Lafayette punk’s former guiding force makes a return
Lafayette punk’s former guiding force makes a return
Hey, isn’t that Max Campbell? It is. Tim Brouk catches up with him ahead of a return to Lafayette for a show with his latest, Philly-based outfit. Plus, a River Road rezoning plan resurfaces
Programming note: Today’s opening gig goes to correspondent Tim Brouk and his talk with Lafayette ex-pat Max Campbell, ahead of a return to town this weekend with his latest band.
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
It was way back in December 2002 when Max Campbell first performed on a Lafayette stage. At the time, the then 17-year-old was living in Culver but scored a touring guitarist role for Hudson Falcons, an acclaimed New Jersey punk band. The show was at the long gone Tazma’s Rock-o-Rama. Yes, that was a real venue in downtown Lafayette.
On Sunday, Jan. 21, Campbell, now 38, returns to a Lafayette stage. This time playing the six-string for The Slads, an exciting punk outfit from Philadelphia. Campbell and his crew will be joined by Indianapolis heavy-hitters Wet Denim and Paint Jöb and Lafayette’s own The Jackies at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at The Spot Tavern. Cover is $10 or pay what you can. The show is part of a short, four-city run that also includes Pittsburgh, Chicago and Milwaukee.
In between the 21 years of the aforementioned shows, Campbell established numerous bands in Lafayette — Televised Suicide, Trent and the Rippers, and The Gestalts, just to name a few — a successful record label in Oi the Boat Records with former bandmate Joe Yakimicki, and a driving passion for keeping punk rock pertinent throughout music trends and venue shortages. If there weren’t enough punk bands in the scene, Campbell would start another.
“I cut my teeth in Lafayette, for better or worse,” said Campbell before hitting the road. “I remember seeing and playing some amazing shows at Zoolegers, Foam City, Pete's, Luxie's (Pub N Grub), (AJ) Wingers, and so many houses. RIP to them all.”
Campbell discussed his five years so far in Philadelphia and more Lafayette memories.
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