A laughing toddler sat on the shoulders of his father in the middle of a swirling circle of punk fans, young and old, who flung their limbs around to the beat of distorted guitars and clashing cymbals. Their faces were full of mischief and freedom. Sporting their denim, chains and dyed hair, they embodied punk: a freedom from rules and shame.
This wasn’t your average Saturday night at Chain Reaction, it was a museum opening without the classical music and charcuterie boards. Hundreds of punk fans gathered Saturday, April 5, at the Fullerton Downtown Plaza to hear bands T.S.O.L and D.I. play. These shows were part of the Fullerton Museum Center’s “Punk OC: From the Streets of Suburbia” exhibit opening night, the first in a four month lineup of events exploring the history of the contentious, anti-authority genre and how it’s evolving into an embraced sound by a broader community.
“Punk was real outskirts trouble, you know, unwanted. So it’s funny that we’ve been turned into something like this,” said Jack Grisham, lead vocalist of T.S.O.L. “It’s funny that you’re actually being honored in cities that you were vilified in.”
Punk music originated in the 1970s as an independent movement, with hardly any commercial support. In nature, it was and continues to be a rebellious and carefree genre. It’s a unique sound full of fast-paced rhythms and edgy lyrics with an anti-establishment theme.
“It’s mostly just being yourself just big time, about not staying to societal norms but also being incorporated with who’s in the scene at the same time,“ said Gavin Pfeiffer, a young fan in attendance.
The event was filled with fans of all ages, from young children with their parents to older generations who had been following punk since its uprising decades ago.. Pfeiffer said he was “born into it” and that his family played an influential role in his punk lifestyle.
“You never would have thought that punk rock could be a family thing, but it’s really trippy, man,” Grisham said. “I had a guy come up to me one time and say, my grandfather got me into you guys.”
Punk music history is full of fun, yet sometimes violent scenes. Chett Lehrer, founding member of L.A.’s Wasted Youth, recognized the evolution of the movement.
“Back then, punk was very violent, it was very extreme, it was very political,” Lehrer said. “I think it’s changed greatly over the years, and it’s really great to see that it’s alive and flourishing and well, and I don’t think anyone ever expected it to.”
Manic Hispanic frontman Efrem Schulz and drummer Ruben Rivera recalled a memorable encounter with a SWAT raid at one of their packed shows in Long Beach, helicopters and all. Gabby Goborno, one of their founding members, had refused to put out his cigarette on stage after being asked by the venue staff to do so. Gaborno had pulled up his shirt and revealed a gun. What the venue security didn’t know is that it was a fake pistol. Moments later, the music went out suddenly and several police and SWAT officers entered the venue with guns pointed at fans and the band, telling them to put their hands up. According to Schulz, one of the officers yelled, “I could’ve killed one of you…for this stupid toy gun.”
Punk is also full of camaraderie and fun. For Grisham, performing never gets old, but it’s the spontaneity in shows that make them exciting. On top of touring around the world, including a recent trip to China, Grisham recalled time spent with some of the biggest bands in punk music like Green Day. T.S.O.L. toured the U.S. and Canada with Green Day on the 2000 Vans Warped Tour. According to Grisham, he carried Billie Joe Armstrong on his shoulder after he went on stage at one of T.S.O.L.’s last shows.
The punk movement originated with a political and social undertone. According to Schulz, who grew up in a Mexican immigrant family, he connected with punk at a young age after learning hard lessons as a kid about race and his identity. “I started forming my own opinions as a very young kid and I slowly started finding music that connected with me,” Schulz said.
The music’s lyrics often address the police, presidents, and Christianity. Diana Cleveland, a fan in attendance, reassured that punk music is addressing even current social issues.
“I keep hearing people say, ‘Why is punk so quiet with the current political climate?’ and I said, ‘They’re not quiet, you’re not listening.’ They’re screaming right now.”
Cleveland’s friend and new punk enthusiast Alexandria Hormozi agreed. “God, it’s so in your face, like if you don’t understand what you are listening to, then you are not listening to it,” Hormozi said.
Punk also transcends music into a lifestyle. Moxie Von Rotten, who grew up going to punk shows, said she likes punk fashion being embraced but is afraid people might adapt and take from the punk stylebook without understanding punk itself. For her, there’s a method to every aspect of the punk madness.
“I mean you can wear whatever you want, but it sure does feel better doing everything in fishnets and a mini skirt,” Von Rotten said. “I feel more empowered.”
According to Von Rotten, who described the event as “Disneyland for punks,” it’s important for punk fans to keep the movement alive by attending local bands’ shows and being proud of the punk lifestyle.
“I thought maybe I’d get over it , but it still makes me feel alive. It gets you through the week, when you have to go through all the boring stuff,” Von Rotten said. “Punk is just a place for people to just come and get weird and crazy…there’s nothing like it.”
The colorful punk exhibit has different sections, including a space for bands formed in Fullerton, such as D.I., Social Distortion and The Adolescents, and those formed in Los Angeles or greater Orange County. The exhibit also shows how punk spread to the east coast and the world. Memorabilia on display include lyric pages, guitars, iconic punk leather jackets and members’ personal belongings.
The “Punk OC: From the Streets of Suburbia” exhibit is open until August 10 at the Fullerton Museum Center (301 N Pomona Ave, Fullerton) Wednesdays – Sundays 12-4 p.m. and Thursdays until 8:30 p.m.