Mr. Firley

The Vibrators • Mr. Firley • The Generators 
• The Negatives
April 14, 2000 @ Club Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
By: Aimee Schwartz
Pics by: Scott Wulfestieg

Once again, Club Mesa had an amazing lineup. Featuring The Negatives, The Generators, Mr. Firley, and the famed Vibrators from the UK. With the advertisement saying the show starts at 9 p.m., who's to believe that, shows never start on time, but of course this one did, so unfortunately I missed the opening band The Negatives. Upon asking around though, the band was well received, and an appropriate addition to The Vibrators. The Negatives sound was compared to The New York Dolls, and The Business. A typical early 80's punk band. 

Next up were The Generators. This 5 piece band really got the place going. With heavy guitar leads, and great vocals they are a tight knit band. They have the sound that just makes you want to get up and move around. They gave off an East Coast feel, and the singer's style made me think of the Bouncing Souls. They have several CD's out, but if you can catch this band live I suggest doing it, their CD just doesn't do them justice. 

Before too long Mr. Firley took the stage. I've had the chance to catch these guys several times, and they never fail to impress. Since their style isn't like the rest on this venue, they weren't appreciated like they should have been, but these guys gave it their all. With one guitar player out on the road with his other band, they have been breaking in an additional guitar player who has picked up every song and made it a little bit his own. They played a full set with songs we all know and sing along too, plus some new ones. Mr. Firley has several other shows coming up in the near future. If you haven't seen this band, get your ass out there and check them out!!! 

Now it was time for the headliners of the night, The Vibrators. These guys have an extensive history and have been playing since 1976. For those of you that can't add, that's 24 years!!! 24 years of anything is a hell of a long time, 24 years to be playing punk, and to still be doing it well, and getting the respect they deserve is amazing. They have played with The Stranglers, and The Sex Pistols just to name a few. When The Vibrators took the stage, the floor was packed full of people. And as soon as they ripped into their first song everyone on the floor was singing along with them. The Vibrators have kept the old Ramones style of punk alive. Not a soul dispersed until they finished their last song, The Vibrators had a lot of respect from this crowd. It was great to see them out in California once again, we hope they come again soon.

Aimee Schwartz