The Punk and Hardcore Scene in Los Angeles: A Decade of Transformation in the 1980s
Los Angeles in the 1980s was a pivotal era for the punk and hardcore music scenes. The vibrant energy and raw creativity that subtly shifted over the decade were captured in various forms, with the documentary Decline of Western Civilization serving as a crucial historical record. A trip to The Whiskey or Blackie's on LaBrea typically found a mix of bands that moved from the more artistic and diverse 70s scene, to the more aggressive and suburban hardcore scene in the early 80s. This article delves into these changes and the notable bands that defined the era.
The Early 1980s: A New Wave of Hardcore in Los Angeles
The 1980s marked a significant transformation in the punk and hardcore scenes of Los Angeles. The early part of the decade saw a move away from the more artistic and diverse punk scene of the 1970s, with bands like The Dils, Weirdos, Bags, and the Germs giving way to a new wave of more aggressive and suburban-oriented hardcore bands. While the early 1980s hardcore scene did not draw the same level of attendance as the later years, it was a critical period for the development of new styles and attitudes.
Key bands that emerged during this time include Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, and The Descendents. Black Flag, formed in Hermosa Beach in 1976, reached new heights with their 1981 album Damaged , which featured new vocalist and former Black Flag member Keith Morris. The Circle Jerks, formed in 1979, moved from the 70s punk scene to a more aggressive hardcore sound with their 1980 album Group Sex . Meanwhile, The Descendents, founded in Manhattan Beach in 1979, added a pop punk element to the mix, with their contributions to the L.A. punk sound.
Transformations in Venues and Audience Attitudes
The shift from the 70s punk scene to the early 80s hardcore scene was not just musical. It also involved changes in the venues, behaviors, and attitudes of the audiences. As the documentary Decline of Western Civilization suggests, the younger, more aggressive bands did not conform to the rock club norms of the 70s punk scene. This led to certain bands being banned from certain venues, and a DIY ethos emerged to compensate for such restrictions.
Notable venues of the time include The Whiskey, which hosted Fear X and The Dickies, and The Old Olympic Auditorium, known for its darker scenes. However, as the decade progressed, bands started playing in more dilapidated venues like Blackie’s, which was on LaBrea near Melrose, and the Anti-Club, which opened up on Melrose. These venues, while cheap and popular among the hardcore community, became notorious for their chaotic atmosphere and frequent police raids. Cheap beer and a DIY spirit made them attractive to many fans, but the venue's rough and tumble nature meant that safety for the performers and audience was often a concern.
Cultural Impact and Social Implications
The hardcore scene of the 1980s in Los Angeles was not without controversy. The more aggressive and extreme behavior often attracted new audiences and the attention of certain local gangs. The shows often became breeding grounds for violence, and fans faced intense scrutiny and backlash from the police. This clash between the anarchic spirit of the hardcore scene and the authorities reflects the broader societal tensions of the time, particularly during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Articles and books on the subject, such as Representations of Violence in 80's American Hardcore, Our Band Could Be Your Life, and How L.A. Punks of the 80s and 90s Kept Neo-Nazis Out of Their Scene, provide valuable insights into the cultural and political context of the period. The scene's resistance to conformity and its celebration of individuality and nonconformity made it a beacon for many on the fringes of society. However, it also attracted the ire of authorities and the animosity of certain youth groups, leading to a complex and often violent dynamic.
Conclusion: A Decade of Musical and Cultural Evolution
The 1980s punk and hardcore scene in Los Angeles was a fascinating period of musical and cultural evolution. From the eclectic and artistic 70s punk to the aggressive and suburban hardcore of the early 80s, the scene experienced a significant transformation. Notable bands like Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, and The Descendents were at the forefront of this change, and venues like The Whiskey and Blackie’s played crucial roles in hosting and shaping the scene.
The DIY ethos and the vibrant DIY community that developed in the 1980s remain a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transform communities. Despite its challenges and controversies, the hardcore scene of the 1980s in Los Angeles left a lasting legacy that influenced not only the music but also the broader cultural landscape of the time.