Circle Jerks, Ceremony and Negative Approach at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz

The Circle Jerks hit Santa Cruz in the run up to what is sure to be an epic birthday celebration for their legendary frontman Keith Morris’s 70th at the Hollywood Palladium in LA. The fact that it was a Friday night meant that Santa Cruz was out for a party with Pacific Ave abuzz outside and the punkers packing the big room inside.

Long-time tourmates Negative Approach kicked things off with their typical rage … frontman John Brannon slamming the mic into is mouth as a roared at the Santa Cruz crowd as circle pit quickly opened up in the middle of the general admission floor as Ron Sakowski (bass) and John Lehl (drums) kept a relentless rhythm. Guitarist Harry Richardson … with his back to the crowd … seemed oblivious to the ensuing chaos as the room filled out and the temperature and humidity started to spike.

Up next was the Bay Area’s very own Ceremony, having themselves reached legendary status in the hardcore scene but with a notably younger audience. Clearly stoked to be playing with their influences (their first of four shows with the Jerks), the band kicked things off with an awkward start as The Doors “People Are Strange” continued to loop while the drummer tried to kick things off. The puzzled looks from the crowd quickly evaporated as the band took the stage and launched right into “Sick” from their 2010 breakthrough album Rohnert Park while the room went sideways. Smooth sailing from there as Ceremony tore through their 40 minute set that included a cover of Dead Kennedy’s “California Uber Alles” that had the now-packed room spinning.

By the time the Circle Jerks took the stage the room was positively sweltering but Morris seemed in high spirits as he started the set off with band intros before tearing into “Deny Everything,” kicking off their epic set of punk anthem singalongs with a band. Veterans of the road, the band has mastered their “rock block” format, taking breaks every four songs or so for banter that highlighted the the continued relevance of these songs that were released over 40 years ago while giving Keith the opportunity to drop his favorite expression, “shit burrito” as frequently as humanly possible.

For those that have seen the Circle Jerks several times since they started playing again in 2021, the Santa Cruz show was a special one. The band was clearly relaxed and as tight as they’ve been of-late. And if last night’s show is any indication, there’s no doubt that Keith’s 70th birthday celebration is going to one for the punk rock history books!

Circle Jerks

Ceremony

Negative Approach