The 'Germs'.

So! I saw ‘The Germs’ last evening.
My curiosity overruled any sort of fucked up feeling I had towards this. And so I went.

The age I actually sat down and listened to The Germs last was probably 16 years. My Monday volunteer shift at Extreme Noise was the perfect time to listen and refresh the memory. After about 6 songs, Diamond Doug could take no more and turned on some metal. Fair enough!
Left a bit early and biked on down to the Triple Rock Social Club, excited to see so many old friends there.


16 year old Manda. Notice the shirt!



Before they played I got to talking with Mr. Don Bolles.
He was totally insane and we got along great! We talked about doing acid, time travel, and traveling in general.
I asked him how this Hollywood actor was getting along “Oh, he’s just fine, but kind of dumb, definitely not as brilliant as Darby was.”

Didn’t realize he was making the vulcan salute til’ reviewing the pictures this morning! RAD.


Lorna Doom was shy and sweet. Met her backstage before they went on.



Me, Johnny Sox, & the shoes of The Germs.


Skeptical, but not expecting much… The opening minutes I had the strangest smile on my face, turning my head couldn’t stop thinking WHAT THE FUCK!?!?? Kept shouting that thought aloud, too.
The energy of this show was incredible. After a few songs, it was in that moment I thought, to hell with thinking! and just went with it. Rocking the fuck out, singing along, spitting on Shane, heckling them, and even joining some friends; Skell and Norman on stage for a brief sing along and then a dive at the end.
Lorna Doom had the brightest smile on her gorgeous face the entire show. Pat Smear had a glowing air about him as well, sick guitar player too! Shane West surprisingly sounded a lot like Darby. He was awkward, even. Crawling into the corners of the stage, only to explode forward with the microphone wrapped around him flailing into the crowd. He definitely did not project the vibes of a Hollywood actor, not that I’ve ever known a Hollywood actor personally or anything. :p

Fun? Lively? Entertaining as hell? Yes.


Shocking? No fucking way.



Shane and I got to talking quite a bit after the show.
I was busting his balls all night. I think when we first met I asked him “So, what does punk mean to a Catholic, Hollywood actor?’
Much to my surprise he got to telling me about his life, apparently both his mother and father were in no-name punk bands. He assured me he’s not in the band, nor are the rest of the Germs for money. In fact, they aren’t making any money, according to him. He simply loves traveling and music. He was in some ‘punk’ band for 8 years and as we were talking he definitely did not seem clueless. I showed him my Germs burn from when I was 14, he grabbed my wrist and traced the spot it was ‘actually’ supposed to be. He definitely studied up on Germs history.

He was rather personable and very affectionate. Laughing, and joking, getting serious and personal, I had quite the pleasant time hanging out and talking with this dude! And then again, I can get along with just about anyone. Humans, fascinating creatures, yes.


If they would have been cocky-arrogant-big-headed-rock-stars clearly my view of them and the show would be much different..



Did I believe in it? Nah. Did The Germs ever mean a lot to me? Not really. Did I have a total fucking blast? Yes.
Novelty shows like these are meant for laughter!
A great night of fun entertainment was definitely achieved.



On a side note, it wasn't a completely happy ending. A mystery shot was sent my way, and after consumption vaugley I remember stumbling to my bike and SOMEHOW making it home. Passing out on the couch for about 20 minutes, only to wake up and intensely vomit in the kitchen sink for about an hour with cold water running over my head. NOT FUN!
I had to work at 10AM, but managed to be only 40 minutes late. Haven't had this terrible a hangover in a very, very long time. Fucking hell, it's taken me nearly an hour to write this rubbish! My brain = mush. No alcohol for me tonight!