Punk Rock Bowling 2015 is already a few weeks in the past, but we felt we still needed one more thing to get closure. So we asked some our friends to let us know who they enjoyed seeing the most at this year’s Punk Rock Bowling and who they most want to see in 2016. So, so many of them cheated. (But not has bad as this year’s PRB winners. Booo!)
Allan Carter (SquidHat Records)
Best PRB set of 2015: Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School of Medicine
I really enjoyed Jello Biafra’s set. Too much time goes by and you forget what an amazing performer he is. Truly one of the most unique voices in music. I also was completely blown away by A Wilhelm Scream. Hard to be objective here as there are so many great local bands that deserve a spot on the main stage. For me it would have to be Mercy Music first and foremost but I’d love to see a Peccadilloes reunion on that big stage as well!
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Television, Blondie or the Talking Heads
From a non-objective standpoint it’d be cool to see a historic act like Television, Blondie or the Talking Heads. Maybe these aren’t “punk” bands by modern standards but there are a lot of people wearing CBGB shirts that have no idea that these bands shaped the music they love and were crucial in the development of the genre. I think Devo proved a few years ago that you are never out of the shadow of your influences.
Nikola Tesla (Time Crashers)
Best PRB set of 2015: Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School of Medicine
From the first moment I heard that Jello Biafra was starting a new band with Ralph Spight (of Victim’s Family, Hellworms, etc) I have been walking around with no less than half an erection 100% of the time. This was my third instance seeing The Guantanamo School of Medicine, and it was a whirling dervish of politics, pantomime, and perfect Dead Kennedys covers. Total show-stealers. Honorable mentions to Pears and I.R.A. for refusing to have the show stolen from them completely.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Slow Children
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a band as deserving as Slow Children to play the fest. Incredibly talented band whose star is on the rise and most of the dudes attend the fest every year. That said, I would gleefully push them into a volcano if it meant that Nomeansno would play.
Christopher Piro (Rayner)
Best PRB set of 2015: Frank Turner
Ever since I saw Frank Turner a few years ago I’ve spent a lot of time going backwards through his catalog and catching up on the last few years that I missed out on. I was excited to finally get the opportunity to see him again at Saturday night’s club show at the Bunkhouse. It was exactly what I expected in the best way possible! He played some of my favorite old songs, some great new songs, and some amazing covers (My favorite was the night’s closer of Queen’s “Somebody To Love”). Frank Turner is also one of those rare breed of musicians that doesn’t act like he is above the crowd by being pretentious while performing but rather a guy you can easily relate to, is funny, and downright charming. It didn’t hurt that I got to spend the night with my fiancé under the stars while enjoying some of the most perfect weather Las Vegas has seen in a while, drinking good beers (If you went inside you could score a Lagunita’s for only $5), and singing along with some good friends. It was a rare night where all the little elements came together to make an amazing show. FRANK TURNER FOR PRESIDENT… oh wait, he’s British. Well then, FRANK TURNER FOR POPE… oh wait, damn. You get the idea.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: PUP
Some of my favorite PRB moments in the past have always been by bands that veer away from the “normal” punk formula. This year was no different when I watched some newer bands like Success or more established acts like the Muffs or Murder City Devils. It’s always a breath of fresh air between all the mohawks and studded denim jackets to hear something that is taking a punk rock influence but doing their own thing. PUP does just that with their catchy choruses and song writing. It’s different but somehow familiar and it just works. I mentioned PUP’s last album in my year end list and still cannot get enough of it. Plus, I’ve heard they’re even better live, so I could only imagine the amount of energy that band could bring to the stage next year or even headlining a club show.
Rory Child (Rayner)
Best PRB set of 2015: Frank Turner
Personally my favorite set of the whole weekend was Frank Turner. I’ve really fallen in love with all of his music from Million Dead to Mongol Horde and seeing him was like a dream come true. I’d seen him with the band before but having him alone was a really different dynamic. He passionately belted out song after song letting loose and taking the crowd from somber to joyous just moments apart. I discussed his set with a friend and we both came to the conclusion that Frank’s willingness to put himself out there and be vulnerable, when his voice cracks or when bleeding his heart out about passed away friends, really sets him on another level. Not an easy choice with amazing sets from Success, PEARS, A Wilhelm Scream and Red City Radio but this weekend Turner did it for me.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: The Flatliners
I would really love to see The Flatliners get an opportunity at PRB. I’ve always considered them to be underrated and the idea of seeing them at a Club show is quite great.
Alex Higgins (Alex & His Meal Ticket)
Best PRB set of 2015: Frank Turner/The Skints
It’s really hard to choose but I’d say it’s a tie between Frank Turner which was the best acoustic set I think I’ve ever seen, and The Skints who are one of tightest groups of musicians I’ve had the pleasure of watching, and even though the show was kind of flipped on it’s head due to the rain they still played an incredible set and made me shake my butt.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: PUP
I like to see PUP do a club show, that would be really fun. When it comes to headliners probably Replacements.
Chris Powers (Be Like Max)
Best PRB set of 2015: Rancid/The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: The Suicide Machines
Improbable as it may be, I would love to see The Suicide Machines play at ANYTHING related to PRB. I NEED IT!
Nick Shelton (Eliza Battle)
Best PRB set of 2015: Mighty Mighty Bosstones
For me this would almost always go to a club show, but Mighty Mighty Bosstones were my favorite set of the festival. Those guys are absolutely masters at what they do. Great songs, super tight, but above all, just really really fun. They could play almost any music fest in the country and people would be stoked.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Murder By Death
I think the fest is starting to blur the lines of what constitutes punk music. Watching Murder By Death playing in the desert as the sun starts to set would be beautiful and perfect.
Dustin hoots (The Artistic Armory/Deadgirls and Robots)
Best PRB set of 2015: Murder City Devils
Best gig had to be murder city devils with the lightning in the background. Honorable mentions go to wilhelm and dropkick, naturally.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: NOFX/Dropkick Murphys/Lagwagon/Lost Angels
I’d love to see Wilhelm again but getting NOFX back with Dropkick and Lagwagon would make 16 year old me really happy. Maybe Lost City Angels if they’re even still around
Shahab Zargari (GC Records)
Best PRB set of 2015: Refused
I had such high expectations and was worried my view of them would be shattered. But they rocked it. Absolutely flawless.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Illicitor
Illicitor on the main stage for sure.
HOSS (Franks & Deans)
Best PRB set of 2015: Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
Me First & The Gimme Gimmes will always be one of the best performances for me (look at the band I’m in). They don’t have an agenda, they aren’t there to make a statement, they are there for a good time!! I like bands like that.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: FEAR
Next year I’d like to see maybe a good reunion of some sort? Maybe get Minor Threat or the like? and FEAR. Book FEAR! I did also like Rancid playing the whole “Wolves” record, a promoter can’t dictate what a band plays, but that was pretty cool! Book FEAR!!!!!
Aaron Mattern (PunksInVegas)
Best PRB set of 2015: Rancid
I was looking forward to hearing …And Out Come the Wolves start to finish, and it defied my expectations. Everything sounded tight and perfect, and made me 15 again. I rarely ever go in the pit in my old age, but the bruises covering my shins remind me that I spent the entire show there singing along, and throwing my fist to every musical cue.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Green Day
For the Festival headliner, Green Day playing Insomniac in it’s entirety, or Dookie, or basically anything and everything pre-Warning.
Club Shows:
Direct Hit!
Devon Kay and the Solutions
Dead to Me
Flatliners
Lawrence Arms
Andrew WK.
Some less realistic dream shows ideas:
Jack Dalrymple doing One Man Army songs (RIP Heiko)
Classics of Love.
Nicotine
Hi-Standard
Suicide Machines
Locals:
War Called Home,
Be Like Max
Emily Matview (PunksInVegas)
Best PRB set of 2015: Pears
Out of the whole weekend, I think it would be hard for anyone to top Red City Radio at the Beauty Bar. I’ve been waiting for four years to see these guys and they didn’t disappoint. But that was unofficial. On the main fest, I had heard great things about Pears’ live show and they surpassed the hype. Their music is super catchy but I always give extra props to bands who go the extra mile with a dynamic live show, especially in the Vegas heat.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: The Replacements
The Replacements! I love it when the Sterns bring in someone who is from the punk scene but doesn’t quite fit what people think of when they think “punk” (think Devo). Ted Leo + Pharmacists and Bob Mould (Husker Du) are two more that would fit that bill and easily win over the crowd.
On the undercard, Direct Hit! needs to play! They would fill the Masked Intruder/Pears slot of early band many of the older punks haven’t heard of but would no doubt become new favorites. Plus that would allow for a Devon Kay club show.
Alan Madrigal (Punks in Vegas)
Best PRB set of 2015: Pears
Sunday’s lineup was a dream come true. Eliza Battle opening up the party followed by Get Dead, Pears, The Muffs, then A Wilhelm Scream. Just that alone would’ve been enough for all the money I spent on beer, without thinking ahead of time about all the bills I’ve yet to pay. While The Muffs were who I was looking the most forward to seeing, it was the band before them that floored me: Pears, a hardcore punk band from NOLA who are making a name for themselves everywhere they go. Singer Zach Quinn has a scary resemblance to Johnny Rotten. His energy gets the rest of the band throwing themselves left and right. I had the pleasure of interviewing guitarist, Brian Pretus, the day before their set and the day before he would go on to propose on stage, to his girlfriend, during The Muffs set. That interview will be going up here soon. They are currently on tour with Strung Out and Red City Radio. Do yourself a favor and catch their tremendous set.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: The Replacements
The Replacements. They’re my favorite band ever. It’s the one time you’ll get to see me sing along to every word, as a river of tears streams down my face the entire show.
Ashleigh Thompson (PunksInVegas)
Best PRB set of 2015: Pears
Maybe I’ve just been feeling really, really aggressive lately, but Go To Prison is my workplace earbud jam and I had too much fun singing along to “you’re not so pretty without your fucking teeth” along with Zach Quinn – who is a madman on stage. I can’t wait to see these dudes again, hopefully at a floor show.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Andrew W.K.
Who doesn’t love the king of partying? This would be awesome beyond words, and plus – Andrew W.K. is friends with Lil Bub, so maybe we could get a Lil Bub club show.
Tyler Newton (PunksInVegas)
Best PRB set of 2015: Strung Out
I only attended a few shows over the weekend. Really enjoyed the Strung Out set at Las Vegas Country Saloon! They played hard the entire time! That band plays with so much feeling live, it’s inspiring. The set was littered with hits from all their records. A total of 7 songs from their newest record Transmission, Alpha, Delta! Was especially happy to hear 3 songs from their most underrated record Exile in Oblivion. Plus my first time hearing ‘ultimate devotion’ live.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Propagandhi and Millencolin
I can’t decide between the 2! Both bands are rare birds that never play the states. Now, why? My teenage years were built upon albums like Life on a Plate, and Pennybridge Pioneers. I’ve seen them once, must, need more. Now with Propagandhi! I want to hear an album in its entirety! Potemkin City Limits being my favorite. The only problem I see with Punk Rock Bowling, is they don’t want to have corporate sponsors on their shows. They really don’t like ‘The Man’. But that’s what I want! Hopefully somebody will listen!
Charley Fine (Be Like Max)
Best PRB set of 2015: The Skints
This year was so good and this is super tough for me to decide. With amazing sets from Pears, A Wilhelm Scream, Bosstones, and Frank Turner I’m torn between a lot of artists, but I’m going with The Skints! Out of all the high energy punk bands, I felt this reggae/hip-hop group from London brought the most energy all festival. It was my first time seeing them and I’m an instant fan.
Band I want to see at PRB in 2016: Suicide Machines
Suicide Machines. They’ve been out and about playing festivals these days and they would easily be one of those most anticipated sets of the festival if being a part of it. Does anyone personally know the Sterns? Can we make this happen?
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