Teenage Head In Hamilton

Punk rock anniversary concerts are an unpredictable endeavor to say the least.

Around 9 p.m. Teenage Head left the stage following a brief but extensive sound check in preparation for their 27th anniversary bash.

The band's punk rock proteges, The Vapids, were set to open for the steeltown veterans, in a show that was supposed to celebrate Teenage Head's longevity, as well as their influence on current punk groups, like their opening act.

Unfortunately on this night, influence and longevity proved to be a downfall, as old school stage ideals clashed with new age equality. As The Vapids prepared to set up, an issue relating to stage set up just about put the suicidal bullet into the show. Within a half hour of Teenage Head completing their soundcheck, one band was off the bill. That band unfortunately happened to be The Vapids. A band that idolized and recently covered Teenage Head material, decided to walk.

After a lengthy debate with Teenage Head drummer Mark Lockarbie, as well as various sound engineers and crew members, the two bands could not co-ordinate a stage plan to accommodate both. Basically, The Vapids needed The Head's drum kit pushed back a bit, and Lockarbie decided to stick to his guns. Jimmy Vapid was visibly frustrated with the situation, as he appeared to be baffled by the un-willingness of those involved to allow his band reasonable space on stage. After packing his gear, he and his fellow Vapids left the building as Teenage Head guitarist Gord Lewis (producer of The Vapids Teenage Head album) stood close to the door unsure about what to think.

So as the special addition anniversary t-shirts bearing the names "Teenage Head and The Vapids" hung on the wall behind the merchandise table, the show had no choice but to go ahead. After quickly recruiting a new opening act, the show moved on and Teenage Head took the stage around 12:30 a.m. They started off their set with their most obvious and understandable hit "Let's Shake" to a crowd that truly respected the legend of Teenage Head. As the set moved along, the band smoked into other such memorable tunes like "Picture My Face" and "Lucy Potato."

Then it came time to get under the covers, as frontman Frankie Venom announced, "You'll recognize this fucking number" before rocking out to The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop." As the night moved into the encore portion of the show, Teenage Head came back with round two of "Let's Shake," then an awesome account of The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy In The U.K."

Despite the amazing show, this night was meant to be a celebration as well as a passing of the torch from Teenage Head to The Vapids. However, it turned out to be a night that could quite possibly shake the foundation of the Hamilton music scene. For those who live within it, a quick rock 'n' roll resolution is needed now more than ever.