If you have been to Coachella, the last FYF Fest, or to about any show in Southern California, you know about Goldenvoice Productions, the concert promoter / organizer. And it is going to celebrate its 30 years of business next month!
For the occasion, a series of concerts will be held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium from December 16th to 18th.
GV30, as it is simply called, is the giant organizer looking back at its own roots: punk hardcore, with a line-up focusing on the genre. Goldenvoice founder Gary Tovar effectively started organizing obscure shows with the likes of T.S.O.L., the Ramones, Public Image, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and local bands like Black Flag and the Circle Jerks at the early 80s.
‘I felt that this music should be heard’, Tovar declared to the LA Times. ‘I felt it should be given a platform. We carved our niche. We carved it in cement. This town will always be punk rock.’
And, proud of the result, he added:
‘I don’t believe how punk rock is everywhere now: in movies, on T-shirts — younger kids just love it, I’m so glad it’s so ingrained in the fabric of Southern California.’
In 2001, Goldenvoice was bought by AEG concerts West 2001, but Tovar remains a consultant to company President Paul Toilet, and is totally responsible for the line-up of this anniversary.
Here is the lineup for the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, but there will be other acts playing during the weekend at other venues:
Friday, Dec. 16: Social Distortion, X, Adolescents
Saturday, Dec. 17: Bad Religion, Youth Brigade, T.S.O.L.
Sunday, Dec. 18: Descendents, the Vandals, the Dickies