I don’t give three wet shits how long the asinine Black Halos have been around, THEY BLOW. I think the best way to describe these fucks would be “posture”. Anybody who wears leather leopard-print pants and does fucking kicks onstage (that isn’t Patricia Arquette) can kiss my ass. I hate Hopeless’s vocals and the guitars sound like cockrock from the 80s. I especially hate how these assholes add a fucking “Halo” to their real name…but each of them have about five other side projects where they don’t use it. It’s such a weak act. May favorite thing is the lame “Come join us on Myspace and add a Halo to your name! You’re part of a rock community now! Now buy some shit! Blow us backstage!” The Black Halos suck. They’re not the worst band I’ve heard; they’re the most unremarkable, noticeable only for the amount of hubris they carry in their rock outfit, Alice Cooper wannabe bullshit and how fucking great they truly think they are. If they just sucked, I could forgive them; to suck and take pictures of it and then sell the pictures like they’re worth something is unforgivable. I've never understood bullshit devotion to a band any corporation could've squeezed out (but chose not to), while still chanting "Fuck corporate rock! We're the real deal (with leather pants and everything)!"

Save some of the money, boys! You’re going to need it.

wow what a review although i want really a huge fan of jesse camp the album was kinda catchy at times and at least he played some good stuff like hanoi rocks on mtv . but as for me billy hopeless im ok with people who dont get it i remembrer when i first heard the germs or even more so jello biafra at first i didnt really get it then it grew on me like a fungus that has never left but i still hear people complain when i play them on the radio .as for the show i had a great time . loved touring with the bones and queers both great bands on and off stage . as for mall punk well i do like and always have punk fashion and hey food fairs rule orange julius mmmmmmmmmm. i wish hot topic had zero boys shirts then more kids might know who they were .f.f.t.s billy hopeless .wow luv the dee dee comparisons joe queer kept calling me dee dee at first and lets face it joey and dee dee ruled!

Hey Ken,
Try a little homework......
Black Halos have been round the block long enough to create your beloved Hot Topic Punks. It was bands like Good Charlotte and AFI in those Warped Days of Old standing side stage Halos sets night after night to rip any sense of "punk fashion." Interestingly enough, Halos never claimed to be punk but Sub Pop had no clue where to go with singer Billy Hopeless' tongue and cheek antics. Apparently neither do you.
Lighten up and enjoy the ride, you had it right half way thru their Chicago set but were uncomfortable with actually having to like a band and that my friend is sad.
Viva le Halos! and remember......

Stiv, Iggy and Johansen aint no songbirds neither

I don't care about anything else... but this line in the review:

“Yeah, this band is great man…you mind holding my fucking coffee table here so I can dance?”

Made me laugh.

Wow this reviewer's opinion of this last pathetic show is 100% correct. I don't know if I exactly like his taste in music from the bands he named, but what the hell, everyone is intitled to their own opinion about what's good or not good. River City Rebels suck so much cock that we just had to beat their ass... 2 of them to the hospital, 5 others jacked up, all in their tour van when we raided the fuck out of it. And all you shit talking mother fuckers in these posts probably don't know shit, since you can't even refer to us by our proper name, a name that's easier talked shit about then defended... that is until we beat your ass like RCR. Their singer likes to say the name "77's" (what the fuck is a "77"???) on stage and talk shit about other people, aka the Street Brats, so he got fucked up along with the rest of his posuer ska band. Yea the Queers gave us t-shirts and drinks for it and the bouncers thanked us. Well whatever that's my two cents. Good review....

Its ppl like you who make me want to become a hippie. At least we wouldnt be surrounded by Crew-Kids (also known as "Wiggers Who listen To Punk" when I was in high school) who want to have cock-sizing competitions any chance they can get by proving they know how to fight from watching WWF and letting their dads push them around.

"River City Rebels suck so much cock that we just had to beat their ass... 2 of them to the hospital, 5 others jacked up, all in their tour van when we raided the fuck out of it."

Josh, you are a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you for doing the entire world a favor. I hope RCR posts photos of their broken faces on the web!

-Ken

"RCR has been promoted this tour all over, and their tourmates piss on them like that? Just ridiculous. If you don't like it, ignore it. Don't add violence to anything. They're just a band trying to have a good time."

...By throwing microphones into the crowd as an attempt to hit a kid in the face. Sorry, that counts as a first punch.

You know what... fuck these people! Oh you don't like something someone said... blah blah blah... don't do anything about it... let them be... don't use violence, write about it.... fuck all that. I'm glad RCR got their asses kicked... instead of getting them kissed like they're used to. Little fucking 16 year old girls and little "punk" boys who actually think they are a punk rock band. Please. Fuck all this. Getting their asses kicked was a long time in the making. They've dicked many people over including their own label Victory Records which dropped them cause their attitude, they've dicked over booking agencies, and they've dicked over Chicago's own Street Brats, trying to steal backend money from them after shows when they were the ones bringing in the crowd anyway. So fuck all this, oh let's write about it, non-violence, be mature, settle things with words only BULLSHIT. That does nothing except what is going on here with these posts... a bunch of people with "balls" on the internet giving their fucked opinion. At least these people who supposedly beat them up were ready to settle the score with action. Actions speak louder then words. Yea fighting can be immature, and usually is. But sometimes that's the way to go. I don't know the exact reason RCR got beat up. But I do know the facts listed above definately brought about their time. All talking does today in 2005 is represented all across the internet. Yada yada yada. Direct action... stick it to the man. And I guess the Man this time was the River City Rebels, who I know had it coming to them for a long time, like a punk in prison.

Wait, Victory dropped someone because of THEIR attitude? Wow.

Actually, my point is that the RCR low enough that they're not worth responding to. Don't even use words. Don't give them the impression that they're worth the wasted breath on them.

I don't have a problem with being violent, if its in self defense. When used in offense, it only shows that you have lost the argument. By the same token, I would have knocked the guy out who called a kid "a fucking faggot" and made AIDS jokes.

If you want to settle the score, ignore RCR and watch them plummet into oblivion and anonimity, which is worse than a couple black eyes and broken bones.

You know what... fuck these people! Oh you don't like something someone said... blah blah blah... don't do anything about it... let them be... don't use violence, write about it.... fuck all that. I'm glad RCR got their asses kicked... instead of getting them kissed like they're used to. Little fucking 16 year old girls and little "punk" boys who actually think they are a punk rock band. Please. Fuck all this. Getting their asses kicked was a long time in the making. They've dicked many people over including their own label Victory Records which dropped them cause their attitude, they've dicked over booking agencies, and they've dicked over Chicago's own Street Brats, trying to steal backend money from them after shows when they were the ones bringing in the crowd anyway. So fuck all this, oh let's write about it, non-violence, be mature, settle things with words only BULLSHIT. That does nothing except what is going on here with these posts... a bunch of people with "balls" on the internet giving their fucked opinion. At least these people who supposedly beat them up were ready to settle the score with action. Actions speak louder then words. Yea fighting can be immature, and usually is. But sometimes that's the way to go. I don't know the exact reason RCR got beat up. But I do know the facts listed above definately brought about their time. All talking does today in 2005 is represented all across the internet. Yada yada yada. Direct action... stick it to the man. And I guess the Man this time was the River City Rebels, who I know had it coming to them for a long time, like a punk in prison.

What a bunch of shit. If RCR want to act like assholes on stage, let them. It's their thing. It's wrong for people to take them seriously and put them in the hospital about it, it's wrong for the Queers to cheer their attackers on...RCR has been promoted this tour all over, and their tourmates piss on them like that? Just ridiculous. If you don't like it, ignore it. Don't add violence to anything. They're just a band trying to have a good time.

ONE MORE POINT TO WHAT I WROTE THREE POSTS DOWN.

I'm a huge idiot. I should probably grow up...
Josh

I thought "crew" violence ended in the 80s. Christ.

Wow. Instead of giving RCR the impression that they're no good hacks who aren't worth the time of day, you and your "Chicago 77" crew decide you're going to beat the shit out of them.

If someone is important, people will have to react. If they're not important, people won't. Congratulations, you just let RCR know that what bile they have to say is important.

Don't get me wrong, I think RCR is pretty pathetic too, but beating the shit out of them only shows them that their words can get to you.

It's like how people will say anything to get a buzz out about themselves, whatever will get people's attention. Why let RCR know you're paying attention to them? Why give them that dignity?

Let RCR's antics go unacted upon because they're not worth it.

ONE MORE POINT TO WHAT I WROTE BELOW...
Where these shitty bands go wrong is that they think they can come to our city.... and this goes out to everyone from Chicago ... and fuck with us. I don't think so. Everyone from Chicago knows that you just don't come here and fuck with our Chicago. End point.
Josh

Wow this reviewer's opinion of this last pathetic show is 100% correct. I don't know if I exactly like his taste in music from the bands he named, but what the hell, everyone is intitled to their own opinion about what's good or not good. River City Rebels suck so much cock that we just had to beat their ass... 2 of them to the hospital, 5 others jacked up, all in their tour van when we raided the fuck out of it. And all you shit talking mother fuckers in these posts probably don't know shit, since you can't even refer to us by our proper name, a name that's easier talked shit about then defended... that is until we beat your ass like RCR. Their singer likes to say the name "77's" (what the fuck is a "77"???) on stage and talk shit about other people, aka the Street Brats, so he got fucked up along with the rest of his posuer ska band. Yea the Queers gave us t-shirts and drinks for it and the bouncers thanked us. Well whatever that's my two cents. Good review....
Josh

This was an excellent review.

No other band out there sounds like D4. They can try all they want, but it'll only come off as a piss-poor imitation.

-Chinatown

Is Jesse Camp actually in the Black Halos or is this kid just an idiot?

yea i find it funny/ridiculous when two bands are doing a month tour together and the bass player for the first band drags his 8X10 down the stairs into the basement. then when he's done he drags it back up the stairs. Then the bass player for the next band drags his 8x10 down the stairs and they play. I usually just slap my forehead in those situations.

Tips for sharing gear:

Bring your own guitar heads, bass heads and instruments. Use the best cabs (highest wattage) for all the bands and leave them on stage.

Drummers bring your pedal, snare and cymbals. Make sure the house kit has at least 5 toms, but be able to remove drums for guys who don't use them. Tuning the rest of the kit to suit yourself is quick and usually unneccesary. Bring your own sticks.

This way you can play out of town shows driving something as small as a 4-door car (saves on gas!) but still get to keep your own sound. Drums will sound totally different in each club because of mic issues / mix, but cymbals and snares sound pretty much the same.

Japanese clubs all use house gear and bands can play out of town shows by taking public transportation. Imagine how much more economical that is than driving your 1984 Econoline to a gig.

-Ken

"Share the music gear so there isn’t such a fucking lag between bands."

ehh.. you know musicians. They wouldn't let some snotty punk use their vintage '77 Marshall head or classic Gibson SG. I fucking wouldn't.

Haha, I swear I will one of these days. If you see a phenomenauts sweatshirt or blue hair at a show anytime soon, that's me.

Hey Bill, I was at the tuesday show! I even think I remember the girl you are talking about.

Third time seeing Toys that Kill, and they tore it up as usual. Be sure to pick up "The Citizen Abortion" by them, you won't regret it.

The breakdowns were very good, at least I thought so. I was going to pick up their cd, but I bought too much merch elsewhere.

What the fuck, I thought you were going to start wearing a shirt that said "Bill" on it so I could find you?

If parts of that don't make sense, I just copied and pasted what I wrote on a message board. So I pose that question to everyone, not just "Steve."

Here's my take on Tuesday night's show. First off, I hate it when the Bottom Lounge out of nowhere adds $2 to the price at the door. If you advertise on the website that it's $8, then fucking charge $8 at the door!

Brokedowns - Two words to sum up their sound: Dillinger Four. They weren't the most original band, but they were pretty good.

A totaly unexplained forty minute break came up next. I hate it when they do that. And this was after expecting the show to start at 7:30 then it doesn't really start until 8.

The Arrivals - Not as good as the show with the Meths, but still great. The bass was turned up so high that I had trouble hearing anything else. Two of the three times I've seen them they have sound troubles. Oh well. Good as usual.

Toys that Kill - I liked what I heard (comps, and the "Flys" 7"), but they totaly surpassed my expectations. An amazing set. The bassist even broke his low string, so you know they were into it. Picked up their new album afterwards, currently enjoying it.

The Queers - I'm sort of a new fan for them, only having four (Day Late Dollar Short, Rocket to Russia, Valley of the Assfuckers, Beat Off) albums and a few months really listening to them. Therefore, I didn't recognize about 1/2 the songs, but that didn't stop me from picking up the words by the second chorus. Little to no stop time, an hour of solid tunes with Ramones, Weasel, and Who covers Well done.

And Steve, what happened after Sunday's show? Joe was thanking everyone, and he thanked all the guys that beat up the River City Rebels, saying they deserved it and adding on "fuck them." I'm certainly no Rebels fan, so I'm interested in the details.

Funny story. The lady next to me and the guy she was with were being really annoying. First off, her hair was so poofed out that I had to look around her to see, and they kepty slowly shifting over until I was gradually nudged off of the bar. So the second they moved, I moved back to my place, then the bitches start to wave their ciggarettes right in my face, blowing the smoke in my direction. Well, annoying girl passed out 20 minutes into the Queers, so karma is a bitch.

This was the best live review I've read in a while. It wasn't a total fanboy review and the reviewer had an actual interest in punk rock and not some shitty nostalgia for Goldfinger.

"Why go to this show if every band gave a "terrible preformance"? One of the worst reviews I've read. None of the bands (especially the Black Halos and RCR) sound anything like the reviewer described."

Um, as i mentioned in the review, I got in for free and like the Queers. Plus I haven't seen a "mainstream" show in a long time.

-Ken

No, man - throwing water into the crowd at an indoor venue is a total no-no. Especially when no one is dancing to your band (black Haloes) or you're trying to piss off the crowd (RCR). It's only acceptable at outdoor venues.

Why go to this show if every band gave a "terrible preformance"? One of the worst reviews I've read. None of the bands (especially the Black Halos and RCR) sound anything like the reviewer described.

I'd say that sometimes sharing equipment can be a bitch, but other than that you have a good point with those comments.

river city rebels.......winning the hearts and brass knuckled fists of kids all across america!

I hope the real Halo's get wind of these turd-knockers...

i hate the river city rebels that guy is always such a fucking asshole

score is for the queers and ben weasel

Would this Chitown 77 Crew happen to be the same kids who started fights at the 7 Seconds/Briggs show and kept screaming out your lame ass band's name?

If so, you're even lamers than I thought. I mean, the fact that you're calling yourselves "The Chitown 77 Crew" is fucking dumb in itself. Who are you trying to be, Madball?

scores for the queers opening with "rock and roll radio" in detroit

i agree 100% about the foreign bands. when envy was in chicago, they were only given a 40 minute time slot, and a local band headlined. not to mention the opening band didn't even show up and malady only played 2 songs before the guitarist had a hissy fit and they ended the set.

i really doubt the chi-town 77's beat anyone's asses. those kids are just as fashion obsessed, well off, and privileged as most of the river city rebels. the most "punk rock" thing they do is show up at parties and steal napkins off stoves and annoy people.

a couple of years back? No, you twat, a couple of weeks back

Joe

Hey it was better than that Goldfinger live review from a couple of years back. And I think longer sets are a good thing too, I always think that I've been ripped off if a band plays for 45 minutes and fucks off.

Joe

Sharing gear sucks. You know your stuff so using someone else's causes major problems...

Things that mainstream punk could learn from going to an actual DIY show:
Spitting or throwing water into the crowd is punishable by death. Knock it the fuck off.
Your stupid security guard is totally unnecessary. At DIY shows, the fans themselves will police the shows. If someone is being a dick, we remove them.
Get the shows out of clubs and into basements. If the show is too big for a basement, book out a VFW or similar banquet hall where you can set your own rules. Clubs with “no moshing, dancing or having fun that doesn’t involve buying our overpriced drinks are prohibited” can eat a bag of dicks.
Foreign bands get the best slot…period. They have plane tickets and a host of other shit to pay for on tour so they should get maximum exposure. Your local bands can play here anytime, so why does the foreign band have to open the show?
SHORTER SETS.
Share the music gear so there isn’t such a fucking lag between bands.
Share the gear is a good idea.
Foreign bands should get more exposure, but your idea in my opinion would not work because people will leave when their favorite local band is finished. May as well get as many kids as possible.
On your water comment, you're a fucking idiot. Honestly. No water? Next time you go to an actual show where people aren't standing around you'll see the error of that comment. Amen to the spitting part though.
I've been to TWO shows where the crowd policed themselves, but maybe people do police themselves at shows I don't go to. I've been wrong before and i'll be wrong again.
Longer sets. MUCH LONGER SETS. I would have loved to see With Honor or Comeback Kid play longer than a half hour at Bane Sunday.
Anyway, that's my uninformed take on all this.

RCR got their asses beaten pretty badly by Chitown 77 crew after the show. Hahahahaha.

Fucking

Scores for Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, now that's a superb movie.

-Strewtho.

If the Black Haloes are this Black Halos, www.blackhalos.net, from Vancouver, then you cah-ray-zee. I don't think Billy Hopless is pretty enough to be on TV.

rad review.

"didn't the river city rebels get all their shit jacked awhile ago? karma is a bitch."

i read on the big d site that the police or someone or whatever actually found their trailer and they pretty much got like all their shit back...which is a bitch to people who believe in karma....

also, you prob thought river city was ska (to the reviewer) cause they just did a tour with big d and another ska band(i think)

also, river city rebels are hilariously shitty as can be seen in their photo shoots...does anyone actually believe those guys would touch any of those chicks? no way man...they totally like dudes...

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com

#6 would counteract #5 and allow for longer sets.

Awesome review, nice to get a candid take on those bands. I really enjoyed "Things that mainstream punk could learn" points too. I concur.

the rebels make some good tunes.

Everytime I've seen the Queers they've opened with "this place sucks." For some reason it always amuses. - OC

didn't the river city rebels get all their shit jacked awhile ago? karma is a bitch.

oh and good news if you are a quuers fan, they finally ditched the set they have been playing since "suck this" i have 2 live albums recorded 10 years apart and its the same set with a couple new songs here and there. friday night was totally new

see my problem with the detroit show was they didn't play fuck this world, which is hands down my favorite song ever. though i guess i've seen them play it enough times over the past 9 years or so...
black halos were lame, same with the rebels, i heard that the bones were good nad i missed the outsiders last show, which is no biggie. seeing ben's new band would have probably been cooler

and the singer for the black haloes looks/sounds way more like deedee ramone than jesse camp.

well atleast you admit to being jaded...

at the Queers show in detroit I was hoping for "Mirage" but just got "cant get over you" by the undertones,which was pretty cool still.

and the black haloes played "warsaw" which was infinitly cooler/better than "where eagles dare"

I'm still pissed about missing Weasel's band, even if you say they're horrible. Awesome news about the Queers though, because I'm going to the show tomorrow night where it's totaly different and better bands.

there's a band called the black haloes from vancouver that've been around for a long long time, and the lead singer is billy hopeless.. is this the same band? if so, you're way off about them.