– Words and Photos by Marilyn Bell

“I discovered skateboarding and punk rock music when I was fourteen years old. At that time, it seemed like they just went hand in hand—I mean, the spirit of both things was about expression and individuality. For the first time in my life, I knew who I was, and I knew what I wanted to do with myself, and I knew, I knew there’d be no looking back. — I remember just being so inspired and empowered. And you know what? I still feel that way; the spirit still moves me. Now, they say that things have changed, that it’s different for the kids today, but I don’t buy that at all. I think it’s just about digging a little deeper and asking the right questions. I still believe that these are the days. These have always been the days.” —Mike Vallely

Skateboarding and punk rock have always gone together. Taking over the Garden Amphitheatre in Garden Grove on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23rd, Mike Vallely’s inaugural The Days festival was a skate punk’s dream. In addition to the music lineup featuring Lagwagon headlining both days, there were pro skaters performing on both stages. Most, if not all, of Powell-Peralta’s current team was in attendance with Andy Anderson receiving The Days Recognition Award ​​ for his “Expression and Individuality and Welcoming Spirit.” Zach Doelling was presented his pro board. There was also a Spike Jonze + Mike Vallely photo show and limited-edition print. It may sound like a mini Warped Tour, but this had the DIY ethos of Sound and Fury versus the new Insomniac-produced Warped Tour. 

After playing in the tiny basement-like Locker Room Friday, where Steve Caballero’s band Urethane also played, Mike V and the Rats opened the main stage on Saturday. Mike Vallely isn’t just a pro skater, he’s a bonafide hardcore punk who fronted Black Flag for over a decade in addition to featuring songs in Tony Hawk games with Mike V and the Rats. Skate legend Ray Barbee guested on guitar, and Flogging Molly accordion player and skater Matt Hensley came out to play keys. 

Long Beach hardcore punks Spider got things started in the Locker Room. The dark, air-conditioned room felt like a basement house show and was a welcome break from the sun. The bands weren’t just filler; rotating between the main stage and Locker Room was a must.

Orange County punk band Toxic Energy kept things moving on the mainstage. Brent Waterworth from Taken Days also plays guitar in this band.

After their set, it was back to the Locker Room for Billy Rubin. It may be a cover band, but the lineup is packed with skate legends. Ray Barbee was back on stage for this with Lance Mountain. 

 

Back on the main stage, Steve Alba was fronting another all-star lineup with Powerflex 5. Body Count’s Vince Dennis was on guitar, tattoo legend Corey Miller was on drums, and Mike Vallely came out to guest on some vocals. 

Face Facts, a hardcore band from the Coachella Valley, brought things back to the Locker Room before the Adolescents took to the main stage. Both sets had stage divers flying everywhere. This could have been a headline set in rooms much bigger than the Locker Room. 

OC hardcore band Ignite actually headlined the Locker Room. This may have been when Andy Anderson got his award and Zach Doelling got his pro board, but the second-stage bands were must-see agenda items for the day. It was sad to say goodbye to the Locker Room after experiencing all the beautiful chaos and pandemonium on and off the stage all day.  

Headlining the main stage was Lagwagon playing Let’s Talk About Feelings in its entirety after playing all of Hoss on the first night. It was the perfect way to close out the festival. Mike Vallely called this one the first annual The Days festival. Here’s to hoping it really is the first annual and comes back next year. 

Adolescents

Lagwagon

Ignite

Mike V & The Rats