Punk exhibition in O.C. highlights influential music scene
In the early 1980s, Fullerton was at the epicenter of the punk rock scene in Orange County, with a TSOL show at Fullerton College symbolizing the peak of the punk movement. As the band performed to a packed venue, chaos ensued as eager fans flooded in through the back doors in an enthusiastic frenzy to witness the most iconic band in Orange County’s punk history.
Describing the chaotic scene, TSOL’s vocalist, Jack Grisham, likened it to the rush seen on a Black Friday morning at Costco, but instead of rushing for TVs and Xboxes, the crowd was clamoring to experience the raw energy of punk rock. This anecdote encapsulates the fervor and passion that characterized the punk scene in Fullerton during that era.
The spirit of Fullerton’s punk rock history is being commemorated as part of a broader celebration of Orange County punk at the Fullerton Museum Center through an exhibit titled “Punk OC: From the Streets of Suburbia.” The exhibit commences with an opening event on Saturday, featuring live performances by D.I. and TSOL, with Joe Escalante from the Vandals serving as the DJ and comedian Chris Estrada as the host. Curated by Georgette Collard and Jim Washburn, the exhibit will run until Aug. 10.
Reflecting on the origins of the exhibit, Collard highlighted the existing enthusiasm for punk in Fullerton, crediting key figures in the city, including the mayor at the time, who were passionate about showcasing the rich punk heritage of Fullerton. Board members with ties to the punk scene were eager to support and commemorate the legacy of punk in the city, leading to the creation of the exhibit.
The exhibit delves into Orange County’s punk history, tracing back to the late 1970s with bands like Eddie and the Subtitles, Social Distortion, Agent Orange, D.I., and Adolescents emerging from Fullerton. It progresses through the decades, shining a spotlight on bands that emerged from various cities within the county. Notable acts such as TSOL, the Crowd, the Vandals, and the Offspring will be prominently featured, alongside a collection of rare artifacts, artwork, flyers, photographs, and personal memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the raw and rebellious world of punk.
The exhibit serves as a testimony to the enduring impact and influence of Orange County’s punk scene, highlighting the innovative spirit, artistic expression, and DIY ethos that characterized the movement. As visitors explore the artifacts and stories on display, they will be transported back to a time when Fullerton was a hotbed of creativity and rebellion, fostering a vibrant and eclectic punk culture that left an indelible mark on the music landscape.