We walked into Dinwoodie expecting the punk rock event of the year. Disappointed we were not. Unfortunately this happened to be the one punk show that started on time, so we missed opening band d.b.s. Others who caught the Vancouver-based punkers, whose age averages about 16, reported a quality set. Being a fast-rising Canadian band, those who missed them (like us), will surely have another chance to see them.
Next up were the East Bay old-schoolers A.F.I. Unfortunately, the scheduled openers - Seaweed - canceled, and by no means did A.F.I. make up for Seaweed's absence. This may have been because we wanted Seaweed and we were denied, or maybe because they simply were weak. Their style was reminiscent of the old-timers of punk, such as Dead Kennedys or the Germs. They did, however, manage to get the crowd going and belted out some pretty solid tunes. They gave the audience the finger at every possible occasion, and started and ended every song with a big "Fuck You."
After checking out some of the worst band merchandise we have seen in a long time, spots had to be obtained deep within the sea of young and past-their-glory-day punks. Despite the fact that some of the shirts looked like they had been designed by Slash and Duff, the pit was chock full of them. The excitement level rose as the bodies condensed and the lights dimmed. In a matter of moments we saw the soon-to-be-huge East Bay act take the stage.
Ripped jeans, tattooed bodies, fallen mohawks, and multiple holed doc's were what Lint, Lars, Matt, and Brett sported as they prepared to rock. After Lint mumbled some incoherent words concerning the first song, the real show began. They started with "Root Radical," sending the crowd into a punk rock frenzy.
The shit got pretty hectic at this point. From the first chord, the sold-out crowd of just under 700 went off in true punk rock fashion. Rancid played most of the material on their latest release ...And Out Come The Wolves , as well as most of their previous release, Let's Go. Unfortunately, they only did one number off their self-titled debut album.
Set highlights included extended versions of the hit ska song "Time Bomb," and "Salvation." As well, Lars's storytime included anecdotes about Rancid's adventures in West Edmonton Mall (the thought of seeing Rancid on the Mindbender is too funny). Rancid wore the crowd down to exhaustion with songs including, "Radio," "I Wanna Riot," and "Maxwell Murder." After coming back out for one encore, the audience couldn't take anymore, and didn't even try to get them back on stage. It was probably the most danceable punk show we will ever see, which is why the audience was so helpless at the end.
When it was over, necks were hurting, clothes were torn, and sweat was pouring. For those who were there, it was probably the last time Rancid will be seen in such an intimate setting, because this band is destined for super-stardom. If you missed this showÑdo not despair, maybe Pure will come around. In other words, hang your head in shame. As we said, it was the punk rock event of the year.