Punk Rock Bowling, an annual pilgrimage for punk rock devotees, returned for its 24th year over Memorial Day weekend. While initial murmurs amongst seasoned attendees hinted at a lineup that paled in comparison to previous years, with Shawn Stern highlighting that 25 out of 36 bands were fresh faces to the festival – including buzzworthy names like Madness, Scowl, and Gorilla Biscuits – the reality of Day 1 in Downtown Las Vegas proved any skepticism wrong. As a Punk Rock Bowling first-timer, I plunged into the experience with no preconceived notions, ready to witness what this legendary festival had to offer.
The day began with the early birds catching Backlash, but my festival journey truly ignited with Teen Mortgage. This trash punk quartet hailing from Washington, D.C., had recently infiltrated my Spotify playlists, and witnessing live renditions of tracks like “Tuning In” and “S.W.A.S.” was an electrifying start. Navigating through the bustling vendor village towards the main stage, the iconic sounds of The Skatalites washed over the crowd. Injecting a vibrant dose of reggae and ska into the punk-centric lineup, they launched their set with “Freedom Sounds,” seamlessly transitioning into “In the Mood for Ska,” immediately setting an upbeat and infectious rhythm for the day.
999: UK Punk Pioneers Ignite the Street Party Stage
Switching gears back to the Street Party Stage, UK punk legends 999 from London took command. Admittedly, my punk rock credentials might have taken a slight hit as I wasn’t deeply familiar with their catalog, despite Nick Cash’s bold claim of them being the first UK punk band to grace US stages. Formed in the crucible of the 1970s punk explosion, this power trio delivered a set brimming with raw energy. Their performance ignited a fervent mosh pit, proving their enduring relevance and solidifying a memorable set for both longtime fans and curious newcomers alike at Punk Rock Bowling 2024.
Lagwagon: 90s Nostalgia and Witty Retorts on the Main Stage
For many, including myself, Lagwagon represented a cornerstone of 90s punk rock. Their main stage performance was highly anticipated, and they didn’t disappoint. Opening with “Island of Shame,” the band launched into a 12-song setlist that was a perfect blend of classics and fan favorites. In a classic festival moment, a heckler’s shout of “YOU SUCK” was met with Joey Cape’s legendary wit: “Which is why we are not closing out this festival. Here’s a song called ‘Making Friends.’” The band then ripped into a flawless rendition, immediately followed by the beloved 90s anthem “Beer Goggles” from their debut album. A barrage of hits including “Brown Eyed Girl” followed, culminating in the emotionally charged set closer “May 16,” leaving the crowd awash in 90s punk nostalgia under the Vegas sky at Punk Rock Bowling.
Madball: Hardcore Energy Erupts on the Street Party Stage
Fueled by the surge of nostalgia, I returned to the Street Party Stage just in time for Madball. Having witnessed and photographed this New York hardcore institution countless times in their Miami stomping grounds at Churchill’s Pub, I knew exactly what to expect: unrelenting energy and Freddy Madball’s commanding stage presence. True to form, they detonated their set with “Heavenhell,” immediately followed by “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” triggering an instantaneous and intense mosh pit. Barely escaping the photo pit before the inevitable wave of crowd surfers surged forward, I watched as they closed their set with the anthemic “Pride (Times Are Changing),” leaving the energized crowd with a positive message amidst the hardcore fury of Punk Rock Bowling.
Gorilla Biscuits: Street Stage Gets a Dose of Hardcore History
Taking a moment to refuel while Billy Briggs provided the main stage soundtrack, anticipation mounted for Gorilla Biscuits’ Street Party Stage takeover. They exploded onto the stage with “New Direction,” instantly captivating the crowd. While the trumpet solo might have been a point of minor debate, the rest of their set was pure hardcore gold, packed with classics like “Big Mouth,” “Hold Your Ground,” and a blistering cover of The Buzzcocks’ “Sitting Round at Home.” Anthony “Civ” Civarelli, undeterred by the street stage’s limited footprint, brought his signature energy and crowd engagement, leading massive sing-alongs and reaffirming Gorilla Biscuits’ legendary status within the hardcore scene at Punk Rock Bowling 2024.
Descendents: Day 1 Closes with Pop Punk Perfection
As the Vegas sun dipped below the horizon, the final act of Punk Rock Bowling Day 1 took to the main stage: the iconic Descendents. After a brief moment of near-disaster when Milo narrowly avoided a stage fall, they launched into “Feel This” from their 2016 album Hypercaffium Spazzinate. It was the perfect opening to a setlist brimming with their signature blend of catchy melodies and intelligent lyrics. Set highlights included singalongs to “Hope,” “Suburban Home,” “I’m the One,” and an encore featuring the classics “Good Good Things” and “Catalina.” Descendents delivered a flawless performance, providing an unforgettable and perfect conclusion to the first day of Punk Rock Bowling 2024, leaving everyone eager for day two.
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