011)

what will it be like when i get old

TheMike (April 30, 2011)

10/10

regulartrite (April 30, 2011)

That just made my day

NobleStabbings (April 30, 2011)

Perfect

darbytownsend (May 1, 2011)

mhm.

keepmedown (April 30, 2011)

So, so, so mad I missed that FYS/BR/Descendents show. Fuck.

MrMcPants (May 1, 2011)

The Long Beach show was AMAZING! Flew down from Washington just to see Descendents, and they did not disappoint. FYS didn't play that night, and the Descendents were the opening act. (FYS kicked ass the following night in San Diego though). Descendents nailed their set 100% (except for some early technical difficulties on one of the first songs). 20 feet from the stage for the whole set. You can't beat that!

Left after Bad Religion, but could've just as easily left after Descendents without any regrets.

You seriously should do yourself a favor, bite the bullet, find someone who will sell you Punk Rock Bowling tickets in Vegas, and get your ass down there. I guarantee you that you will thank yourself (unless Milo loses his voice).

Regarding this open letter to the fans who were affected by this show...The Descendents are a stand-up act all the way. I'm sure it's going to cost them some serious cash to play another show since all the tickets will be essentially free. I can seriously respect a band that does right by its fans, and that's what they're doing.

Ihatemybrain (April 30, 2011)

The same thing happened at their show in Brisbane Australia last year. Milo came out and could not sing so the rest of the band sang for him. They also got Al Barr, Fat Mike, Matt Skiba and Jay Frenzal to come out and sing! It was disappointing but cool at the same time!!

duf (April 30, 2011)

I was at this. Was really disappointing at first, then kinda cool. The encore of black flag songs ruled, Bill Stevenson on guitar!

Sandsky (May 1, 2011)

Jay Frenzal? I'm pretty Jay has never, ever been called or called himself that.

johnsmith (May 1, 2011)

Sure he has. And he owes Less Than Jake 500 bucks.

fsmpirate (April 30, 2011)

I wonder what the free show will mean for those who were meant to go to the cancelled one? I was told to keep hold of my ticket because I could use it for the rescheduled one, but I've still paid for that, hmmm

not complaining, got to see Teenage Bottlerocket for free that night anyway, damn they're good live

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

saturday evening punxt

mikexdude (April 30, 2011)

I'm sorry, but this band doesn't need to apologize for anything.

dev (April 30, 2011)

thisthisthisthisthis

jamespastepunk (April 30, 2011)

Look, I love Descendents too, but they can fairly apologize for the first gig in the country in 15 years and their singer's voice is shot.

Anyway, Descendents are awesome.

keepmedown (April 30, 2011)

The purple voice of reason.

Dante3000 (rich) (April 30, 2011)

But why do you need to apologize?

jimmynorville (April 30, 2011)

thisthisthisthisthis

seth_uber_alles (April 30, 2011)

how about all of (and there is a lot) the sexism in their songs?

Skibz777 (May 1, 2011)

Some homophobic stuff as well, but from what I understand, that's entirely Bill Stevenson's doing.

johnsmith (May 1, 2011)

Hey, if referring to someone as "Mr. Buttfuck" is wrong in today's society, then I just don't want to be right.

Skibz777 (May 1, 2011)

Only if you call Mr. Stevenson such, then it's a-okay.

Actually, since anal sex is equally prevalent (if not more so) with heterosexuals than homosexuals, it's really not much of an insult for either side. Buzzzzzzkill! :D

bill_stickers (May 1, 2011)

Look, I'm hetero, and I'm down with fucking a girl in the stinkbox, but I don't believe its more prevalent in heterosexuals.

Skibz777 (May 1, 2011)

Probably not more, but roughly equal. Not all gay men have anal sex; I know very few who do.

keithybobeefy (May 1, 2011)

pito (May 1, 2011)

Bill Stevenson sexist? I hope you're kidding...

MrMcPants (May 1, 2011)

Well, it's not like they pulled a Ben Weasel or anything.

JVoland (May 1, 2011)

how about who gives a shit?

Being PC is stupid as fuck.

skolarx (May 1, 2011)

how about for only releasing 2 albums over the past 20 years or so?

Patron (April 30, 2011)

When Tim Barry played my town last year (it might have been two years ago now), his voice cut out for most of the second half of the performance. People get sick, and this shit happens. I didn't ask for my money back.

However, I was impressed that he continued to sing throughout the set, voice cracks and give outs and all.

EatBicycles (May 1, 2011)

In Orlando this year, Tim's voice gave out completely on the first song. He jumped off the stage, played the rest of the set unplugged in the crowd with the whole crowd singing along. The guy from Greenland is melting came to his aid with a bass. You could tell Tim felt terrible, but he still tried his hardest and made it through the show, everybody felt for him and supported him. The next night in Gainesville his voice was perfect, the best show I've ever seen him do. He said he didn't do anything fancy to fix his voice, just didn't talk all day. He's a superhero.

That has nothing to do with Milo. Classy move by them.

papastar (April 30, 2011)

Poor Milo, I watched the incident on YouTube and it felt so awkward. Takes balls to go back on stage and confront an angry crowd!!

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

just from the timing and quick thumbnail glance at the article I assumed this was going to have to do with sexism.

THobbes (April 30, 2011)

i wouldnt really consider this controversial.

Anarchypants (May 1, 2011)

It's not like he punched two women in the face until they lost their voices.

MrMcPants (May 1, 2011)

Yeah, and I also don't think that Ben Weasel can reschedule the show, invite said women to the new show, and call everything square in the end.

Skibz777 (April 30, 2011)

I feel kind of empty that - in the 350+ concerts I've been to - I've never seen a show that had be cut short like this. Sure, I've seen someone get electrocuted by a microphone (but finish the show), I've seen an opening band walk offstage after an audience member threw beer at them, and of course I've seen plenty of major sound problems, but nothing that's effectively cancelled a concert.

Anybody here been to a show unexpectedly cut short?

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

that is a damn lot of shows. I hope you got an attendance award.

Skibz777 (April 30, 2011)

I've won a few things at a few shows, but it's really not that many, considering I've been going to concerts since 2003 and I do live near Los Angeles, of all places.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

I guess. Still. That seems an awful lot of milling about.

Skibz777 (April 30, 2011)

I wouldn't call it "milling about"...it's a music concert, not a mall walk. It's mostly because of my insanely eclectic taste in music: since I'm as likely to go see a black metal band as I am a folk band, it opens up a whole lot more concert opportunities. I haven't regretted a single show so far.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

Not necessarily milling about specifically, but the sheer aerobic considerations of it all. I have a taste for a lot of things. It doesn't mean I'm going to expend energy to engage with said things 3-4 times a month.

Skibz777 (April 30, 2011)

I'm fit and thin, so I have no issue with the "aerobic considerations", though I'd say only half the shows I go to are a physical environment (moshing, dancing, etc.), and I rarely partake in such activities anymore.

But being both a musician and having an almost scholarly obsession with music, the live experience is the ultimate experience for me. The sound and energy is unmatched by studio recordings, I get to meet a lot of cool bands and people, and, since a lot of my music is based in improvisation (BUT NOT FUCKING JAM BANDS), each show is unique. I'm very much the kind of guy who will see a band 10 or 20 times, or travel out of state to see a single concert. Plus, girls *always* flirt with me at shows. They're barking up the wrong tree, but the attention is very nice.

Blackjaw_ (May 1, 2011)

If you're joking in all of these posts you're hilarious, if not you are SO full of yourself, my god.

Sandsky (May 1, 2011)

You have an underscore at the end of your screen name? What the what?

JVoland (May 1, 2011)

I think this dude really is that full of himself.

Skibz777 (May 1, 2011)

How can I not be full of myself? I'm AWESOME. Men everywhere are envious of my data entry skills and concave genitalia. I got it all, if by "all", you mean "Myst fan fiction". ;)

JVoland (May 1, 2011)

touche, my dude.

BluthCo (April 30, 2011)

No, but on a similar note, I went to a local pro wrestling show my friend was in and it was cut short because the ring broke.

Cos (May 1, 2011)

The first time I saw the Swingin Utters in the mid-90s, Johnny's voice blew out after the first or second song. Darius sang the rest of the set and it sounded about the same.

skolarx (May 1, 2011)

i've probably been to a few thousand shows over the past 16 years (running a street team for a major promoter & working in venues accounts for a lot of those shows) i've probably seen one or two get canceled for that reason, and at least one i can think of (looking at you keyshia cole or however her name is spelled) that should have been for that reason. it was when she had one single out, charged 35 bucks for the show, refused to do any radio interviews or anything beforehand and then went on stage with almost no voice, totally blew out what little voice she had by the second song and then proceeded to play her hit song 3 separate times over a 35 or so minute set. stands out as the worst fuck you to fans i've ever seen

mcflynnthm (john) (May 1, 2011)

I saw Morrissey once, and he shut the show down like 4 or 5 songs in, due to his voice giving out. And yeah yeah, Moz is a primadonna, he didn't sound right from the first song, so I buy it.
He rescheduled the show, but it was while I was out of town. Bummer.

pacer (May 1, 2011)

350+ concerts isn't a lot. Over the course of eight years (since 2003 you say) that's only 43 shows a year, not even one show a week, which is slightly less than what i go to now, and i don't go out a lot. When i was in my mid twenties I went to usually five or six shows a week, often two or more shows a night on thursdays/fridays/saturdays, which was pretty normal for at least ten other people i saw at shows regularly, and this was in a town of about 50,000 people. Shit, i know a dude here in bristol (uk) who was at over 400 shows in 2010, and he's just a fan. 350 total is nothing.

telegraphrocks (May 1, 2011)

I agree. I've been going to shows since '94, and continue to attend as many as possible (living in Chicago of all places, muckmuckmuck... yes, that's a jab at the LA comment).
From June 9th-12th coming up, I'm going to 6 shows in 4 days.
Oh, and girls always flirt with me. Fuck, I mean my friend.

misterspike (May 1, 2011)

Been going to shows since '85. OLD!

Skibz777 (May 1, 2011)

I-I'm aware. I was the one arguing that it WASN'T a lot of shows. milesqtoast was the one arguing that it WAS.

Haanz (May 1, 2011)

Where do you get the money to see five or six shows a week?

pacer (May 2, 2011)

Having a job. Crazy concept, I know.

Skibz777 (May 2, 2011)

Dude, I have a job and I'm not even sure I can afford that many concerts. I mean, unless the majority of your shows are $5 bar shows or you get perpetual discounts or you live in a van or something, you must be loaded.

My average ticket price is probably between $12-30, though a couple times a year I do get ones pushing $75-$100, but then those become the only show I see in a month. I'm not poor, I just have very set limits with my cash, regardless if I have extra to burn.

Pacer (May 2, 2011)

I would never spend $75-100 on a show, I think I've maybe spent that much... Once? Metallica in about 2004? Most shows I went to at the time were about $8-$12, two local venues put on loads of free shows (one venue with a cool owner that made it back on the bar, one venue was an art space and didn't care). Shows here in Bristol (UK) range from $11 to maybe $17 for bigger punk bands. I did and still do get into the odd show for free due to taking pictures or knowing the promoters (which, if you go to a lot of shows, you should), but not enough to make a significant dent on the overall amount I spend.

But anyways, even $60 a week for shows isn't a huge amount when that's what you're into doing (wages here do tend to be slightly higher - I make about $500 a week - but rents are much higher - mine's about $600 a month along with bills). Besides, you're the one who made a speech about how important to you live music is, I would have thought that's where you'd be putting your money. I've always drank a lot but if I had a week with busy shows I'd not drink during the week. Priorities dude!

misterspike (May 1, 2011)

Roadtripped with some friends in college and saw G 'n R (Axl Rose really) lose his shit and walk off. Oh the heady days of Heavy Metal.

NobleStabbings (May 1, 2011)

That sounds like every Gn'R show.

johnnyz77 (May 3, 2011)

ever seen a fire alarm pulled when there was no fire?

for a Ruder then you show , back in the 00's or late 90's some one pulled the fire alarm, thus ending the show b/c the fire department had to come in and do and inspection. Stunk but oh well, what you going to do.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

otis would never let this happen.

ThisRespirator (May 1, 2011)

10/10

seth_uber_alles (April 30, 2011)

Controversial opinion: Those old fuckers in Napalm Death (for example) can still play grindcore and not lose their voice and cancel shows, but you can't sing your moderately aggressive pop-punk tunes without giving out after 3 songs? Call it quits.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

u monster

Skibz777 (April 30, 2011)

You can lose your voice in any genre, it's all a matter of how you take care of it. Plus, Napalm Death (for example) are a full-time touring band; they sing constantly, so they build a tolerance. Milo's no longer a full-time musician and has done only a handful of shows over the years. It's really no surprise that his voice blew out so easily during this string of shows.

seth_uber_alles (April 30, 2011)

Fair enough. I will say then that since the Descendents are a legendary band and I can confidently say their fans think these handful of shows are a big deal, Milo should take it more seriously and warm up his voice more.

Dante3000 (rich) (April 30, 2011)

Singing like Napalm Death is easy though. Just drink about 6 cans of soda and put about 1/2 cup of dry oatmeal in your mouth. Done.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

you sound like my mom

Dante3000 (rich) (April 30, 2011)

Wanna loan mommy a twenty?

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

:`( ok

Dante3000 (rich) (April 30, 2011)

Nice! BTW, you're totally NOT adopted, but I would say, "Happy accident."

milesqtoast (May 1, 2011)

Cos (May 1, 2011)

He hasn't been singing consistently like this since the mid-90s. His vocal chords aren't used to this. The rest of the band played the set with guests and it sounds like a pretty good time.

Sorry, they're old, it happens.

milesqtoast (April 30, 2011)

Milo's voice "gave out"

I didn't "finish college"

6 of one.

someone-yeah (April 30, 2011)

I'd have loved to seen Karl sing some songs. I dig his vocals probably more than Milo's

(notgay)

MrMcPants (May 1, 2011)

I believe that "No Homo" is the phrase you are looking for.

Cos (May 1, 2011)

Karl has a fantastic voice. I remember thinking that when I saw him with ScottyALL 2 years ago. He could easily sing the lead for the whole set.

skolarx (May 1, 2011)

last time i saw all he sang a bunch of black flag songs during the encore

diveski-punk (April 30, 2011)

Milo's voice wasn't up to much at No Sleep Til Brisbane last December...Al Barr, Fat Mike and others sang for him....It wasn't a surprize considering the fact he chain smoked the whole day at the side of the stage while everyone else performed....

notfeelingcreative (May 1, 2011)

Never been to a show where the singer's voice stopped but I could barely hear Milo when they played warped 1997. I also remember the sound being really bad at a US Bombs show I saw, some guy in the crowd yelled "we can't fucking hear you!!" and Duane Peters jumped off stage stood right in front of the guy and yelled "Do I look like I have control?!!! All I have is this little mic!".

dannydeadhack (May 1, 2011)

At least he didn't punch anyone in the face or feed them his own urine.

This isn't awkward,

Milo > Anyone complaining about paying 20 pounds to see Descendents.

Glad I got to see them in Austin.

Grue (May 1, 2011)

I saw them at Groezrock. But I had to leave in the middle of the set because I had to leave Belgium the next morning and therefore had to catch the last bus out of that village Groezrock happens in. Really disappointed I didn't get to hear them perform Myage :(

MonkDave (May 1, 2011)

Was at the Monday 25th show and seriously pissed off is an understatement. This was my first time off work all year, was seriously looking forward to it, spent a few days in London, hundreds on a hotel, money on the train... and it's likely I won't even have the time to get to this "free" show now. Ideally I would like the band to refund me my ticket and all other expenses. The whole thing was a fucking joke, especially after I had waited 14 years to see them again.

el_matt (May 1, 2011)

While I would be suitably pissed if this happened to me, this situation is understandable. Anyone can get sick.

The free show to make up for it is a totally classy thing to do.

ThreeChordsAndTheTruth (May 1, 2011)

I was at this. The first few songs were awesome then it became one of the most bizarre shows I've been to. I'm glad they carried on though, even seeing Descendents playing covers / "karaoke" is better than most bands. Plus it was a unique show. How many chances do people get to see Descendents play Black Flag and Agent Orange songs with Milo on bass? Or Eric Melvin on vocals?

misterspike (May 1, 2011)

Sure it would be disappointing, but great attitude knowing it was a unique show. I'd love to see video from this.

bensomewhere (May 1, 2011)

Never got to see them live, but it's great how all the old farts suck up all the headlines around here. I used to sing in several bands and have thrown my voice out before after weeks of singing through shitty PA gear. I just kept singing. Part of being a good singer is knowing how not to let this happen. Milo does have one of the best voices out there, but when touring with your band as part of a vacation from physics, you're a part timer, and this kind of shit is bound to happen with that lack of practice. Love the Descendents, they're one of the top three, but all this old punker revival shit comes with a price- quite possibly your ticket.

cheesinit (May 1, 2011)

poor milo. hope this new show is free for everyone and not just ticket holders

bish (May 1, 2011)

same thing happened in aus at queensland stop, except they weren't boo'd

nofx, frenzal rhomb, dropkick murphys and alkaline trio helped on vocals and everyone had a great time

spoilt fucking poms

misterspike (May 1, 2011)

I am putting my inevitable death on hold until I can see Descendents live.

tssk (May 1, 2011)

the english are fags.

telegraphrocks (May 1, 2011)

Pall Malls, even.

MrMcPants (May 1, 2011)

Exit stage left.

DrGunn (May 1, 2011)

when are they going to re-do those canceled reynolds ALL shows from like a year or two ago? i was super excited, i'd take seeing scott-era ALL even over the descendents.

fe69c26d (May 1, 2011)

I just hope Milo is okay, and it's nothing serious. I have tickets to see Descendents play at Punk Rock Bowling.

If they bow out of that festival, I'd definitely want my money back. There's no way I'd make the trip there if I don't get to see them.

LeightonESmith (May 2, 2011)

The same thing happened in Brisbane, Australia last Australia. It was shithouse. At least other bands like NOFX and Alkaline trio stepped in to take up the vocal duties..

LeightonESmith (May 2, 2011)

er last December (not Australia)

bigsleep1340 (May 2, 2011)

descendents = best band.