The Wild Wonders of the Circle Jerks

[@natewunderman4597]

Not a bad retrospective, but unfortunately omitting a major facet: the Circle Jerks had their own version of Raymond Pettibon in Shawn Kerri. She came up with their iconic Skank Kid image (it was on the concert poster you showed advertising the show you went to), which the band now owns. She also came up with several other iconic punk images we all know and love (such as the album artwork for D.O.A.'s 'War on 45'). She has been nearly forgotten, and doesn't deserve to be.

[@TheNamesGunk]

Thanks for the info! I always wondered who came up with the skank kid.

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

Yeah, and her anatomy was far more Marvel comics professional than Pettibons. I like Pettibon, everyone do NOT dog pile me!

[@WuwuWuwuTV]

I haven't heard of her. I want to learn about her now.

[@gunger1973]

I believe her name is Mackey Osborne, the wife of Buzz from The Melvins. She has done most of The Melvins' covers as well as many iconic punk covers. She is still active as is her husband. Check them both out. They make me happy about art and music.

[@davesleyer9393]

That’s awesome. I’ve always kinda wondered who drew the skank kid.

[@markumscheid2286]

Love it when the incredibly underqualified punk historian drops a new vid.. thanks for making my Sunday morning.

[@nando19751]

yep and that's the reason i got their logo tattooed on my arm. It was a dream come true when I sang Red Tape during Punk Rock karaoke and Greg Hetson was playing.

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Kevin the Nerd was straight up Napoleon Dynamite decades earlier lol !!! But yeah the Circle Jerks were rad . I was skateboarding to their music in the 80s as a kid before I even understood what their name referenced hahaha !!!

[@larryshepherd5380]

Anything Keith touches is gold.

[@scotness]

The Circle Jerks are one of those So-Cal punk bands that you like or hate. I live in Cleveland now and I'm glad they are rolling through town with The Descendents next month I will be done front and center even though I have a bad ankle and I'm pushing 50.

[@maxh9579]

Me and my best friend saw their recent tour with Descendants and Adolescents and it was one of the best nights of my life. They sounded great live and me and my friend are always like 'bro we saw the Circle Jerks live!'

[@dalime605]

My top 5 fav punk bands of all time

[@petegalvany4341]

This sure brings back memories---At the 18:13 mark, I saw the gig flyer. I was the bassist in The Breakouts at that time. Early 1985. Keith Morris and Greg Hetson after the show asked me if i wanted to possibly be their new bass player and I would have to move to Los Angeles. The Breakouts were based in San Francisco, red hot at the time and set to tour the US with GBH and Raw Power that summer (which we did and got a video on MTV) so I turned down the offer. Almost 40 years later I wonder "what If" ?

[@user-kj3sq2xx8j]

Saw them in dec 1987 together with Gang Green in Freiburg/ Black Forest/ Germany. Amazing concert. I was 15. My Dad picked me up at the end of the Show.

[@IsaacGio-e4w]

I love the jerks ❤

[@rudypericolo]

For the videos producer: I caught the jerks along with the descendents in Baltimore earlier this year and they were probably better than the first time I saw them about 40yrs ago. (With 7 Seconds at City Gardens in Trenton NJ for what it's worth. Possibly the world's best hardcore venue in the 80s might be worth a short video, even though there was already a movie made about) Anyway I'm 54 and though old, cranky and really jaded, happy to see this music hasn't faded away yet and is reaching new younger ears. I myself first saw the Ramones on TV when I was about 10yrs old and well, that was enough for me. Anyway the important part here, it's really nice to see a video done by someone that's obviously done their homework. As for calling yourself the incredibly under qualified punk historian big props for that tiny bit of humility. (And it's kinda funny.. in a good way) I saw a few videos on KZbin from someone that gave himself a much more grandiose title and he got so much wrong (I know cuz I was actually there at the time kinda thing) and when I called him out on it... well fuck people like that. I can tell you're doing this with love and respect so keep up the good work.

[@DustyD-vv8xb]

Grateful to see this video! Great band that deserves this kind of respect! Awesome channel brother.

[@TheNamesGunk]

Circle Jerks have been one of my favorites since I got into punk. Saw them a few years back and was shocked that they still sound so amazing. Seeing them at the end of the month at Punk In Drublic and am so stoked.

[@spayspay]

No idea Wild In The Streets was a cover. Thanks!

[@matthews7805]

Group Sex is on my top 10 punk albums of all time after I heard it in 1983 or so.

[@crazymusicgeek9233]

I guess watching your old videos for the past couple days was like rubbing a magic lamp for a new one 😂😂 great video as always.

[@Donttrustliars]

I've seen the circle jerks 3 times in the last 2 years and they play just as hard, fast and loud as they did 30 years ago!!!! If you have the chance, go to the show! You won't be disappointed

[@Miguewl_1]

Saw circle jerks for the first time this year with adolescents and the descendants, great show, was in the mosh pit for the first 2 bands

[@mattpowell13]

Great vid, Jack, but it's surprising that it took so long to get around to. As a SoCal kid torn between LA Hardcore and East Bay Thrash, the Jerks were foundational. I first saw them in early '81 (15yo) and probably managed to see them 5-6 times in those early years. They remain among the most intense live bands I've ever seen. My mom was horrified when I came home with scars and bruises, but a sh%t-eating grin from ear to ear. Keep up the good work!

[@darrenedwarddolhanty6814]

I just saw them in Montreal and then Moncton on some NOFX shows. Seeing NOFX, Decendents, Circle Jerks, Flatliners, Get Dead and Codefendants was such a great time.

[@curtislitzler4945]

Great video. I saw the jerks 3 or 4 times in the 80s in Providence, RI.

[@marcb.cardlab6750]

Circle Jerks was my first punk show in New Orleans in '84. With Raw Power and The Hickoids, it was the most intense thing I'd ever witnessed in my 14 yrs! I was terrified and plastered myself against a wall near the bar, and trying not to make eye contact with any of the bald dudes with bullet hole tattoos on their heads! Never ever saw a pit like that again. Amazingly apocalyptic.

[@karl_margs]

"I can't believe I used to like these guys" -Otto Maddox

[@Sinistar8u]

They've always been one of my favorite punk bands ever since I heard the album Wild in the Streets back in the day. I've also seen them live a few times and they never disappoint!

[@audiblenugz]

Do a Johnny Hobo video!!!!!

[@RichardRamsey-su7he]

I saw them at metal fest in 96.. there were 150 punk bands for one particular room at the venue in Milwaukee.

[@avestuart]

Wow, a McRackins shirt. My band (from Seattle) played with McRackins in Vancouver 20 years ago. Not a band name I hear often

[@samuelblinne6040]

Wild in the streets is my favorite album by the circle jerks

[@johnmares2095]

Outstanding history lesson! I just discovered your channel. I grew up in Westchester, CA (LAX area next to Venice Beach). I have been into punk music since I surfed and skateboarded since 1979. I've seen the Circle Jerks probably 50 times. Keep up the great journalism work! Send me a Spotify link to your band. I'd love to hear your music!

[@nathanwelbourne116]

Love the Circle Jerks! Great band period. My favorite album from them is Wild In The Streets. My favorite song is easily Letterbomb! It’s a song that rips from start to finish. I got to see them play at the Hollywood Palladium in 2022! It was Circle Jerks, 7 Seconds, Bouncing Souls and Negative Approach. Circle Jerks headlined and they absolutely crushed it! Thanks for doing the video. Love your stuff man keep it up!

[@buddachile]

Keith Morris is the TOP hardcore front man! Keith forever!

[@neilclarkwork]

Just saw them earlier this year and they are still killing it.

[@PunknotWoke]

Nearly 40 years ago i bought ”Group Sex”, and its one of those albums that still blows you away every f-king time. Same can be said about Wild in the Streets and Golden Shower of Hits… And i like the later albums too, VI is very underrated. Not really listened to the 90’s album thou..

[@williamz7011]

I just checked out that original version of Wild In The Streets. I actually kinda love it. Worth checking out

[@Microtonal_Cats]

I saw Circle Jerks in 83 in DC at the (old, smaller) 9:30 Club. Keith was so wasted he said "Good evening Baltimore!" between songs. May have been joking, if so, even funnier. Show had about 500 people. My friend went to talk to them after and booked them the next night (a night they had off) in Charlottesville Virginia. She told them "There will probably only be 100 people there, it's a small place and short notice." They said "fine" and played for 80 percent of the door. Cover price was 3 dollars, 2 local bands opened.

[@amthatdad3450]

I discovered the Circle Jerks as a young boy new to town and down to hang out with the only other kid who was willing to acknowledge my existence. He introduced me to the skateboard as well and I was all about this whole new world that wasn't the Michael MacDonald smooth rock life that was my whole world up until that point. Suddenly my mom and my grandma were shocked (SHOCKED!!) that I didn't want to tuck my shirt into my pants and I wanted to part my hair down the middle instead of from the side.😅

[@andarchy1386]

Loved them soaked them in like a sponge with my 15 year old skate punk brain in the late 80s along with all the other classic 80s bands before making the transition to metal after learning to play guitar

[@steverose3435]

I got into the circle jerks (punk in general) in the most ass backwards or punk fashion possible. I got introduced into both by breaking into a car and stealing the case of tapes which introduced me to the circle jerks via golden shower of hits and 6. To this day golden shower of hits is in my all time top 10 punk records of all time. It’s cool and timeless which is quite an accomplishment for a punk record

[@danielkrueger3827]

You fucker, I want my goddamn tapes back

[@markratzlaff]

I was in jr high when I won tickets by calling in to the radio to see this band (Circle Jerks .. openers were The Weirdos) at a small venue in Springfield, MO. I remember wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt cause I liked the design and some skinheads in line saying "so you like Pink Floyd?". That show changed my life lol.

[@LANGI902]

Great video. Please do one for Discharge!

[@jacktivate4130]

saw them them live two days in a row in jacksonville and orlando and they were fantastic

[@DavidWriter-f7d]

I got into the Circle Jerks in ‘84 or ‘85. I friend of mine in elementary school was into them and turned me onto them, Bad Religion, and the Descendents.

[@cobaltkingatlantis9971]

Great video as always my friend. You should do a video about the Butthole Surfers!

[@EdwardPigg-ji4yy]

The song “Golden Shower of Hits” is brilliant.

[@MarkLloyd-zr3oz]

Carnt believe my young friend U keep calling your self un qualified I always learn something new and I'm old LoL peace and love lloydy

[@conor495]

A video on Orgcore would be fucking awesome

[@samuelblinne6040]

Awesome

[@maxh9579]

There is a book about their bassist Roger Rogerson that is a great read, it's called The Prodigal Rogerson

[@tomquirin4231]

hey my bro, i am 52 and a oldschool 80's eastcoast punker but i am now music n drummer friends with lucky lehrer , their orig drummer , we talk thru email + phone too , he is really cool n now lives in florida , love talking bands/music/cds , whatever punk genre you like , thanks n talk soon bro > tom !

[@Touch.downboy]

please do a video on pennywise, I’d love to know more about them

[@zebulynnhanson791]

I really dig some Circle Jerks.

[@jonathanwishbone]

Keith Clark has been a CPA for years. He did my taxes back in 2001.

[@TheZionistsdid911]

you are the best

[@cactusrider7686]

great video

[@Gregbaltzer]

I'm finally going to see them on Aug 27th

[@yannicknantel6284]

Thanks !

[@SBpunx-el2bw]

My favorite is their most hated wonderful love that album

[@PUNKJUNKIE]

Oddities is the most hated.wonderfull its wonderfull

[@dkdrums5825]

I don't know why more people dont talk about this - I think Lucky invented the skank beat (fast punk beat) that was taken and used by thrash and fat wreck bands. Unconfirmed but I cant find any other band doing that prior to Group Sex, Red Tape is the best example. Would be interested if anyones found an earlier version. You know the beat, its the beat in Linoleum by NOFX.

[@Black25284]

Can diesel boy do a Slovakia Tour??

[@BobNob-dk7wy]

🖤

[@samuelblinne6040]

Nice video

[@kookadams85]

*When ya gonna do a video on THE most underrated soCal punkrock band the Surf Punks?*

[@kookadams85]

Prior to '79 black flag was panic.

[@sonicmojo]

Man, i saw them like 15 or so years ago. They were so loud!!! My ears rang for days afterwards. I probably lost hearing from the gig. I dont blame rhe band, i blame the a$$hat that ran the PA system whom was nowhere to be found. They did a great show and i ran into the bass player who i instantly recognized from the Repoman movie and he noticed i recognized him too and was way cool about it. We both just kind of looked at each other and I said hey man and he's like hey dude! Lol. Something along those lines. It was hilarious! All in all a good time. I'm glad I got to see them because after all black flag is one of my favorite punk rock bands of all time. Peace

[@codyrhodes1344]

"I can't believe I used to like these guys."

[@FredBeltran-o3d]

Wasted Youth!!! Regans in, we're gone for good!!

[@percy6632]

you forgot to mention that Chris Poland (ex-megadeth guitarist) after getting fired from Megadeth, step in as a base guitarist for Circle Jerks after Zander Schloss left the band to join Joe Strummer's new band

[@Jerrid_8675]

are you from Wa ? jw because i was born in Ellensburg 🤘

[@Microtonal_Cats]

12:53 "....they crammed in 18 tours in support of Golden Shower of Hits." This is an odd and incorrect statement in an otherwise solid video. First, early hardcore bands, including the Circle Jerks, didn't "tour to support a record." They weren't Journey or Boston. Most hardcore bands then, including CJ, toured non-stop regardless of what their last album was. Secondly, that sentence sounds like cheesy cliche rock writing. The stuff that made Zappa say "Rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk for people who can't read. ."

[@jessemays9427]

Didn't Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson join after being kicked out of Megadeth?

[@stoneyneff8555]

Group sex is the Punk Rock Bible

[@xp7575]

Now that The Taxpayers are re-united and playing shows again and have a new album coming out I'd love to see you finally covering them

[@MarvinStarr-i6f]

One of best albums ever group sex

[@adriangomez9791]

And now Keith is in gta5

[@VioletDeliriums]

I would like to know what you view as a Circle Jerks song about partying with your friends? I would argue that (stupid) message, in a punk context, would be seen as negative. (If you wanted that stuff, people would have just listened to the likes of Van Halen back then, whose songs were all about getting drunk, fucking girls, bullying nerds and how cool they were.) For example, in Black Flag's "TV Party" or 'Six Pack", or in DK's "Too Drunk To Fuck" where they are mocking people who are drunk and dumb, kind of like Nirvana's "stupid and contagious" people in "Teen Spirit." The way punk tends to operate is not to model what they think is good, and not to say "I think that's bad" (as Jello Biafra once commented to Jools Holland) as a preachy hippie might. Instead, they tend to dramatize those they see as assholes and satirize them to paint them as selfish or dumb or worse. PS: I like your defiant hairdo.

[@ellireome3981]

One correction, the megadeth shown and the megadeath mentioned are two completely separate bands. The songs Making the Bombs and Killing for Jesus are Mega Death songs (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql68f4CYjtWmfpI here's killing for jesus)

[@samuelblinne6040]

Wow

[@dreddpirate7619]

This is great, and well articulated. But I suppose you don't play any music for the sake of monetization, while 35 year old me respects the grind, 15 year old homeless street punk me is very very disappointed in you.

[@DNS-FRANK09]

Do something about nardcore

[@Joseph-eu6jp]

Dude, where's the music.

[@HonestDepression101]

Circle Jerks were a far better and cooler band than Black Flag. Just my opinion.

[@thepunkhistorian6397]

@@HonestDepression101 I gotta say I think at this point I’d say I like the Circle Jerks more than Black Flag too. Don’t get me wrong I like em both a lot, but out of all the records both of those bands made, I think Group Sex is probably my fave.

[@hammerhead222]

The first three albums are essential. The rest, meh.

[@gunger1973]

Wonderful is not their best but it is underrated I think. Give it a re-listening if you think it sucks. I though this sucked when it came out when I was 12. At 50 I hear it differently.

[@503punxoioioi9]

A band I absolutely don't care about and never listen to, told by a guy with clown hair. Great.

[@PK-gi2qh]

Bro. Please don't ever mention the long hair , mtv grunge term "mosh" when speaking of LA hardcore punk, blank flag, circle jerks, etc etc... you should know better. With that being said, props on the Repo Man mention and old footage of the early So Cal gigs. The most intense shows in the World at the time. PK

[@salvadormonella8953]

Dude, YOU'RE the Punk historian? You don't look old enough to have even SEEN a punk show! I've seen lots and I'm OLD. For us, Punk was OUR music. It wasn't musical, musicianship amongst Punk Rockers was minimal. Our parents hated it, but it was OURS, and so we reveled in the revulsion. All these names you mention, Circle Jerks, Black Flag, Red Kross, Agent Orange, etc. were just cheap local bands playing at cheap local venues that we wasted our time & brain cells on. We didn't think of them as endearing or enduring, and they didn't think of themselves that way either. Without ever having experienced the L.A. scene yourself in person, I find it hard to imagine a "historian." I doubt you've ever even seen a music show where normal ticket prices were $5 or less. Venues changed frequently because they kept getting shutdown. The Whiskey has survived, but more venues didn't than did. I walked into a grocery store about 15 years ago, wearing my normal work attire, dress shirt, tie, jacket, nice shoes, etc. The register kid, maybe 18 or 20 years old, was wearing a DK t-shirt. I acknowledged his shirt and said "Oh yeah, the Dead Kennedys. I saw them play a few times. I like that band." The kid was disgusted that some dude in a business suit favored his teen-age "rebellious" band. A band guaranteed to make the "adults" cringe. I popped his bubble. Jello & Johnny sold out. Some bands are still whipping that horse. Others vanished, a flash in the pan. And you, with your green hair? Please. You're only 40 years too late. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work. I know it's a lot of work being both a historian and videographer. Keep Punk alive. I still do, but I'm OLD.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Off! Is a better band than Circle Jerks and Black Flag..

[@haxio17]

Why are you people who had nothing to do with Punk making videos about Punk ?

[@Ritff666l-e9e]

What the Hell are all you normies attaching to punk now ?

[@skinhead5]

Do a TSOL video.

[@joninterglad]

"I can't believe I used to like these guys."