Remember the pre-pandemic days when a few hundred close friends could pack together into a crowded club and make music?
Che Underground remembers: Viz. the collective manifestation of musical solidarity that transpired on Feb. 29 at La Mesa’s the Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Lounge under the name “A Che Underground Leap Night Showcase.”
The gig featured a trio of Che Underground supergroups that brought special guests back onto a San Diego stage for the first time in more than 30 years.
Case in point: Tommy Clarke — legendary lead guitarist with The Wallflowers, then a founding member of The Morlocks — who joined his fellow collaborators to close out the opening set by P-Touch All Stars.
This video captures PTA’s rendition of Roxy Music’s “Remake Remodel.” Core members include Todd Barker (saxophone, backing vocals); Dave Fleminger (guitar, backing vocals); Paul Howland (bass); Hannes Kling (keyboards, backing vocals); and Matthew Rothenberg (vocals).
Besides Tommy Clarke, special guests include Jim Call (theremin); Wendell Kling (electric washboard); and Craig Packham (drums).
Stay tuned for more fab musical moments from The Wrecktangle and Jerry Cornelius‘ Cooler Heads!
Named for notable shows they staged at UC San Diego’s Che Café — but active across the region — the bands of the Che Underground brought together artists steeped in punk, psychedelia, garage and more. Throwing their influences into a high-speed blender, bands like The Answers, Hair Theatre, Noise 292, The Rockin’ Dogs, The Tell-Tale Hearts and the original SD Wallflowers provided a soundtrack for Southern California youth culture of the early 1980s.
I just watch this again. Well, three more times, really! This was a fantastic, over the top climax for a set! We were so crowded, that I really appreciate the views afforded by the video. The whole team are amazing players, and the song selection perfect.
Knowing you guys were doing this one, kept a Roxy tune off my suggestions for The Cooler Heads, and reliving this, it was a wise choice, for I’d only have unfavorable comparison, had we gone for Ladytron or Beauty Queen.
I also have to admit, In an attempt towards some kind of showmanship, I was being coy for the leap-night show, and not wanting to over-expose myself in the Riviera, before going on the stage. As a consequence, I missed out on much of the P-Touch All Stars from my usual up front placement.
Bravo on this! Thanks for putting out so much ENERGY!