Neo-Punkers Have a Far-Out Place of Their Own

They come in vans, on buses, on foot. For all we know, a few of them might squatin the makeshift shacks that lie behind chain-link fences in the middle of what appears to be a sort of metropolitan wasteland just west of the city of Vernon.

Some wear torn clothes, in various shades of black and gray, others prefer leopard prints and T-shirts naming such favorite bands as TSOL, Black Flag and Wasted Youth. These third-generation punks come from every corner of the city sharing one thing in common: music that is loud, fast and angry.

“Punk’s Not Dead’ read the fliers posted on the walls of Bollocks, the all-ages club located in a haunting, deserted industrial region south of downtown L.A. The combination of a club aimed specifically for an all-ages crowd and music that, at its core, remains disaffected led Bollocks’ promoter Eric Teggers to a venue that’s completely off clubsville’s radar--as far from the Sunset Strip as is physically and symbolically possible. Located on an abandoned street corner, Bollocks is little more than a big rehearsal space, consisting of a ticket window, a raised stage, a small bar serving only soda and popcorn (each’ll cost you a buck) and a restroom that, as these clubs go, isn’t as gnarly as you might suspect.

The walls are painted black and the main indication that “You Are Here” is located behind the stage--where the word “Bollocks” is spelled out in the shape of a fragmented Union Jack flag (the club was originally named No Bollocks but the regulars nixed out the “No” over the course of the 11 months the club’s been open).

The youths who make the trek to Bollocks are as colorful as the area is desolate. Clad in candy cane hosiery, leather jackets, spiked accessories and topped with every conceivable hair hue, these latter-day punks look very much like the first wave of ‘70s stylists. It’s not surprising, because the bands coming through Bollocks range from early British bands such as Business, Citizen Fish and Anti-Heroes to local, post-Green Day upstarts. Recent bands include Youth Brigade, Stratford (which returns next Thursday) and UXA.

Upcoming shows to look for are the Humpers, with Texas Terry, the Bleeders and Smog Town on July 24; Twister Naked, fronted by Brandon Cruz of “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” TV fame, on July 17; the Mau Maus on July 19 and tonight’s show by the U.S. Bombs, Falling Sickness, Fury 66, High Fi and Road Burners. On Saturday, Teggers has booked an all-night “Punk Fest,” which begins at 5:30 p.m. Most shows start around 8 p.m. and many sell out quickly, so early arrival is advised, even in this off-the-beaten track part of town. And at that moment when you’re convinced no life form could possibly be in this area, just roll down your window and head toward the clatter. Even in the late ‘90s, anarchy’s still a-brewing.

BE THERE

Bollocks, 1702 E. 41st St., Los Angeles, (562) 988-0622. All ages, cover varies.