The Atomic Punks at Fake Fest 2 - May 11, 2002
Post-Gazette Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA  

Pittsburghers may not be blessed with a local date for the touring union of Van Halen vocalists Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth, but they were able to catch the best tribute to early Van Halen around. The Atomic Punks made their Pittsburgh debut during the 2^nd Annual FakeFest at the Post Gazette Pavilion, performing mainstage in front of a surprisingly large and lively crowd (considering that it was the venue’s opening weekend and the rain never let up).

With David Lee Roth heading off with yet another Punks guitarist (first Bart Walsh, now Brian Young), Russ Parrish (Fight, War&Peace, Metal Shop), has taken over the stage persona of Edward Van Halen and he’s got the feathered wig and the hammer-on chops to prove it.  Leading the band with the platinum look, dynamic personality, and all the right moves is Ralph "Diamond Dave" Saenz (Metal Shop, L.A. Guns), and manning the rhythm section are Scott “Alex” Patterson on drums and Joe “Michael” Lester on bass.

Paying tribute to the only era of Van Halen worthy of such praise, the Los Angeles bred Atomic Punks invited fans to dance and scream the night away as the hit the stage and rocked the house at about 8:40 p.m.  Known for performing many of the same sets that were actually performed by early Van Halen and including ample representations from albums like Women and Children First, Van Halen, and 1984, the Punks left no room for disappointment.

This particular set included radio and video favorites like “Ain’t Talkin ‘bout Love,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Panama,” as well as more obscure crowd pleasers like “Ice Cream Man,” “Take Your Whiskey Home,” and “Dance the Night Away.”

The Atomic Punks will continue on with additional Fake Fest tour dates this summer, as well as local performances around Los Angeles and the regional club circuit.  A complete calendar of upcoming shows and additional information about the band can be found on their official Web site at www.theatomicpunks.com. 

 

Also be sure to check out our most recent interview with Punks vocalist Ralph Saenz:  If you enjoyed the Discover Card “Danger Kitty” commercials, your love this Q&A session.

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