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SXSW is for Photographers…. Part 2 of 6

March 23, 2008

Exene Cervenka, X

The SPIN party at SXSW was an extreme example of how major media can sway trends. It seemed like an exercise in relevancy, that left everyone scratching their heads. The two headliners being, “prep-rock” fresh faced Vampire Weekend, followed by the seasoned and seminal punk outfit, X. On an average, most X fans would be quick to punch VW fans in face, am I wrong? Let’s take the 1,800-capacity Stubb’s backyard and find out! Vampire Weekend (SPIN cover boys) were able to fill out the venue, and keep everyone’s attention. I found them a little green on stage, and sadly, I found none of their songs memorable. Hey, it’s just one woman’s opinion though, I bet they’re huge in Hoboken. By contrast, X from Los Angeles was the single act that made my trip to Austin worth it. The original members are on their 31st anniversary tour, and were well received both at Stubb’s and at Emo’s on Saturday night. I loved talking to all the rock and roll veterans who had stories about Exene and John Doe from their punk heyday. Perry Ferrel introduced them and hit the nail on the head, “New York had The Ramones, and LA had X.”

Exene, DJ and John Doe, X

Billy Zoom, X

Jens Carstensen, in the crowd for X

This is funny, I almost busted it down some stairs, and realized I was backstage at the X show on Saturday night. ha! A few seconds before the encore at Emo’s.