Legendary First Punk Show With Agent Orange

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

Punk is a genre that evokes plenty of emotion either way you slice it. Some people hate it, some people love it. For others, it’s a way of life, a philosophy, a creed, a community of misfits brought together by solidarity. No matter your background, your race, or the patch on your back, everyone is equal in the pit. 

For my boyfriend and I this past weekend, seeing Agent Orange at Alturas Bar (one of the oldest bars in Reno), was the show of a lifetime. We planned the outing for months, anxiously trying to get the time off for what would be my first punk concert — and the first concert together. There was no way we were going to miss this opportunity.

We showed up an hour early and to our dismay, tickets were sold out. Reluctantly we waited outside in the clouds of cigarette smoke, hoping someone would be selling some. My boyfriend managed to snag one, but I was out of luck. Like the gentleman he is, my man waited with me through the opening band, still holding out in case someone bailed. I was about to give up, when the bouncers graciously let us buy a no-show ticket left over. 

“If they’re not here by now, f*ck ‘em,” one of them said. 

Being raised in a religious environment, I had my small moments of rebellion growing up. I was into a narrow niche of rock music, based on what I could get my hands on. At my private school of one hundred kids total, I was one of the few people, much less girls, who would head bang at dances. Even with my surface knowledge of rock, being at Alturas Bar was quite the culture shock.

For those of you interested in the scene, here were my takeaways from my first punk show:

Dress appropriately, because it gets hot. Very hot.

If you’re anything like me and you’re prone to fainting, you will want to stick to light clothing. The body heat in The Cellar of Alturas Bar was palpable as soon as you walked in. There were two fans at the entrance and back of the dance floor, but that was it. Make sure you’re hydrated and if you want, a hand fan would be a smart idea. You will be sweaty.

You will spill your beer at least once.

Buy cheap because you are guaranteed to lose at least half a beer throughout the night bumping into people. Punks are rowdy and absolutely do not care about knocking you over. So if you care about getting your money’s worth out of your drinks, stand toward the outside of the floor or expect to be drinking PBRs and Budweisers. You will be sticky. 

Earplugs are a lifesaver.

I am already hard of hearing, so I bring earplugs to every show I attend. For rock concerts in particular, earplugs are a must. They’re often held in small, underground venues with lots of people packed together into tight spaces. Sound doesn’t have a lot of room to travel, except through your eardrums. If you care about your hearing, protect it because punk shows are... Loud. Your ears will be ringing.

If you don’t like being touched, punk is not for you.

I have a huge problem with being touched by strangers — always have, always will. This was the biggest issue I had that night. While I’ve done my share of head banging, the pit is a different story. It’s a swirling mess of perspiring, angry grown men and women who do not care if you get hurt. Don’t get me wrong, if you fall, someone will pick you up ASAP, but if you don’t like being jostled around, this might not be your scene. Even for me, I was pressed against the outer wall of the venue and was still getting bumped into and stepped on. Some people can handle it but for me, it was absolutely infuriating. You will want to fight someone, but perhaps that is the point.

As for Agent Orange, there aren’t any words to describe what it’s like seeing a legendary rock band. Despite all my qualms about the strange, new world I found myself in, the performance was spectacular. It was a privilege to be able to see them play live, a band that has been so instrumental in forming an entire genre of music. There’s no telling if it will happen again either, so in that regard I will be grateful for the experience forever.

Punk isn’t for everyone, but it’s clear that the scene welcomes all walks of life into its arms. Whether you’re a crust punk or garage punk, hardcore or skate punk, the endless labels and sects unite under one love of one of the most intense musical expressions I have ever witnessed. It’s raw, in-your-face, but most of all: it’s a damn good time. 

I look forward to giving punk another chance, when I’m ready.

To listen to Agent Orange, visit their Spotify profile here.