The Lawrence Arms in Stockton!

What better way to start the string of Lawrence Arms shows than with what was a last minute addition to the tour that took place in a small room at the Plea for Peace center in Stockton, California.

(Brendan Kelly rocking the Bass and Vocals)

This wasn't like the other shows on the tour. Working their way up the west coast, the Lawrence Arms, had seen their fare share of big venues with big Stages, sound systems and class A security. But in a venue that wasn't there to turn a profit, the band and fans had nothing to loose.

(Neil Hennessey plays drums for the Lawrence Arms)

The set started as drummer, Neil Hennessy, took the stage to the music of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck." After receiving a loud cheer and heavy clap from the audience Neil busted into what can only be described as the signature Lawrence Arms beat that made the band what they are today. A short minute later, Neil was joined by the rest of the Arms, Brendan Kelly(Bass/vocals) and Chris McCaughin(guitar/vocals). keeping the beat, Neil counted one.. two.. one, two, three, four! and the band was off, playing "Cut it up" from the bands 2006 album "Oh! Calcutta!"

(Chris McCaughin singing and playing guitar)

The show went on for an extended amount of time. Chris and Brendan split the vocal duties, keeping it to almost a fifty-fifty ratio. Requests for classics such as "the Rambling Boys of Pleasure" and "Brickwall Views" were made and played and the band stopped at no expense to make sure every single fan in that room was satisfied. Never in my life have I seen so much fan dedication towards one band.

After the band played for well over an hour everyone knew the end was near. The Arms put down their instruments and attempted to leave the stage. luckily everyone was packed in such a small space that the only way out would of been for the band to walk through a thick endless sea of demanding punk rockers! needless to say the band played one more song finishing up the set with "Like a Record Player," a song about friendship, love and bonding that pretty much summed up the night.

The thing that made this show so great was the DIY attitude that was put forth by the people who put the show on at the Plea for Peace center. They weren't their to make money or take advantage of people. In return, all they wanted was the chance to see some great bands and meet new people. If there was one thing to take home about the night, it's that DIY attitude and positive social activism is what makes the world a great place, and when things end up being done for joy instead of greed it rubs off on others reflecting towards the rest of the world.