The spectrum of ideals in punk rock ranges from anarchy toconservative Christian bands. Some bands preach radical socialreform, while others sing about alcohol, girlfriends and teenageangst.
Certain lyrics reflect a hollow world full of disparity anduselessness, but Pennywise’s brand of punk rock is an emotional callto passionately fight the evil and corruption in the world whileconstantly pursuing a utopian society.
The band Pennywise and it’s message of political perseverance isheadlining the spectacle of punk talent scheduled Saturday at CoxArena. The event includes the bands No Use for a Name, Guttermouth,Face to Face and the Line. Boasting a strong opening act, Pennywiseis excited about returning to San Diego.
“We had a great time last summer,” said Pennywise lead vocalistJim Lindberg about his last visit to San Diego during a telephoneinterview.
Lindberg is familiar with San Diego State, having attended theuniversity, and remembers the school fondly. “State is where I gotexcited about studying,” he said after explaining how he wasdistracted in high school. After two semesters at SDSU, Lindbergtransferred to UCLA and graduated with a major in English.
Education, time and experience have brought Pennywise to the CoxArena on Saturday, and the band has a solid foothold in the punkscene. The band has proven its ability to consistently generatequality music and are known as a band that isn’t going to quicklyfade away.
“We’re just going to continue trying to play the music people knowus for” said Lindberg, talking about the forward progress of hisband. Pennywise wants to vary their songs and ideas while keeping itin the genre. Lindberg said, “You’d be kinda bummed if the Ramonescame out with a Reggae album.”
Along with their time and experience, Pennywise has come acrossaccusations of selling out. “We’ve been getting that from thebeginning,” Lindberg said, “all you can do is play the music youlike.”
In the face of this Pennywise has been doing its best to keep theaccusations from becoming a reality. Pennywise has turned down gigsmembers don’t agree with and keep their ticket prices low.
“We always get into problems with venues that want to charge toomuch,” said Lindberg. “You have to be vigilant. Going to a showshould be about the same or less than a CD.”
Floor tickets for Saturday’s show at the Cox come in just a fewcents over fifteen dollars. For about the same price you can buyPennywise’s latest album, an energetic commentary on world politicsentitled Land of the Free? Fueled by the World Trade Organization,LAPD scandals and a controversial election, Land of the Free? intendsto permeate a political self-reliance and sense of politicalresponsibility.
“We’ve always been a political band” Lindberg said. “We’ve beenwarning for ten years about an album like this and now the message ismore important than ever that the public needs to be diligent inmaking sure leaders are doing what the majority wants.”
Pennywise has always considered themselves patriotic, but to thempatriotism is more than waving a flag, it’s questioning the system.Lindberg hopes to raise awareness and instill political diligencethrough music, but also wants “to put words into action.”
In addition to encouraging others, Lindberg aspires to act bypublic speaking and devoting time to social programs such as Habitatsfor Humanity. If you want to hear first hand words that willhopefully inspire productive rebellion, you can attend a Pennywiseconcert for the about the price of a Carl Sagan book.
Pennywise is playing this Saturday at Cox Arena.
