It may be 2024, but the punks were out in full force to catch three of the most celebrated bands of the genre. With a lineup that would’ve been right at home on a flyer stapled to an LA area telephone pole in the early 1980s, Houston’s House of Blues was bursting at the seams with eager fans.
With punk having an unexpected (but very much welcomed) renaissance, the crowd was a mix of old-heads and newbies, all looking for that classic punk show experience. Though House of Blues is not conducive to circle pits, the fans made it work, with a few crowdsurfers even managing to get to the rail.
Opening up the show with a short-set from the Adolescents. Formed in Orange County in 1979 by members of other notable bands in the hardcore scene, Adolescents played through a 12-song set with songs off of eight different albums, including the classic “Amoeba”.
Shortly before 8:30, co-headliner Circle Jerks took the stage. After a few words to the crowd by singer Keith Morris, the band burst into their near-30-song set with immediate energy. Playing through songs including “Wild in the Streets,” “Question Authority,” and “World Up My Ass,” Circle Jerks tore through their set with intensity, interrupted by brief discussions with the fans. Several times throughout the set, Morris encouraged the crowd to keep the pit moving, and fans were all too eager to comply.
The second headliner of the night, Descendents, took the stage just after 9:40. Fans crowded the rail holding all manner of merchandise, from records and tapes to shirts and CDs. Known for their more melodic take on the punk sound, Descendents ripped through the longest set of the night with an impressive 31-song setlist, including classics “Hope,” “Suburban Home,” “’Merican,” and “Good Good Things.”
The crowd took in every second, chanting along with the lyrics while keeping the pit moving throughout the show. It was encouraging to see the number of younger fans in attendance, cementing the resurgence of the punk genre.
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
