Subhumans at NOFX’s Farewell Punk in Drublic Concert
Dick in his favorite REZILLOS shirt that he wore PRB and Rebellion. All Photos courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
After the Subhumans set at the Punk in Drublic festival, I thought it was time for a fresh perspective on the band. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty more Dick-on-Dick interviews and more shows, but I figured it was time to hear from a real fan. Besides, I’d rather focus on the photos and write some smartass captions.
So, I looked around for someone to do the heavy lifting. That’s when I spotted a guy with a very long cigarette ash and a Subhumans jacket, complete with what looked like Dick Lucas’s signature on the back. I knew I’d found my man. But first, he had to pass a couple of tests.
I think I found my Subhumans Superfan. ©dickslaughter.com
Could he identify Dick Lucas on the In Spite Magazine trading card and, just as important, could he spell? The answer to both was yes, so I handed him the writing duties.
Please allow me to introduce Paul Rotzler
There are few bands that leave a lasting impression: the Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, and, of course, Subhumans. I can’t get enough of them. In fact, I have seen them three times in the past year. Unlike some bands that follow a specific script for each show, every Subhumans performance is unique.
Dick wears this shirt all the time because the Rezillos are fucking fantastic and you should check them out. ©dickslaughter.com
On October 6, 2024, at Pier 46 in San Pedro, California, NOFX performed their final show. The pier buzzed with excitement as it marked the last day of NOFX’s sendoff, featuring an excellent lineup of bands. Although Pier 46 is a larger venue, it is a blank slate that allows each event to set up according to their vision. There were no dedicated sections—just one giant open area with two stages. and vendors, food, and drinks on the other end of the venue. The atmosphere was electric as more and more people arrived, eager to witness this historic night.
I think we may have overdressed for this. ©dickslaughter.com
Subhumans were scheduled to play on a secondary stage, which was slightly smaller than the main one. As the crowd began to gather, I was fortunate enough to secure a spot about three rows back from the rail that separated the crowd from the security area directly in front of the stage. Fans with all-access passes had the opportunity to watch the band from platforms behind the stages.
If you look close, you will see a Subhuman in his glasses.-©dickslaughter.com
Subhumans formed in 1980 in Warminster, England. Originally known as Superhumans, the band changed their name after frontman Dick Lucas joined. After releasing several hit records, the band split up in 1985 due to creative differences but returned in 1998 with the original lineup. Since then, they have released three new albums and toured extensively.
Bruce Treasure of Subhumans. ©dickslaughter.com
As the band on the main stage finished their set, the members of Subhumans rushed to complete their sound checks. They wasted no time starting their performance, kicking off with “Businessmen.” The crowd erupted, and it was a fitting opener that set the tone for the rest of their set. Lucas stirred the audience with his rebellious lyrics, acting out the words with fervent movements that punctuated the message. With each song, the crowd became more immersed in the music, and a mosh pit opened toward the front. I, along with countless others, were shoved to the rail as the eager crowd became fevered. When they launched into “Animal” and “99%,” Lucas emphasized our collective experience. Before starting “99%,” he delivered a passionate speech about the importance of unity. “We are the 99%, and we can fight back!” he yelled, igniting a collective roar that resonated throughout the venue.
This is what sixty-three looks like if you are a vegan vampire. ©dickslaughter.com
As their set continued with “Society” and “Waste of Breath,” the crowd’s energy intensified. Bodies collided, crowd surfers soared overhead, and security caught them as they reached the rail, ensuring their safe descent back into the chaos. The adrenaline was contagious, and the atmosphere was one of pure joy.
This photo reminds me of a photo taken on a roller coaster, especially Mohawk Man and the kid in the middle bottom. ©dickslaughter.com
Towards the end of their set, Subhumans played their more popular tracks, such as “Rats,” “No,” “Mickey Mouse is Dead,” and “Religious Wars.” When these songs played, the crowd went wild. The mosh pit expanded, crowd surfing increased, and the chaos among the audience reached new heights. It was reminiscent of classic punk shows, showcasing the raw power that punk rock embodies. Every shove and surge in the crowd served as a reminder that we were all part of something larger than just a concert—we were part of a movement.
Phil Bryant of Subhumans . ©dickslaughter.com
As Subhumans concluded their set, the crowd recognized that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of punk rock history. It was a small part of a farewell to NOFX and a reminder that in today’s divided world, punk rock serves as a source of unity—a testament to the power of music and community.
Dick Lucas of the Subhumans
Subhumans reignited the flames of rebellion in every heart present. We were all part of a lineage stretching back to the 1970s, and as fans left to prepare for the next band, the spirit of rebellion lingered in the air—fierce, unyielding, and ready to rise again.
It looks like Paul had on a Subhumans shirt as well, pictured here with his Superfan.-©dickslaughter.com
Keep an eye on In Spite Magazine Dick Lucas’s trading card photo. - ©dickslaughter.com
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Don't miss your chance to see the SUBHUMANS
Sunday, October- 20-2024 4:00 PM · The Dark Horse, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Saturday, November- 9, 2024, 6:00 PM · New Cross Inn, London, United Kingdom
Wednesday, January- 6-2025, 7:30 PM, 100 Club London, United Kingdom
Thursday, Jan-9-2025, 8:00 PM, Exchange Bristol, United Kingdom
Friday, Jan-10-2025, 8:oo PM, Barnstaple, United Kingdom, 8:00 PM 2025 · JCT27
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