Michael Hyatt / The Darkroom

April 21, 2015

THE DARKROOM HONORS LOS ANGELES PUNK ROCK THROUGH THE BAND “X”, WITH A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT AND CELEBRATION BEGINNING APRIL 16TH WHAT: In continuation of The Darkroom’s photographic retrospectives honoring influential bands and musicians, the Melrose bar will recognize the groundbreaking Los Angeles punk rock band X. The exhibit, debuting Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 7-10 p.m., features exclusive snapshots by prominent rock photographer Michael Hyatt, and highlights the band’s definitive significance in the city and music history. The print collection, documenting X, invites guests to revel in the Los Angeles-formed group’s legacy, which was among the first wave of ground-breaking punk artists who paved the way for rebellious American punk in the 1970’s. To coincide with the two-month exhibit, specialty themed cocktails and bites named after X songs and albums will be available paying homage to their music, including: White Girl with lemon-basil infused rum, crème de pêche, pineapple gomme, and coconut-infused sparkling water Big Black Sun with tequila, mint, passion fruit, orange, and a blueberry/mint syrup float Hungry Wolf Burger with white cheddar, bacon, and honey butter The Darkroom’s celebration of the Los Angeles punk scene continues throughout the weekend, culminating on Saturday, April 18th at 4:30 p.m. with a New Orleans-style memorial procession paying tribute to local punk icons of times past—Darby Cash of the Germs, Lux Interior of the Cramps, and Jeffrey Lee Pierce from Gun Club. Punk enthusiasts can join in honoring deceased rock stars on Saturday’s march through the Melrose neighborhood, beginning and ending at The Darkroom. Those who wear a black armband will receive one complimentary cocktail at the conclusion of the parade at The Darkroom, where they can peruse the art exhibit, sip libations, and mingle with other likeminded fans. WHEN: X Photography Exhibit Event Thursday April 16th, 2015 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Procession Saturday, April 18th, 2015 4:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. WHERE: The Darkroom 7302 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.931.3800 INFO: Facebook.com/TheDarkroomLA About The Darkroom West Hollywood's neighborhood watering hole, The Darkroom, imbues a cultural stamp reflective of music, photography, and general revelry. The Darkroom boasts a signature cocktail menu, wine, and a variety of ice-cold brews, along with a comprehensive food menu inviting guests to indulge in dinner and weekend brunch. Rounding out the experience is its old-school jukebox permeating tunes of today and yesterday, and the retro photo booth capturing festive memories that accentuate the bar’s namesake. For more information, visithttp://www.facebook.com/TheDarkroomHollywood About Michael Hyatt Since 1968, Michael Hyatt's work has ranged from street photography in Boston, Los Angeles, Mexico and Ireland to documenting the performances and backstage activities of prominent punk rock and roots rock bands in Los Angeles from 1980 to 1986. After moving to Arizona in late 1986, his camerawork focused on a variety of subjects including the U.S./Mexico borderlands. For twenty years from 1987 to 2007, Michael also hosted the country roots radio show Route 66 on KXCI, Tucson. In 1997 he began producing the critically acclaimed Classic Railroad Songs series for Rounder Records.

X-Mas 2013 ..the poster series line-up

November 17, 2013

It's happening - right now across the country. Some of our favorite talent is creating another epic series of X art. Remember you can get posters either at the X show OR directly from the Artist (click the poster image for artist website.) Here's the Series line-up with a sample of a previous X piece(s) for your enjoyment!

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FRANCISCO RAMIREZ Nov. 29, 2013 Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ

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STEVE WALTERS Nov. 30, 2013 Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ

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DALE FLATTUM Dec. 5, 2013 Ventura Theatre - Ventura, CA

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SPIKE MARBLE Dec. 6 & 7, 2013 The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

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MILES STEGALL Dec. 8, 2013 Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA

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FIONA BRUCE Dec. 12, 2013 SLO Brewing - San Luis Obispo, CA

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LIL TUFFY Dec. 13, 2013 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA

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HENRY CONTRERUS "LOCO" Dec. 14, 2013 Strummers - Fresno, CA

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SCOTT WALKER DEC. 15, 2013 Mystic Threatre - Petaluma, CA

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MATT VILLAND Dec. 19, 2013 Roseland Theatre - Portland, OR

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PETE CORDOSO Dec. 20, 2013 El Corazon - Seattle, WA

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DAVID GALLO Dec.21, 2013 El Corazon - Seattle, WA

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DAN MACADAM Dec. 31, 2013 Gas Monkey Garage Anniversary- Dallas, TX

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Official X Poster Series

2011 X the Los Angeles Tour

2011 X-mas Tour

2012 X-35 Tour

Beer anyone?

September 29, 2013

When our friend Scott of Burnt Hickory Brewery asked us if he could make an X beer... SURE - if you bring us some when we hit the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta on October 1st!

So Scott made an X IPA, a video and he's sharing his receipe for We're Desperate with everyone - (click here).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPpU3kJthI&w=480&h=360] -----------------

X IS ON TOUR NOW with Blondie: 9/30 Ryman Auditorium, Nashville TN - 10/1 Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA - 10/3 Keewick Theatre, Glenside, PA - 10/4 Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY - 10/5 HOB, Boston, MA (X only)

Announcing X-mas 2013 with The Blasters!

September 23, 2013

X-mas 2013 The holidays are around the corner and so are we!

Being on the road with long-time friends Blondie is so great, we thought we'd do the same for this year's X-mas.

The Blasters are like family and we can't wait to again share the stage with them.

Mark your calendars & we'll see you soon! ~X~

----A FAMILY X-MAS.... Tickets on Sale 9/27.

DATE		LOCATION	CLUB	TICKETS
29-Nov	Fri	Phoenix, AZ	Crescent Ballroom	On Sale
30-Nov	Sat	Tucson, AZ	Rialto Theatre	On Sale
5-Dec	Thur	Ventura, CA	Ventura Theatre	On Sale
6-Dec	Fri	Santa Ana, CA	The Observatory	On Sale
7-Dec	Sat	Santa Ana, CA	The Observatory	On Sale
8-Dec	Sun	Solana Beach, CA	Belly Up Tavern	On Sale
12-Dec	Thur	San Luis Obispo, CA	SLO Brewing	On Sale
13-Dec	Fri	San Francisco, CA	The Fillmore	On Sale
14-Dec	Sat	Fresno, CA	Strummer’s	On Sale
15-Dec	Sun	Petaluma, CA	Mystic Theatre	On Sale
19-Dec	Thur	Portland, OR	Roseland Theater	On Sale
20-Dec	Fri	Seattle, WA	El Corazon	On Sale
21-Dec	Sat	Seattle, WA	El Corazon	On Sale
*31-Dec	Tue	Dallas, TX	Gas Monkey Bar N Grill	On Sale

On the Road Again: We're out with Blondie

September 5, 2013

Thanks to Brian Mansfield & USA Today for writing about X today. First time with Blondie starts in a few hours in NH. Highlights from the article for you. For the full story, click here.

The No Principals Tour unites two very different flavors of 1980s new wave.

Back during punk's first generation, X and Blondie may have shared some fans, but the two groups never toured together. For one thing, they came from different scenes: Blondie from CBGB-dominated New York and X from the hardcore-oriented Los Angeles. Now, though, the groups are setting out on a month-long tour together, beginning Thursday in Hampton Beach, N.H., and ending Oct. 4 at New York's Roseland Ballroom. "I think there's a lot of respect" between the group's members, says X bassist John Doe. "We are kind of the last bands standing, and X is still all the original members. We're all healthy. Maybe Blondie was a little more pop, a little more listener-friendly, weren't quite as scary."

They're having much more fun. At the group's commercial peak, when videos for Hungry Wolf and The New World got play on MTV, X toured on a bus, followed by a semi truck carrying lighting and sound equipment. Today's tours are "simpler, smarter, less hijinks, less substance abuse," says Doe, with just a couple vans. Over the years, the group's four original members — Doe, ex-wife Exene Cervenka, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D.J. Bonebrake — have "settled all their stuff, all their inter-political band business. There's very little friction, and it's good. There's something to be said for the craziness of hard living and hard drinking. You get some kind of off-balance and crazy performance. We put in solid performances, with moments of craziness."

The house they called home. The group played its first gig in 1977, at the Los Angeles house were Doe and Cervenka lived. "It was an old house that got torn down that was too beautiful and was in the way of a parking lot," Cervenka says. "We played on the floor in the living room. Everybody was drunk and wild and we had a great time. I remember feeling relieved it was over, because I'd never sung to anybody before except at a practice."

The Ritz is a mess. Zoom recalls, but claims no responsibility for, an '80s show at New York rock club The Ritz where members of the group and crew got a little out of hand afterwards. "I think our lighting director and Exene got in a food fight in the back room at the Ritz," says the guitarist. "The large Italian man in the suit, with the gun, made them clean it up. And made Exene get down on her hands and knees and pick up the macaroni salad up off the floor. But I wasn't involved in that. I was somewhere else.... "

"This week, Rhino Entertainment released The X Collection: 1980-1987, a digital set compiling X's first six albums. Those albums, plus the 1988 set Live at the Whisky A Go Go, are now available digitally for the first time. A new limited-edition vinyl set of the first four albums — Los Angeles, Wild Gift, Under the Big Black Sun and More Fun in the New World — also includes a booklet written by the late Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, who co-produced the albums...."

For the full story, click here.

X available digitally for the first time

September 3, 2013

Thanks to our friends at Rhino - The X catalog is now available digitally for the first time!

The complete studio albums are on iTunes for the first time – everything from LOS ANGELES to HEY ZEUS! at http://smarturl.it/XiTunes

Deluxe versions of the classic albums Los Angeles, Under The Big Black Sun, and Wild Gift will also be available digitally for the first time. All were released on CD in the early 2000s but have never hit the digital domain. Standard and deluxe versions of their albums More Fun In The Real World and Ain’t Love Grand will also be making their digital debut as well as their classic Live At The Whisky A Go-Go and the 1995 album from The John Doe Thing Kissingsohard. A full list of all titles released digitally on September 3 is below.

Rhino has also released a NEW digital boxed set titled The X Collection: 1980-1987, which compiles the first six studio albums.

Get it here: http://bit.ly/176lRsQ

Hope to see you soon on tour ~X~

COMPLETE LISTING OF X DIGITAL RELEASES

- The X Collection: 1980-1987

-Los Angeles – Deluxe Edition -Under The Big Black Sun – Deluxe Edition -Wild Gift – Deluxe Edition -More Fun In The New World – Original Album and Deluxe Edition -Ain’t Love Grand – Original Album and Deluxe Edition -See How We Are – Standard Edition -Live At The Whisky A Go-Go -The John Doe Project Kissingsohard

R.I.P. Ray Manzarek

May 20, 2013

It is with sad and heavy hearts that we pay tribute to our friend and mentor, Ray Manzarek. -X- - Ray Manzarek is an integral part of X’s history. The band’s debut album, Los Angeles was released on April 26, 1980 and produced by Ray. The album includes a cover of the 1967 Doors song "Soul Kitchen" and was the bands most successful release. It ranked # 16 for the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop Critics Poll. Subsequently in 1989, it was ranked number 24 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 best albums of the 80s and Pitchfork ranked it 91st on their top 100 albums of the 1980s. The title track is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and again in 2003, the album was ranked number 286 on the Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Ray went on to produce the next three studio albums for the band, Wild Gift in 1981 (also on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 greatest albums of all time at #334), Under the Big Black Sun in 1982 and 1983’s More Fun in the New World.

In late 2010, X celebrated the 30^th Anniversary of Los Angeles by playing the entire album, start to finish. Ray joined the band during their two shows in San Francisco, just after Christmas. In August of 2012, Ray again joined the band for the entire show at the famed Roxy Theatre during the Sunset Strip Music Festival, playing Los Angeles in its entirety. In 2013, Rhino released The Doors/X Side by Side: Soul Kitchen, a split white vinyl 7".

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"Ray led by example, from The Doors to Carmine Burana and beyond. He is and will always be a spirit being, adept at expanding perception. And once those doors of perception are opened, they never close. He taught me that we are the keys, that we can unlock all doors, everywhere, to create magic, to transform ourselves and power the world, through joy and love and imagination and art and, above all through music." - Exene

"Ray was a mentor to X in our early days and a something of a father figure to Exene & me. He was brilliant & soulful. If Bob Dylan brought poetry & folk to popular music; Ray & the Doors brought the blues & poetry to rock music. The Doors are rock royalty. It has been a privilege & honor to call Ray a friend and share the stage w/ him. " - John Doe

"Ray always believed in us. We’ll miss him. My heart goes out to Dorothy and Pablo." - Billy Zoom

"I am so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Not only was he an integral part of X’s history, he was a smart, funny, and kind friend. I will miss him." - DJ Bonebrake

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19TYrxTS2A&w=480&h=360]

A Night for our brother Phil...

March 17, 2013

This show is long over, but not the music! We can not thank you enough for making this one very special night. The love and joy in that room was overwhelming.

The bands were ALL on their game this night. Each one enjoying the other and all playing like their lives depended on it.

Below are a few of our favorite images courtesy of our good friend Brandise Danesewich.[click an image for slide show]

Thanks again for helping us give back to you and our brother Phil Alvin.

[2013 is shaping up and we'll keep updating the show page and over on Facebook to.]

2013 Calendar Ready!

November 23, 2012

Our friend Michael Hyatt has just finished his 2013 art calendar featuring never before published photos of X and friends. You can check it out by clicking here.

John, D.J., Exene, Billy - Houston, 1980 "2013 Gallery 1331 Calendar of Photographs & Dates of Interest

The 2013 Gallery 1331 X Calendar of Photographs & Dates of Interest features sixteen shots of X and one of The Knitters. Dates of musical, historical and humorous importance grace every day of the year. Want to know the birthdates of John, Exene, Billy and D.J. plus that of Top Jimmy and Ray Manzarek, look no further that this 2013 calendar. Several hundred more birthdates are included by rock, blues, jazz, folk, Americana and roots country artists as well as recording dates by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, etc. The credits page features a complete discography of X albums and all the solo projects by each band member." - from Micheal's website

thinking of Starland Ballroom and those on the East Coast

November 17, 2012

Hey gang listen up. Our friends at the Starland Ballroom got hit hard with Sandy and as many of you know they are closed for a little while. If you can help out the people of the east coast- please do...this entire area is still impacted and can use your attention.

The folks over at the Wonder Bar 5th and Ocean, Asbury Park, NJ 732-502-8886 have graciously lent us a hand in giving us a place to play on Dec.7th. Help us help New Jersey ($5 from every ticket will be donated to the Monmouth County Food Bank.) We're also working on Starland tickets being accepted at either the Wonder Bar or the philly TLA show...stay tuned and please check with the venues. (UPDATE 11/20: - the Starland will be issuing ticket refunds - so please contact the Wonder Bar & TLA directly to go to those shows- thanks.)

Sometimes we all need a little help...there are a lot of people still reeling from the storms and could use a little help. thanks ~X~

from the Starland via @aysialuna5

Embedded image permalink

PS- Starland when you re-open - we'd love to play your 10 year anniversary.

X-35 new shows announced

July 15, 2012

We're home and more X-35 fun kicks off! We have some really special stuff here so pay attention.

Headlining a night at Indie Fest West in Ventura 7/29

and

8/17 at the Roxy - X will take the stage with Ray Manzerak to play their album Los Angeles. This has happened once before in Los Angeles 1980 and twice during our annual Xmas nights in SF in 2010. [Careful this one will sell out FAST!]

A quick trip out to Philadelphia to play Jay-Z's Made in America Fest with Pearl Jam 9/02 and then back to Orange County for two shows at the Observatory 9/07 and 08-(quickly becoming the go-to venue for great shows)

TEXAS! Finally playing Austin 11/02 and Dallas 11/03...so for all you Texans let's see you! We don't want anyone saying they missed it. Can't make one of these? Don't worry more X-35 is on the way for the East & West Coasts!

X-35 TOUR - NEW SHOWS (links & details -click here)

29-Jul Ventura, CA-Indie West Fest

17-Aug Los Angeles, CA -The Roxy/Sunset Strip Music Festival

2-Sep Philadelphia, PA-Made in America Fest

7-Sep Orange County, CA-Observatory

8-Sep Orange County, CA-Observatory

2-Nov Austin, TX-Fun, Fun, Fun Fest

3-Nov Dallas, TX-Granada Theater

DECEMBER- East & West Coast-XMAS tba

---a few more shows still to be announced

This whole thing started again with an In-Store.....

May 8, 2012

Actually we don't have the exact date of that infamous Tower Records Sunset signing in "Winter 1997", but we do know when our next in-store is - May 11 in Portland! Our friends at Jackpot Records in Portland Oregon asked if we'd stop by before our show at Crystal Ballroom and say hello, - maybe sign a few things...

"Sure, thanks for asking us and CONGRATULATIONS on your 15 Year Anniversary! "

"It was in 1997 that Isaac Slusarenko decided to take his love of music to the people by opening the original Jackpot Records location in Southeast Portland." We are not sure if it was "Winter 1997", but we like to think maybe it was.

With the music industry struggling to survive, both Jackpot Records (& friend Jackpot ! Recording) are still thriving. They have both become cornerstones of the Portland music community and have helped spread the gospel of great sounds the world over.

We look forward to supporting Jackpot Records in-person and meeting some new people. ~X~

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X In-Store When: 6:30 pm - Friday May 11, 2012

Where: Jackpot Records Downtown location. 203 SW 9th Avenue - Portland, OR 97214 - (503) 222-0990

Record Store Day 4/21 - for the love of independents

April 21, 2012

Today is the 5th Record Store Day. A day to celebrate the independently owned record store and supporting the commitment to keeping the vinyl market alive. You meet some of the nicest people in record stores. Here's DJ at one of his favorite's - Amoeba. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfMHGHSF1Uw?rel=0&w=500&h=284]

From the people behind Record Store Day: "If you're in a store today, find a staff member, tell them what the store means to you. It will mean the world to them. We started all this to shine a spotlight on the stores, don't take yours for granted." Thanks for your support! ~X-35~

INDIE RECORD STORE FINDER click here

we're giving some shirts to our friends...

February 14, 2012

[UPDATE: The box of shirts is now gone! Thanks to everyone who gave this shirt a new home and for the support.] In 2006, X went on tour with Rollins Band and to commemorate the tour Shepard Fairey made one of our all-time favorite X designs.

We found a box of these girl shirts and we want to say thanks by giving 1 shirt away in each merch order that asks for one until the shirts are all gone.

(also thanks to the guys at Moonlight Graham for helping out & re-programming the store.)

This design is too good to sit in a box! For everyone who bought a poster or shirt from that tour - congrats it rocks & you have good taste.

PS- Thanks again to Sheperd Fairey - amazing artist and friend. ~X~

click here to visit the store.

X~Mas 2011 Rock N Roll Revival posters are here...can we get an AMEN?

December 7, 2011

It's that time of year again....we're back from South America and we're happy to play for the home crowd. Another batch of really talented people have lent a hand in making us look good. We are rather fond of their work and would encourage you to check out some of their other work as well.

We do appreciate you all and please enjoy each other people. The world could use a little more of that.

Merry X-Mas All! ~X~

The 2011 X mas Poster Series is now complete! ~X~ (click the poster to view slide show. posters are available at shows..or from the artists - websites listed below image. To comment on a poster- click image "permalink")