The Queers- Carrying The Torch Of Old School Punk

It was a night of old-school punk at The Wall St Theater in Norwalk, CT. 40 years ago Joe King aka Joe Queer embarked on a journey to bring punk to music lovers with his band, The Queers. He brought the band’s latest lineup out to celebrate 40 years of staying true to his goal.

Opening the night was Connecticut’s Vicky F. Vicky is an old-school punk rocker who started in the glory days of punk. She could be found in the thick of things at CBGB and Max’s Kansas City back in the 70s. Unfortunately, the weeknight crowd was slow to pour in. Those who were there took delight in a heartfelt solo performance. In 2019 she released her latest album, “Definite Yes”. She states “My latest album is about letting go what’s in my heart and soul, for it all to come out musically and lyrically. I hope my music can move some people the way I was moved while writing it.”

Next up was a Connecticut band formed in 2009, The Abductors. While younger than their lineup mates, they had the same high-energy punk rock feel. The growing crowd took to their music and got moving. They are a bit more on the hardcore end of the punk scale than the headliners. Thus, they got the crowd pumped up and ready for the main act, as all good opening bands should do.

The Queers have undergone a number of lineup changes. They have battled controversial misunderstandings with the press. They have had their battles with addictions. However, through it all, they continue to deliver damn good music. With short, power chord-driven songs their sound is very reminiscent of the Ramones. They also have a Ramonesesque look to them. Their guitarist has the Johnny Ramone moves down pat. He and bassist Chris May even have matching instruments as Johnny and Dee Dee did. They did a rousing cover version of Ramones’ “KKK Took My Baby Away” which sent the crowd into a frenzy!

Don’t get the wrong idea about The Queers. They are not a tribute nor a cover band. They have penned a slew of great songs. Their style is similar to The Ramones because that is the music that Joe Queer loves. That is the music he wants to deliver to the young kids of today. He wants to keep that old sound fresh and alive rather than merely re-hashing past great hits. Kudos to him for carrying the torch and refusing to let it die out!