Brooklyn’s House of Vans (QRO venue review) is an open-air warehouse that sometimes serves as a skate park, sponsored by a skate show, holding free shows with free beer. It is completely understandable that it often leans towards the punk rock. It was opened in 2011 by Cro-Mags and Fucked Up (QRO live review). Yet over the years, Vans has brought a wide variety of acts, from hip-hop Rae Sremmurd (QRO live review) to alt-country Band of Horses (QRO live review) to post-rock Battles (QRO live review). Yet the House became 100% punk again on Saturday, July 14th, with Suicidal Tendencies, Killing Time, and CHUD.
First things first, yes, it was another hot night at House of Vans. It has been a hot summer in New York (and all over), and even the more low-key shows have been scorchers. And yes, the punks were out for the evening, including tons of jean jackets with cut off sleeves, and even bullet casings belts. These were older punks, but also not the suburban ones, instead much more working class, and not lily-white, two issues that often dog the punk scene. Though those old school punks weren’t too punk to hit up the air-conditioned VIP, or repeatedly try to use the always-locked bathrooms there (as opposed to the port-a-potties outside…).
First opening was CHUD, because the first opener for Suicidal Tendencies would be a band named “CHUD,” and indeed, they sounded like you would expect from a band named “CHUD.” Main opener was the veteran hardcore of Killing Time, with stage crashers and a fan singing with the singer while balanced on the photo barrier. There was even a song about before Times Square was Disneyfied, pointing to the band’s age (but as a fan pointed out, we don’t need those peep shows & adult films now – we have the internet…). It was even the singer’s daughter’s first hardcore show.
And it was just what you were looking for from a free Suicidal Tendencies show (with free beer). Seemingly all members of the band were running around the stage from the get-go. Of course there was a full-scale mosh pit. Of course there was someone trying to get high (and coughing a lot) outside. Of course they played classic “Institutionalized”. Of course the people who only knew that song of theirs missed it (so they don’t get a Pepsi…).
Coming off the much more artsy and sedate Slowdive at House of Vans (QRO live review), the venue was still a full-on punk show – maybe not so enjoying it was the hard-working staff, from security handling the stage divers to clean up staff who work harder than anyone. Next up is another classic act, Blondie, with Liz Phair, on July 20th.
July 20 – Blondie, Liz Phair
August 3 – Against Me!
August 10 – Pennywise
August 18 – Deerhunter
August 24 – Interpol
