O.C. is the perfect place for thriving rockabilly culture: nice weather for year-round activities outdoors, one long stretch of highway along the ocean that's perfect for cruisin', and a diverse and accepting music culture, such as rockabilly's rebellious mix of rock and country.
SoCal has latched onto the rockabilly scene and added its own personality.
Meet the bands that are leading the rockabilly scene:
SOCIAL DISTORTION
Members: Mike Ness (vocals/guitar); Brent Harding (bass); Johnny Wickersham (guitar); Charlie Quintana (drums).
Year formed: 1979
Hometown: North Orange County
On the Web:socialdistortion.com
Do something: "It's not just about a look. So you've got the tattoos, the look and the old car, but what changes are you making in the world?" Ness says. "Being a rebel isn't just about looking the part."
Inspirations: The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, and Hank Williams Sr.
TIGER ARMY
Members: Nick 13 (vocals/guitar); Jeff Roffredo (upright bass); James Meza (drums).
Year formed: 1995
Hometown: Los Angeles
On the Web: tigerarmy.com
Local history: "There has always been rockabilly roots in Southern California," Nick 13 says. "Bands like The Blasters didn't necessarily exist outside of SoCal in the late '70s, and there were bands that kept the rockabilly connections alive in the punk scene; X is a big example of that."
Inspirations: Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'n' Roll Trio, Charlie Feathers, and anyone on the '50s Sun Records roster.
THREE BAD JACKS
Members: Elvis Suissa (vocals/guitar); Brett Williams (upright bass); Shane Valdez (drums).
Year formed: 1996
Hometown: Los Angeles
On the Web: threebadjacks.com
The look: "If we didn't look like this, it would be like going to see Bob Marley and have him be wearing a three-piece suit like Sinatra – you'd have a heart attack," Suissa says.
Inspirations: Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer, and the Ramones.
BRIAN JAY AND THE LAST CALL BOYS
Members: Brian Jay (vocalist/rhythm guitar); Kevin Stewart (upright bass); Victor Rojas (lead guitar).
Year formed: 2006
Hometown: Huntington Beach
On the Web:myspace.com/brianjaymusic
Cowboy couture: "We're on the more cowboy side of fashion; we don't look real 'rockabilly,'" Jay says. "We go with vintage Western shirts, straw hats, and jeans. If we're playing a big show, we might all wear nicer Western-style coats and nicer hats."
Inspirations:Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, The Clash, and Elvis Presley.
