X marks the end: L.A. punk band winds down after nearly 50 years together

Before a crowd of eager Alex’s Bar employees scrambling to get ready for a packed summer night show in Long Beach last month, X band members were hard at work warming up during soundcheck for their first local gigs to begin promoting their upcoming album, which they’ve announced will be their last. John Doe held his bass and handled vocals, while Exene Cervenka, their long-term collaborator, prepared her vocals as well by testing the microphone. Billy Zoom switched between playing his guitar and saxophone, and D.J. Bonebrake kept the rhythm going with the drums.