Almost 30 years since the release of their seminal album, Hardcore ‘81, DOA and their charismatic frontman, Joey Keithley, were the hardcore punk voice for Canada during the hardcore heyday in the early 80’s. It would seem so fitting to have them play the after-party on a night celebrating art, tattoos, film and music organized by the multifaceted Sailor Jerry Presents, in Toronto on August 5th.The night began at with a screening of Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry – a full length documentary chronicling the life of legendary tattoo artist Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins followed by an intimate, full throttle performance by DOA across town.
What DOA has, and what most hardcore bands don’t, is longevity – the band has never compromised their sound in a career spanning more than 30 years. It is this loyalty to their roots that has kept, and gained many diehard fans glued to the band’s every move.
Keithley and co. smashed through staples from Hardcore ‘81 while slipping in rockers off their new album, Talk Minus Action = Zero, their fourteenth studio album (even throwing in a Subhuman’s cover for good measure). Keithley still kicks higher then Eddie Van Halen or Pete Towsend ever did, entertaining the crowd by playing his guitar with his teeth and encouraging them to enjoy the Sailor Jerry brand rum, which was complementary of course. All in all it was a complete night entirely in the spirit of Norman Collins and in celebration of a budding alternative culture.
Published by Sailor Jerry's Presents
