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

As a seasoned music enthusiast who has been following the evolution of rock and punk scenes for decades, I can attest to the undeniable impact that X has had on both the local Los Angeles scene and the broader music industry as a whole. Having grown up in the era when X was making waves, I have always held them in high regard, not just for their raw talent and unique sound, but also for their unwavering authenticity and refusal to compromise their artistic vision.

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.

Unlike regular local concerts following an album release, this show for their final album “Smoke & Fiction” has an added sense of importance. The tour stretches into 2025 with no definite conclusion, but tonight, it’s a typical performance. New tunes such as the title track and “Flipside” are powerful, while timeless hits like “Water & Wine” and “Come Back to Me” still resonate strongly.

After Zoom and Bonebrake exit the stage, Doe and Cervenka prepare for their performance by checking the sound levels for a cover of “4th of July” by The Blasters. As they exchange vocals, their bond on stage remains palpable.

“Doe acknowledges that we’re both headed to new places, but since we’re in sync, it feels like we have a shared understanding. I truly believe that Exene is an exceptional writer.”

“A few days after, at the band’s rehearsal place in Orange, Cervenka casually remarks, ‘We’re really just a group of people making music.’ People seem to put so much weight into bands, but it’s all simply musicians coming together. Nothing grandiose about it.'”

Based on which team member you talk to, you’ll get varying answers regarding the reason and timing behind X deciding to retire. Nonetheless, in essence, it was a collective decision where everyone involved acknowledged that the moment was ripe for retirement. “It truly is our final album,” Bonebrake emphasizes backstage at Alex’s Bar. “At times, you simply need to acknowledge, ‘This is the end.’ Yet, we wanted one last celebration.”

Instead of “Alphabetland,” released in 2020, marking the band’s first album in 27 years since Zoom joined in 1985, and having been recorded a year before and completed just prior to the pandemic, the subsequent album “Smoke & Fiction” was put together swiftly. Doe started composing in November 2022, and as the songs took shape, X tried them out during last year’s tour. According to Cervenka, “Alphabetland” and “Smoke & Fiction” are thematically connected albums.

As a cinephile, I’d recount it like this: By the time we stepped into Sunset Sound in January, we had a clear vision for our album. Working alongside producer Rob Schnapf there, X and I decided to keep things raw and edgy, recording the fundamental tracks within three days. We funded the sessions ourselves, embracing the DIY punk rock spirit.

“Writing songs is like planning a military campaign for Doe, figuring out how each piece fits together to create a cohesive whole.”

For a couple of years now, we’ve been discussing this topic, asserts Bonebrake. We entered the situation well-prepared, and once we did, things turned out to be relatively straightforward for us.

“At that point, I assumed we likely wouldn’t create another album due to lack of inspiration,” Cervenka reminisces. “Thus, let’s focus on making this one exceptional instead.”

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1. “The heart of the album is the song ‘Big Black X.’ Throughout this track, Zoom’s gritty guitar riffs dominate as Cervenka draws inspiration from different phases in X’s career. The song title mirrors the image of the band’s name illuminated on a white signboard. Lyrics such as “Cherokee alley/something about a basement” are nods to the defunct Masque, a venue from the past. ‘Big Black X’ doesn’t dwell on nostalgia but instead reflects on past events.”

“If I could sum up our career in a song, I would say there it is,” Doe says of “Big Black X.”

As a cinephile of music, I can’t help but find it amusing when I listen to this song. It reminds me of tunes like “In This House That I Call Home” and “The Unheard Music.” Back in the day, our band was all about freedom and wildness, something that today’s youth might not experience as much.

The band explains that while their new album contains numerous allusions to punk’s past, its essence strives to move beyond simple nostalgia.

“Doe remarked, ‘I can see now that this works well as a closing verse.’ However, we might occasionally record one or two more songs, but who knows?”

When I arrived here in 1976, there were plenty of vestiges of the authentic Hollywood left. I cherish those memories and strive to preserve them. It’s not just about longing for the past; it’s about acknowledging and valuing its significance.

Cervenka points out that the album is filled with themes of love and its loss, as well as an examination of location and timing.

As a movie critic, I’d say that “Smoke & Fiction,” which runs under 30 minutes long, reminds me of a late-era X album in terms of its style and substance. The film blends heavy punk with hints of roots rock, offers thought-provoking lyrics, and delivers powerful riffs that resonate deeply. According to Doe in the production, they believe in staying true to their identity rather than attempting to revolutionize things.

1. According to X’s band members, even with their demanding touring schedule extending into 2025, they are considering stepping away from live performances. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of playing special shows in large theaters and a limited number of dates. As for catching them at an intimate club setting, fans might want to do it sooner rather than later, since Doe suggests that opportunity may not last long.

A few days after at their rehearsal place in Orange County, Cervenka and Zoom expressed satisfaction with the band’s progress over the past several years. Zoom, being the oldest member at 76, felt it was time to ease back, while Cervenka mentioned that the long van rides between shows had become a strain. Since 1998, X has performed in more than 1,800 shows and over 4,000 in total. This is significantly more than the Ramones, who played approximately 2,600 shows throughout their career.

As a film enthusiast, I can relate when Zoom expresses that every show is a challenging endeavor for him. It’s not just about the labor involved, but also the nerve-wracking experience of performing in front of an audience. The anticipation leading up to it can be overwhelming. Yet, I appreciate the joy and fulfillment I get from it, and consider myself fortunate to have this job. When people ask me which song I enjoy playing live the most, I always find myself saying the last one, as each performance brings its unique thrills and surprises.

“Cevernka notes, ‘The end could come at any moment, but look at us: releasing two albums in the last six years is quite an achievement. I’m proud of that. However, what’s a tour? We’ve been performing for 45 years and we’ll keep going as long as audiences want to watch us. Or until someone decides it’s too challenging anymore. I can’t predict when that might be – it could be next week or next year. It serves as a reminder that this isn’t eternal.””

remarkably, when X decides to disband, a significant chunk of Los Angeles’ punk rock legacy will vanish with them. Formed in 1977 by Doe (who later recruited Cervenka) and Zoom, X was the flag-bearer for the punk movement. They ruled over clubs that no longer exist, such as the Starwood, Madame Wong’s, and Hong Kong Café, and their 1980 debut album, “Los Angeles,” is widely regarded as a punk masterpiece.

X represents the final surviving link to the early ’60s rock scene in L.A., maintaining an authentic connection to the Doors through their collaborator Ray Manzarek, who produced their initial four albums. Manzarek’s production input kept X faithful to their unique style and shielded them from recording trends that could have dated their sound.

Despite denying it, X’s reign as the kingpins of L.A.’s rock scene significantly impacted numerous bands that followed them. Specifically, X’s poetic lyrics penned by Cervenka, their harmonious vocals, and their innovative fusion of rockabilly into their music revitalized American roots music, which was later echoed by the Blasters and eventually Social Distortion, reinstating these genres to popularity.

“Doe expresses that we likely influenced others through our actions or unique personas. He adds that Billy, DJ, and Exene possess an extensive repertoire of American music.”

Raised on a consistent diet of roots music from an early age, Zoom effortlessly incorporated that genre into the band’s sound – having played with legendary early rock artists such as Gene Vincent (Doe notes that the intro “Sweet Til the Bitter End” reflects some of Bo Diddley’s distinctive guitar techniques). Despite this being their ninth album, the group remains committed to delivering what their fans love.

“Cervenka shares, ‘My goal is to bring joy to others. I derive satisfaction simply from presenting someone with an X record as a gift.’ If their reaction is positive, so am I.”

1. After performing at Alex’s Bar, X continued in well-known grounds with a fully booked show at The Troubadour. There, prior to the final act, they were bestowed an announcement by Dwight Yoakam on behalf of West Hollywood, declaring that day as “X Day.” This recognition didn’t go unnoticed by the group members as they graciously accepted the accolade.

For about 85% of its existence spanning over four decades, I’ve been part of a band where the original four members remained. Few bands can claim such longevity, despite our album releases being infrequent for almost three decades. We’ve stayed faithful to our unique sound and adapted rather than standing still, unlike many of our L.A. punk contemporaries who couldn’t and didn’t manage this feat.

Reflecting on the past, Cervenka expresses that he believed we were poised to revolutionize society with the burgeoning punk movement. He thought all those bands would achieve tremendous success, tour extensively, and even make it onto the radio. It was going to be an incredible era of punk rock, much like the golden age of rock in the 50s and 60s.

Having a significant impact on the music scene in L.A. and beyond, shaping the sound of numerous bands, can serve as a worthy compensation.

1. “Doe argues that being genuine means recognizing reality, not distorting it with a rosy tint. While it’s tempting to reminisce with nostalgia, it’s dishonest. Yes, things were tough, but we’re still enjoying some of the benefits.”

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2024-07-30 13:32