If you grew up in the ‘80s – especially in SoCal – there is no way you have never heard of Oingo Boingo. I fell in love with the first self-titled, 10-inch EP in 1980 – all very Devo-esque, with the analog synth, tight, turned-up guitar – as people were leaving punk and moving into new wave.
For many Boingo fans, the music is part of their personal soundtrack, especially those who have been following them since the beginning. I finally had a chance to catch Oingo Boingo Former Members in March at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Seeing this new wave ska, skippy, trippy, sometimes spooky, art rock mash-up was definitely worth it, especially with a packed house on Friday the 13th.
To get the night started was America’s first ska band, The Untouchables! Given Orange County is the epicenter of Third-Wave ska-punk, this band is not only a fan favorite, but there were hardcore skankers throughout the venue.
For most fans, the passing of lead singer Jerry Miller is always on everyone’s mind, luckily for all of us, founding member Chuck Askerneese has taken the reigns of primary vocals and he does Jerry and the band’s legacy justice.
As the Emcee brought out the band, they were treated with a little new and classic Ut’s. Opening with “Whiplash,” Askerneese segued into “Be Alright,” hen fan favorite “I Spy (For the F.B.I.).”…