YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE DRUNK TO BE PUNK AT PUNK ROCK BOWLING
Nate at PRB-All Photos by @dickslaughter.com
When I cover a big recurring festival, I like to interview repeat attendees if possible—someone who pays for their ticket and is a real fan of the bands, because that's the best way to get the real lowdown. I immediately thought of Nate when considering a fan to spotlight for the Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival. He is a repeat attendee of PRB, a Las Vegas resident, a working man, a true punk rocker, and an all-around nice guy. He is a popular guy around PRB with a distinctive look and charm, and a great sense of humor. He also makes an effort to encourage other punks to start on the road to recovery from substance abuse.
Dick: Please introduce yourself: tell us where you live and what you do.
Nate: My name is Nathan Newell, Jr. and I’m from North Las Vegas, Nevada. I work as a custodian at North Las Vegas City Hall. I have been doing that for a while.
Dick: How many times have you been to Punk Rock Bowling?
Nate: I’ve been to Punk Rock Bowling six times; this will be my seventh time this Weekend.
Dick: Do you have a favorite set from Punk Rock Bowling?
Nate: Well, Devo is my favorite band so definitely Devo and also the Descendents every time.
Dick: Both are playing this year.
Nate: Yeah, I can’t wait.
DEVO at Punk Rock Bowling, All Photo by @dickslaughter.com
Dick: Are you in a band?
Nate: I’ve been in a band, but not right now. I’m actually looking for a band to play with.
Dick: What do you play?
Nate: I play bass.
The Descendents at Rams Head Live, Baltimore-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Dick: Is there anything you don’t like about PRB?
Nate: I love Punk Rock Bowling. Sometimes during the day, it gets too hot, but I just kick back in the shade, drink some water, and listen to the band to cool off. Then I get back in the circle pit. I mean, there's really nothing I don't like. Everyone is cool, and there are so many bands. I’m going to go every year.
Dick: Are you going to go to any club shows?
Nate: Yes. Agnostic Front on Friday and Lower Class Brats with Starving Wolf and the Rumkicks on Sunday. The Rumkicks is an all-girl punk band from Seoul, South Korea.
The Rumkicks at Rebellion-All Photos by @dickslaughter.com
Dick: What band is at the top of your must-see list this year?
Nate: I’m going to say Devo again because Devo is just the best band ever.
Dick: What band do you hope they bring to PRB next year? The answer should be the motherfucking Mummies, but you can say whatever you want.
Nate: For next year’s PRB, I want to see FLAG.
Dick: Is there a big punk scene in Vegas?
Nate: Well, we have street punks and skinheads, and it seems like the are some goths around; I’ve seen them, and there are also the scene kids that come around. You’ll see them all at punk rock bowling.
Dick: Do you have a favorite record store in Vegas?
Nate: Yes, 11th Street records in Downtown Vegas.
Dick: Have you been to the Punk Rock Museum?
Nate: Oh yes, I’ve been there twice: the first time on New Year’s Eve and then again for the one year anniversary. I got to meet Fat Mike, and he told a lot of funny stories. It was a great night.
Dick: You often post about your journey to sobriety. How long have you been sober?
Nate: It’s been three years. I’m doing really well, I’ve been working out, drinking a lot of water, tea with no sugar, and just trying to stay on the path. It’s been a long journey, and I’m lucky to have good friends who support me and that I can talk to. I also go to a punk rock recovery group.
Dick: I was going to ask if you were in a group or if you did it on your own.
Nate: At first, I did it on my own with the help of a few friends. As things went on, I decided it was a good idea to attend the punk rock recovery group. We support each other, and there is a group of us at PRB so people can have meetings if they want.
Nate at PRB-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Dick. Are there a lot of sober punks in Vegas?
Nate: Yes, there are a lot, but it’s good to have that support. The thing about getting sober is that as you feel better, you can start eating good food, and your body will feel better. I’m so glad I decided it was time to get sober. And I find that people like me a lot better when I’m sober. I have great friends who really encourage me, and if posting about getting sober can help someone else think about giving up drinking, drugs or smoking, that would be awesome
Nate at PRB-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Dick: Is there anything you would like to add?
Nate. Just so you know, if you are looking for me this weekend, I’ll have a yellow mohawk.
Weekend passes and some club tickets are still available, but they are selling out fast.
PUNKROCKBOWLING.com
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