Lynval Golding and a Ska Lineup for the Ages at Punk Rock Bowling
Aptly named, The Specials were one of a handful of bands who defined my youth. I remember listening to their self-titled debut over and over again from the time I was in elementary school. I grew up with Terry, Lynval, Neville, Jerry, Rico, Roddy, and Horace as constant companions on my radio. I was sitting in a beautiful courtyard in a hotel in Puerto Rico in December 2022 when I read the news that Terry Hall had passed. I cried into my breakfast and couldn’t bring myself to speak long enough to tell my husband what was wrong. Punk Rock Bowling 2019 was the last time I had the privilege of seeing the band, and I’m so thankful for that opportunity.
Lynval Golding singing to his fans at the Citrus Grand Pool Deck for the Punk Rock Bowling after show. photo by kim moenich
It was in October of 2023 that I had my first video go viral, and it was all thanks to Terry Hall. An LA-based charity, Musack Rocks, was hosting its annual fundraiser, and it was going to be a tribute to Terry, with an all-star cast promised. It was here that Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels reunited (having done so the year before with Terry accompanying them) and sang “Take Warning”. Within hours my video had been picked up by numerous outlets, and by morning I’d have over 10 million views. But, for me, the best part of that night was seeing Lynval and Horace back together onstage one more time.
Jesse Michaels and Tim Armstrong at the Musack Rocks tribute to Terry Hall in October 2023. photo by kim moenich
So when Punk Rock Bowling announced a special after-show this year starring Lynval Golding, being backed by ska legends The Aggrolites, it was a no-brainer for me. That the accompanying acts were going to be my faves, The Kilograms, along with ska legends The Toasters and Mephiskapheles, plus the awesome The Calamatix, made it a reason to fly to Vegas in and of itself!
The Kilograms opened the show, and I honestly wish they could have played for another hour. It had already been a long day, but the Citrus Grand Pool Deck was packed, and everyone was skanking along to their killer set. They played songs off their new album, Beliefs and Thieves, as well as some of their older songs, and the crowd ate it up. Make sure you catch them in September on their tour with Mustard Plug or at Fest in October (where you know I’ll be!). And BUY Beliefs and Thieves—you’ll thank me for the recommendation, I promise!
Next up were The Calamatix. I’d had the privilege to see them a couple of times before this, but it was always at bigger festivals where they were up on a huge stage. Getting to be in such an intimate setting gave a much deeper feel to their music, and I have to say I really got a new appreciation for this band. They are a bit out of my norm, but the soulful swayings of --- accompanied by the incredible musicianship of the band really get you moving. Definitely check them out if they come your way.
So many of my favorite bands of all time hail from NYC, and Mephiskapheles is no exception. Going at it since 1990, they bring a blend of NYC hardcore and ska that no other band has ever been able to replicate. I remember the first time I heard their classic song “Doomsday” on my local college radio station, and I was instantly hooked. I’m happy to report that they’ve maintained their aggressive stage presence, and their musicianship has only improved 35 years in. Andre was killing it, singing “Bumble Bee Tuna” with the crowd and jumping into the pit for a little recreational activity...
I still have fliers from The Toasters shows I was fortunate enough to attend in the 90’s. They played my small hometown in North Carolina more than once, but I saw them quite a few times at the Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill from high school through my first year in college. They are one of the most nostalgic bands for me, so I was incredibly excited to see them on the pool deck, and they did not disappoint. Belting out hits like “2-Tone Army,” “Pirate Radio,” and, my favorite, “Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down,” my boys kept it real like they have since 1981. I was also super stoked to see Tim Karn wearing a Punk Rock Bass Players shirt during the show!
Few bands can do it like The Aggrolites—a conglomeration of just insanely talented musicians, led by the remarkable Jesse Wagner. I’ve seen them numerous times over the last few years, including at the Musack Rocks tribute to Terry Hall and at the benefit concert for Greg Lee from Hepcat. They reprised their role as Lynval’s backing band for this show, and it was nothing short of perfection. You could tell Lynval felt right at home with The Aggrolites playing his classic songs. The smile on his face said it all. The most “special” moment of the night came when Lynval sang a song he and Horace, and a few other original band members, had written in honor of all those who we’ve lost in the ska community: Ranking Roger, John Bradbury, Rico, Gaps Hendrickson, Dave Jordan, and, of course, Terry Hall. “When a Light Goes Out” brought me to tears, and it was during the song that Lynval noticed my shirt with a drawing of Terry on it. He pointed to my shirt and mouthed “Terry” and we both teared up. After the set, I approached Lynval as he was talking to fans. He was just about to leave when I tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, saw my shirt again, and just hugged me. We both cried and he thanked me for bringing Terry to the show. I told him it was he who kept Terry alive and with us. I’m tearing up now, as I type this. The Specials were just that, special, and there will never be another band who will fill that hole in my heart.
