Punk Turns 30

Dianne Chai of the Alley Cats If you were nightclubbing in Hollywood on this very day, 30 years ago, you would have stumbled upon the 2-night headlining stand by the Alley Cats at the Masque with support both nights from F Word and the Wildcats on another night. The Wildcats backstage Rik L Rik of F Word and Darby Crash These days, you can in fact, see the Alley Cats again, as they have a DVD/CD set out that is a must for every punk rock record collector and fan. Time Coast Music is the place... Just a last minute word: I am printing extra prints for my show at the Star Bar later this week.... Punk Rock photo collectors of the ATL... this is you last chance to pre-order and pre-buy some of the shots that everyone has wanted on the tour so far.

The Wildcats were fronted by one Gerard Taylor, (top right of the photos) who was also in a punk band before the Wildcats called The Brothel Creepers. I saw the Wildcats a few times, but don't remember a whole lot about them. In the beginning, there was a big buzz about them as young Gerard's dad was the famous Derek Taylor, who was the PR man for the Beatles, Byrds, Mamas & Papas, and others. Gerard also shares another bit of classic rock pedigree with Pink Floyd, of all bands.... both he and Floyd drummer, Nick Mason attended the same boarding school - Frensham Heights, in Surrey. They're both listed as "famous former pupils." Ah, the British Middle Class! I've asked quite a few pals from back in the day if they remember the Wildcats, Gerard or anything else about them...and unfortunately, no one I've asked can tell me anything I didn't already know. This photo was taken backstage when the Wildcats opened for the Dickies at the Whisk...