Punk rock’s swan song at Nate’s Place

For a period of at least six months the home of punk rock in Greensboro has been a little bar on Spring Garden Street called Nate’s Place. Four televisions are going, two of them dedicated to sports and two to political satire. Domestic beers cost less than two dollars and a grill turns out greasy comfort food. To get to the bathroom, you’ll need to squeeze around the guitar player.

Only thing is Nate’s Place won’t be showcasing punk-rock bands anymore. Last night, with a four-way ticket featuring the Nondenoms, Social Life and War Elephant — all Greensboro bands — and Virginia Beach’s Averman — was it. The suspension is a consequence of what Nondenoms singer and guitar player Brian “KiD” Goldstein describes as “some excessive behavior by fans (guns being waved around, toilets ripped out from the ground, scuffles being started…).”


The Nondenoms


Social Life


Untitled from Jordan Green on Vimeo.
Averman


War Elephant at Nate's Place from Jordan Green on Vimeo.

Many of the musicians have expressed gratitude to the venue management, and they clearly hope that by pitching in they’ll redeem the bad behavior of some fans, and earn an invitation to return at some indefinite point. They hold particular affection for bartender Tom Collins.

“Tommy’s a great guy; he’s the best bartender,” said Bucky Cornwell, drummer for Queen Anne’s Revenge. “I’m going to stay here and clean up after the show, anything we can do…. I’m just doing this for good graces with Tommy. I heard he stayed up ’til 6 a.m. on Wednesday cleaning up.”

Goldstein adds, “Tommy said, if anybody gets out of line, tell them to cut it out…. Hopefully things will go well and they’ll have us back. He said, ‘For now, it’s just too much hassle.'”

There was a time when punk was somewhat synonymous with indie rock. That’s no longer the case. Punk, as played in local scenes, is loud and passionate; it’s players and fans exhibit a bold fashion sense. You won’t find much of the irony and experimentation that characterizes indie rock at a punk show. The songs at a punk show are often about getting drunk and trying (not usually successfully) to get laid. Classic themes of rock and roll.

The cultural vibe is white working-class, but last night I saw a healthy representation of African Americans and Arabs in the crowd. Misfits, outcasts and revelers all.