The Avengers, the Dils and the Alley Cats.

In memory of Jimmy Wilsey

Sunday May 26, 2019.

The Avengers, The Dils and The Alley Cats + many special guests (A Celebration of the Life of Jimmy Wilsey) at Echoplex

Before the show I went to an Italian Restaurant nearby. I sat at the bar and had a Guinness and a plate of pasta.

Part of my DNA

It will be the time to join with punk comrades and celebrate our originators and characters of the early California punk scene. The Avengers, the Dils and the Alley Cats.

Before The Avengers went on a DJ at the event played The Saints – (I’m) Stranded. The sound went on and I swear the earth moved as the song grabbed my spine… an earthquake…. it was a Saints’ Hallelujah “amber” moment.

Just got this from a friend… a nice treat that makes life bearable. (signed copy and 2024 November The Saints Tour)

Once someone dies, their life becomes a story, infinite, Like a song forever more.

Back then it was a tight underground, alternative punk rock scene. Bands were unclassified and their songs unique. I found myself melting into a wild alchemy of youths that had something new to say.

We were finding our voice. All the unknown characters were there. Nobody creates a scene alone. Seeing punk bands during the early Los Angeles punk scene, I was not always aware of all the members in the band.

Instead, the feel of drums, bass and guitar grabbed me into a wild joyful submission. After a few times seeing a band, the lyrics and the vocals brought depth and understanding to any band’s song.

I was shaking to the sounds, wanting to go to all the shows. After getting involved with Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine all the players, in the bands, became focused and clear. I listened to their voices.

I got to know them on a personal level. I went from being a face in the crowd to writing about punk bands and getting to know band members as friends.

The sound of the Avengers was my grounding or anchoring into that early punk scene. Those first days I awoke……

It was fantastic! The Dils I learned about indirectly through other Flipside staff writers.

The Alley Cats was the band, they were the heart of the early punk scene which I got to know the best at that time.

Jimmy was a part of that scene.

I did not know him personally but indirectly. Yet his sound moved me into states of wild frenzy. I am grateful for all the vinyl records that contain that story, song, or sound of our youthful rebellion. Of Jimmy’s youthful rebellion.

Yet a “live” band is always best. It is great to still be here, currently, part of our punk rock history. Thanks to Randy and Penelope for letting me speak today. To show my love and respect.

We were wild and knew all the songs by heart by The Dils, The Alley Cats and the Avengers.

I will be there handing out some badges joining in the event in memory of our youthful rebellion that is still the heartbeat of this crazy continuity of punk rock that still drives our DNA onward.

https://www.facebook.com/events/623081094804740/

Got to sing along, scream along to this one…