The Atomic Punks in MN

AT · 12.03.06, 02:19 AM

Y'all... were does this thread go? The Atomic Punks are a tribute to Van Halen of the PAST, but they are are playing in the PRESENT, but they are not related directly to VH so they are non-VH MUSIC. Huh? Move this thread if you must. Nonetheless, I gotta share what I saw tonight.

I guess I'm lucky. The Atomic Punks, the ultimate classic VH tribute band, based in L.A., have carved out a niche in Minnesota. They are regularly supported by a bar in a town called Andover, which for us Twin Cities folk is a fucking 45 minute hike up north. (We only drive up there to go fishing or see strippers, get it?)

Now it was my buddy's bachelor party tonight (second marriage, so it was just me and him--not as much of a big deal this time), and we had like four pitchers of beer each, so I'm still a little tipsy.

For those who have not yet seen the Atomic Punks, they SO live up to all the hype you have/should have heard. I once heard someone say they are in fact "better than Van Halen." Well how in the fuck could that be true? Here's how in the fuck that could be true: They play the songs true to the album versions; "David Lee" Ralph can actually sing and not once forgets "the fuckin' words"; You get to hear "On Fire," "House of Pain," Everybody Wants Some," "Where Have All the Good Times Gone," and all the other VH tunes you haven't heard in a long time--if ever. Ralph can do the two octave scream, too, which DLR hasn't been able to do since 1989.

Tonight I give a reigning endorsement for The Atomic Punks. Pure fun... See them if you can.

Anyone have an Atomic Punks story to share?

AT · 12.04.06, 08:33 PM

No one has an AP story to share? Man... I shot a blank with this one.

**Brett** · 12.04.06, 09:03 PM

What do you want to know dude, I've seen them probably 100 times over the last 12 years, and Tim and I ran their web site (Tim still does) for 5 years.

AT · 12.05.06, 01:31 AM

I got a little hopped up since it was my first time seeing them. They do indeed live up to their reputation. Also, I drank a lot of beer and was with one of my few friends who really loves VH. It was a good time.

I guess I was looking for anyone else (who might not be from LA) who could launch into a: "Oh yeah! They came to my town of __________. So-and-so was the guitar player then. I was with my buddies ______ and ________. ______ threw up in the back of my car that night, right after we made a late night run to Taco Bell."

Maybe I'll just keep going and make a few stories up...

**MOJODOJO** · 12.05.06, 03:42 PM

Yes, the Punks are great.

Did you happen to see their new Van Hagar tribute, 5150, the night before?

By the way, I started an "Official Van Halen Tribute Band" thread here...

http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=32615

AT · 12.05.06, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by MOJODOJO

Yes, the Punks are great.

Did you happen to see their new Van Hagar tribute, 5150, the night before?

By the way, I started an "Official Van Halen Tribute Band" thread here...

http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=32615

No, I didn't hear 5150 the night before, but they're probably going to do the same thing next time, so we'll see them then.