Rebecca CarterThe Adolescents, Mike Watt, and others
Mike Atta Benefit
The Echo and Echoplex
1/25/13
It's time to “pogo and stomp the shit out of cancer,” said Alice Bag at Friday's benefit concert to support punk forerunner Mike Atta.
See also: *Mike Atta's Battle With Cancer Inspires Action in the OC Punk Community
*Henry Rollins on Alice Bag's Legacy
Diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2010, Atta — a member of the seminal late '70s OC punk band Middle Class — underwent treatment and had the kidney and an adrenal gland removed. Unfortunately, the cancer returned and spread to his lungs. So for the occasion, some of punk rock's finest gathered together to raise money for his treatment.
Alice Bag
Hailing from Santa Ana, Middle Class started in 1977 and is regarded as one of the defining bands of early hardcore. Today, Atta owns a vintage furniture shop in Fullerton, Out of Vogue, the name taken from the Middle Class' first EP.
The scene that he helped pioneer came out in full force. Thirteen acts came out, including White Night, The Garden, The Peeks, The Abigales, Urinals, Shattered Faith, CH 3, Agent Orange, Audacity, 45 Grave, White Flag, Mike Watt and the Missingmen, and The Adolescents. Together, they put on one hell of an old school show. The vibe was reminiscent of the early punk days, and the energy was through the roof. White Flag blew out one of their speakers early in their set!
Alt-roots group The Abigales put on an excellent set, but the real show stopper was Mike Watt and The Missingmen, who tore through The Clash's first album in its entirety, knocked out some Minutemen songs, and performed their staple cover of Wire's “Ex Lion Tamer.”
White Flag
The night was clearly a success, a rare and unique opportunity to see some punk, post-punk and garage rock all under one roof, and to see the influencers playing with those they have influenced.
Still, more work needs to be done. So far $20k of the $50k goal has been raised. Atta's sister is hosting a collection through FundRazr, and you can make a donation here.
The crowd: Every punk trope you can think of. Mohawks and studs. Berets and dangly crucifix earrings. Sport coats and buttons. Flannel and dirty jeans. A real generation spanner.
See also: *Mike Atta's Battle With Cancer Inspires Action in the OC Punk Community
*Henry Rollins on Alice Bag's Legacy
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