The “Circle Jerks” stamped their mark into Punk rock history. The band was originally called the “Bedwetters” which didn’t sit well with other members and Keith Morris eventually changed the name to “Circle Jerks”. Starting the band in 1979, “Circle Jerks” was founded by none other than Keith Morris formally of “Black Flag” and Greg Hetson “Redd Cross/Bad Religion”. Multiple songs were featured in “The Decline of Western Civilization” which boosted their fanbase and helped path the way for their long career. Along with their debut album “Group Sex” which was released in 1989. Even though the “Circle Jerks” have disbanded several times over the years every time they come back it’s like they never left. Circle Jerks’ current live lineup is vocalist Keith Morris, guitarist Greg Hetson, bassist Zander Schloss, and drummer Joey Castillo. The original tour was supposed to happen back in 2020 and finally kicked off this year in celebration of the 40th anniversary of their 1980 debut, Group Sex. The supporting acts for Phoenix were “Adolescents” and “Negative Approach”. Other Dates include “7 seconds” and “Municipal Waste” for their December tour dates.
30 plus songs were on this set list with Keith Morris saying we’ll play 4 or 5 songs talk a bit and then probably play 5 To 6 songs and talk some more. The Van Buren was packed with all generations showing up to witness the Circle Jerks finally take the stage. Everyone in the venue erupted when each member started walking out. The Circle Jerks brought that Raw punk rock energy that lasted to the very last song. Every member of the band looked like they were having a blast up on stage, and I have to point out that Zander looked pretty slick in the blue track suite. Joey Castillo (The Bronx) was recruited to play drums and this was an absolute treat. I’ve seen the Bronx multiple times over the years and Joey always brings that high intensity. Greg Heston is always a blast to watch on stage no matter what band he is playing in. He had a huge smile ear to ear throwing his guitar around like it weighed nothing. You can’t but feel a sense of happiness when watching Greg live. Keith Morris was his talkative self and I was blown away with his performance. After all these years they’re still holding it down and still sound incredible.
Set list 2022:
Deny Everything, Letterbomb, In Your Eyes, Stars and Stripes, Back Against the Wall, Behind the Door, I Just Want Some Skank, Beverly Hills, When the Shit Hits the Fan, Under the Gun,Trapped, Coup d’état, Wild in the Streets, Moral Majority, Don’t Care, Live Fast Die Young, Paid Vacation, Junk Mail, Parade of the Horribles, Casualty Vampire, I & I, Leave Me Alone, I Don’t, The Crowd, Beat Me Senseless, World Up My Ass, Operation, Wasted, High Price on Our Heads, Red Tape, I Wanna Destroy You, Question Authority, What’s Your Problem
