Subhumans Rock Garden Amp: The Best Outdoor Music Venue In Orange County
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans - Photo ©dickslaughter.com
Terms like “legendary” and “classic” have been used so much that they are starting to lose their meaning, but the truth is that very few punk rock bands are as widely revered and deeply beloved as the U.K.’s Subhumans. Regardless of whatever trends have come and gone, the Subhumans have always been cool, and you’d be hard pressed to find any self-described “punk” who’d disagree with that. This is because they are, to put it simply, the real deal. After more than four decades, the band’s politics, live performances, and affordable ticket prices are unwavering, in spite of the ever-increasing cost of coming to the United States.
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans - Photo ©dickslaughter.com
Towards the end of their most recent U.S. tour, the Subhumans performed at the Garden Amp in Garden Grove, California. For decades, the open-air amphitheater was used to host the city’s annual Strawberry Festival and occasional Shakespeare productions, but since being transformed into a music venue back in 2017, the space has hosted music festivals, punk rock shows, and more.
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans - Photo ©dickslaughter.com
It’s a shame that Southern California doesn’t have more outdoor venues to pair with its famous weather. Going to a show at the Garden Amp is a unique cross between a “concert under the stars” and an intimate club experience. The tiered amphitheatre seating allows punk rock veterans and families to watch the show comfortably, but the pit can get just as frenzied as at any standing-only gig. The venue also serves hot food, which is a major bonus for anyone hoping to soak up some alcohol or avoid a late-night stop at the drive-thru.
Toys that Kill - Photo © Cory Courtney
Toys That Kill kicked off the night with a high-energy set of songs that were as catchy as they were aggressive. Up next was Fea, the San Antonio-based Chicana punk rock band that supported Subhumans on the full length of their tour. Their sound is reminiscent of old school anarcho-peace punk with a healthy dose of danceable rhythms and braided melodies.
FEA - Photo © Cory Courtney
From the moment the Subhumans took the stage until their last note, a barrage of stage divers rained onto the pit. Neither band members nor venue security interfered with the fun, which was a refreshing contrast to the recent actions of some other “longtime rockstars.” Even though they’ve taken a few hiatuses, the Subhumans have had the same lineup for over 40 years. It’s obvious that they could play an entire set in their sleep, but they haven’t lost an ounce of ferocity. In fact, at some points during his between-song banter, frontman Dick Lucas seems more pissed off than ever.
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans - Photo ©dickslaughter.com
Aging punks will be happy to know that, since it’s smack dab in the middle of a pleasant suburban community, the Garden Amp has a hard 10 p.m. curfew. This means that most attendees can be in bed long before midnight, but also that shows generally start a few hours earlier than they do at other venues. So consider yourself warned: no punk time!
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans - Photo ©dickslaughter.com
Subhumans will be playing The Liberty Belle - Rocks Off Concert Cruise in New York City on May 17th with War On Women and In Spite magazine alumni Ratas En Zelo.
SUBHUMANS TOUR DATES
May 30, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Fri 7:30 PM · Bannerman's Bar
Jun 3, Birmingham, United Kingdom Tue 7:00 PM · The Dark Horse
Jun 5, Dublin, Ireland Thu 7:30 PM · The Grand Social
Jun 6, Guildford, United Kingdom Fri 7:00 PM · Holroyd Arms
AUGUST 7 to 10, Blackpool, United Kingdom REBELLION FESTIVALS, WINTER GARDENS
Jan 9, Southampton, United Kingdom Fri 7:00 PM 2026 · The 1865
Jan 17, Leeds, United Kingdom Sat 5:00 PM, 2026 · Brudenell Social Club
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