Jonny Two Bags at Fingerprints Records
What do Social Distortion, U.S. Bombs, and Cadillac Tramps all have in common? Punk Rock icon Jonny Two Bags holding down the guitar. This legendary guitarist spent his April Fool’s day in Long Beach record store Fingerprints for his side project record release Salvation Town with a live full-band performance. Those who know Jonny from his previous work get to hear a side a different and softer side often missed at punk rock shows. The new album presents a raw, heartfelt and reflective side of Jonny with sounds more akin to folk and pub rock genres.
Performing to an intimate sea of fans and friends, the full-band featuring Jonny Two Bags – (Guitar / Vocals), Brent Harding – Bass (Social Distortion), Mitchell Townsend – Guitar, David Kalish – Keys (Rickie Lee Jones), Pete Thomas – Drums (Elvis Costello & The Attractions) kicked off the album release with a set of 8 songs most of which are featured on Salvation Town.
Kicking off the evening’s set was the album’s first track, “One Foot in the Gutter,” which sets the tone for the type of honesty Jonny’s lyrics express. As a co-writer of several Social Distortion songs, Jonny is no stranger to songwriting but this solo project highlights the full scope of his talent as a lyricist, vocalist and guitarist. Two years in the making, this album pays homage to much of the personal struggle Jonny (Wickersham) and all of us face. It deals with being at the crossroads and struggling to do what is right, I’ve got one foot in the gutter and one foot kicking in the door to Heaven.”
Tackling the dilemma of regrets with a skateboard reference “Clay Wheels” Jonny strips life back to some of the imagery of early days in the skate punk scene. Though the songs are ballad-like, the band performed with an energy and crowd engagement that only a live performance can bring. Completing the evening was the song “Hope Dies Hard,” which was released in 2012 as a limited edition 7” and is now included on Salvation Town. The lyrics claim “you don’t love me anymore,” but Jonny Two Bags delivers a lot to love both in his performances and on the album tracks.
It’s never a disappointment to see an iconic musician in such an intimate setting. Fans can get right up to the knee high stage to see the legendary guitarist and the band. Through the performance Jonny was personable and expressed his appreciation to all in attendance especially his family and longtime music friends peppered throughout the crowd. He graciously introduced all of the performing band members and acknowledged the talent of those that surrounded him. After the set, Jonny was available to fans to sign albums and specialSalvation Town release day posters. He humbly expressed his gratitude to everyone in attendance and showed in person some of the honest sensitivity reflected in his music.
By the Barricade encourages you to catch Jonny Two Bags and band on tour with Chuck Ragan April 3- May 9 and pick up a copy of Salvation Town to see or hear an honest and stripped down Jonny Two Bags’. Keep it on Bythebarricade.com for tons of punk rock interviews, reviews, articles, and photos! Also, “Like” By the Barricade on Facebook to never miss a post. If you liked this article check out:
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