The Bonstones: East Bay Bred, Punk Rock Fed

Calling The Bonstones simply a "pop punk band from the East Bay" is a gross understatement. It's like describing nachos as "chips with stuff." Born and raised in Alameda, a town so East Bay it practically defines the term, these veteran rockers are steeped in the region's vibrant musical legacy.

Robby, Marky, and Joey Bonstone aren't musical newbies. Each boasts a resume longer than a CVS receipt, but their past achievements pale in comparison to their ambitious future. The Bonstones craft infectious, melodic noise that burrows into your brain like a catchy earworm, equally inspired by classic punk pioneers like The Ramones, The Pretenders, Buzzcocks, and The Clash, mid-90s heroes The Queers, Screaching Weasel, Chixdiggit, and The Lillingtons, and modern pop-punkers like Jagger Holly, The Prozacs, Dee Cracks, and Sweatpants Party.

With roots firmly planted in the Lookout Records scene, The Bonstones are a collective force, writing and creating as a tight-knit unit. Their self-produced debut album, "East Bay Elegy," has been captivating listeners on streaming platforms since 2023 and saw physical release in 2024 on Sell The Heart Records and Monster Zero Records.

Known for their high-energy, crowd-pleasing live shows, The Bonstones regularly rock the San Francisco Bay Area. They've also taken their infectious sound on the road across the US and even toured Europe, spreading their infectious East Bay spirit across the globe.

The Linda Lindas: A Punk Rock Powerhouse Emerges

The Linda Lindas, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, are an all-female punk rock band making waves with their energetic performances and sharp lyrics. The quartet is comprised of Bela Salazar (guitar), Eloise Wong (bass), and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza (drums and vocals, respectively).

Their story began in 2018, inspired by the Japanese film "Linda Linda Linda," a fitting name for a group known for their playful spirit and unapologetic energy. After a chance encounter with director Amy Poehler, they were tapped to record the soundtrack for her film "Moxie," catapulting them into the spotlight.

The year 2021 saw the release of their viral single "Racist, Sexist Boy," a powerful anthem that garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim. This success led to a signing with Epitaph Records, one of the most respected independent labels in the world.

In 2022, the band released their debut album, "Growing Up," to rave reviews. The album showcases their raw talent and maturity, blending elements of punk, pop, and alternative rock. The Linda Lindas are not just a band – they're a movement, proving that punk rock is alive and thriving, with a fresh, feminist perspective at its core.

A Band Formed From a Shared Passion

The band's formation is a testament to the power of shared passion and community. It all started with Eloise Wong, whose father, Martin Wong, was approached to have her perform with a group of aspiring young musicians. Martin suggested his nieces, Lucia and Mila de la Garza, who had been singing and dancing together since childhood.

The group, spearheaded by Kristin Kontrol, started practicing, but it was clear they needed someone who could play an instrument. Eloise's parents reached out to their family friend Bela Salazar, who was learning guitar, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Linda Lindas, a group of friends bonded by music, were officially formed.

The band's journey is a testament to the power of community, shared passion, and a whole lot of talent. With their infectious energy and powerful message, The Linda Lindas are a force to be reckoned with, inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners alike.

The Undertones, Derry, Northern Irelands most successful band, exploded onto the scene in 1974. For their formative years (1975-1983), the classic lineup featured Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John ONeill (rhythm guitar, vocals), Damian O`Neill (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Bradley (bass, vocals), and Billy Doherty (drums). Their early sound was a potent blend of punk and new wave, evolving after 1979 to incorporate elements of rock, glam rock, and post-punk. By their final album, soul and Motown had become a significant influence. Between 1978 and 1983, the band released thirteen singles and four studio albums, a prolific output that ended abruptly in May 1983 when Sharkey departed, citing musical differences.

Despite the turbulent backdrop of the Troubles, the Undertones largely steered clear of overtly political themes, focusing instead on the universal experiences of adolescence, teenage angst, and heartbreak. As AllMusic noted, the ONeill brothers "infectious guitar hooks," combined with Sharkey`s distinctive vocal style, created a unique sound drawing from 1960s garage rock and 70s glam.

The band reformed in 1999 with Paul McLoone replacing Sharkey on vocals, cementing their legacy as not only Derrys most successful export, but also one of Northern Irelands most enduring musical achievements.

Formation and Early Gigs:

The Undertones, formed in 1974, were five friends from Creggan and the Bogside. Initially inspired by acts like the Beatles, Small Faces, and Lindisfarne, their formation was partly fueled by a shared love of music and the closure of many Derry venues during the Troubles, limiting late-night entertainment options. Early rehearsals involved covering songs in the ONeill brothers (John and Vincent) home and a neighbor`s shed.

Hailing from Orem, Utah, The Used exploded onto the rock scene in 2000. The original lineup – vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford – quickly gained traction, catapulting to fame with their self-titled debut album in June 2002. This explosive release was followed by a string of critically acclaimed albums: In Love and Death (September 2004), Lies for the Liars (May 2007), and the B-sides compilation Shallow Believer EP (February 2008). Their powerful sound continued to evolve with Artwork (August 2009) and Vulnerable (March 2012), showcasing their dynamic range. The band further solidified their legacy with the The Ocean of the Sky EP (July 2013) and their sixth studio album, Imaginary Enemy (April 2014). While the current lineup boasts a consistent core, former members Quinn Allman, Branden Steineckert, and Justin Shekoski also contributed to The Used's rich history.