who are these guys?
The Rubber City Rebels are coming to Tampa in a few weeks. For a rockin’ good time – and I assure you it will be FUN – go get tickets now - ($7!) for the June 9 show at Skipper’s.
Since I announced the partnership with Downtown West Events, people have been asking me about the Rubber City Rebels. So here’s a quick synopsis for ya…
The Rubber City Rebels began as a heavy metal group called “King Cobra.” Within a couple years, they were leaning toward more of a punk style. Members of the band started using pseudonyms such as Buzz Click, and Rod Bent (Firestone), and in 1976 changed the band name to reflect their hometown of Akron.
Shortly thereafter, the Rebels took over a bar there, named it The Crypt, and started booking bands with a similar punk sound and attitude. Bands such as Devo, the Dead Boys, and Chrissy Hynde played in and around there before making a splash in LA. Akron quickly became the Mid-American home for punk rock.
Moving to LA, the Rubber City Rebels became one of the hottest bands on the Sunset Strip, headlining the Whiskey with their buddies The Knack, Fear, The Dickies and The Plimsouls. They became known as a fun-loving band with clever lyrics and driving beats. Check a review from LA Weekly writer Nina Fiore (1979):
“The Rebels’ original compositions are a raunchy glorification of straight-ahead garage-band combined with lyrics lavishly dosed with caustic wit. They are sneering, arrogant, slightly stupid — and the funniest act I’ve seen in quite a while.”
Since 2002, the Rubber City Rebels have got back together, recorded some new music, and returned to touring. Smog Veil Records released “Pierce My Brain“ to critical success. Recent stints throughout Europe, Japan, and the USA have been successful, and the band found they are attracting hordes of new fans. RCR tunes have also been featured in a national commercial and the soundtrack to “Tony Hawk’s Underground.”
As I mentioned above, the Rubber City Rebels are coming to Tampa in just a few short weeks. Save yourself a couple bucks - not to mention the embarrassment of missing a great time - and get your tickets now.
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May 19th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
You are way too cool, Tommy. For real.
May 19th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
I don’t know if I will fit in. My hair isn’t long enough to spike anymore but I’ll get the elmers glue and try.
May 20th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Coincidentally the game Tony Hawk’s Underground features a level in Tampa. It’s a rather truncated version of the city where the 2001 seems to be right off Ashley Drive. You do get a downright perfect recreation of the corner of Ashley and Kennedy, complete with drawbridge, exploding chicken and UT in the background.
June 2nd, 2006 at 2:13 pm
[…] With the Rubber City Rebels and the Hat Trick Heroes, the third band in the fantastic lineup next Friday go by the name of Rappongi’s Ace. Alex Spoto and Max Norton are the duo behind the name. […]
June 2nd, 2006 at 2:14 pm
[…] So we got this big show coming up next weekend. I’ve already told you about the Rubber City Rebels, and today, I want to draw your attention to the two local bands in the lineup. […]
June 9th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
[…] You’ve read my attempt at describing the Rubber City Rebels for tonight’s show at Skipper’s Smokehouse.  But if you want another look at the punks from real professionals, the show has been previewed by Scott Harrell at the Weekly Planet and Curtiss Ross of the Tampa Tribune. […]