News Summary
Huntsville, Alabama, is set for a nostalgia trip as The Knockabouts, the city’s first hardcore punk band, announces a reunion show and the release of a compilation album ‘Angry Young Men.’ Consisting of 30 tracks recorded from their original sessions and rehearsals, the album highlights the band’s legacy and raw energy since their last performance in 1986. The show will take place at the Brewers Cooperative, allowing fans to enjoy live performances of memorable tracks and purchase a limited edition album.
Huntsville Announces Reunion Show and Compilation Album Release for The Knockabouts
Huntsville, Alabama, is set to celebrate the legacy of its first hardcore punk band, The Knockabouts, with an upcoming reunion show and the release of a new compilation album titled “Angry Young Men.” This much-anticipated album will feature all 15 tracks recorded during the band’s original session at Sound Cell studio in 1983, alongside another 15 tracks that capture the band’s raw energy through rehearsal recordings.
The reunion concert will take place on May 17 at the Brewers Cooperative, marking the first show for The Knockabouts since 1986. Audience members will have the opportunity to hear live performances of the band’s notable tracks, as well as purchase a limited pressing of the “Angry Young Men” album.
Background of The Knockabouts
Formed in the early 1980s, The Knockabouts gained recognition for their contributions to the hardcore punk scene in Alabama. Their music style is categorized as hardcore punk, an intensified version of traditional punk rock, heavily influenced by other notable bands such as Bad Brains, Black Flag, and Dead Kennedys. The band’s original lineup—consisting of Donnie Sharp on vocals, Rusty Jackson on guitar, Steve Tallyn on bass, and Greg Skalka on drums—formed the foundation of their early sound.
The Knockabouts made a significant impact on the local music scene, inspiring future generations of musicians. They played their first show in a neighborhood basement, covering songs by iconic punk bands like the Ramones and Sex Pistols. Over the years, their lineup changed, introducing members Randy Sanders, Steve Richmond, and Jeff Keagle.
Musical Contributions and Legacy
In 1983, The Knockabouts recorded a session at Sound Cell studio that yielded 15 original songs, including “Where’s My Vietnam?” which was later included in the compilation album “Barricaded Suspects”, released by Toxic Shock. They also self-released a cassette titled “On Suffering Remembered”, which featured eight tracks from the same recording sessions. This cassette was later reissued on seven-inch vinyl by Prank Records in the 1990s.
The upcoming album, “Angry Young Men,” represents a significant endeavor for the band, compiling their works for the first time in one complete collection. Fans can look forward to hearing tracks that were recorded on a boombox during the band’s rehearsal sessions, which Sharp believes sound more authentic to their original style. To ensure quality, Mike Kilpatrick, a fellow musician, digitally cleaned up these recordings for the vinyl release.
Influences and Community Impact
Sharp has stated that his vocal inspirations came from Exene Cervenka of the punk band X, further emphasizing the band’s deep roots in the genre. Additional content included in the album’s booklet will feature historical photos and contributions from other band members, providing context to the rich history of The Knockabouts and their influence on future artists. Their impact is still felt today, as modern local bands like Property and Heel Turn cite The Knockabouts as an inspirational force.
Ongoing Relevance and Future Prospects
The Knockabouts were featured in Kerrang’s “United States of Punk” back in 2018, showcasing their continued relevance within the punk rock community, both in Alabama and beyond. With Sharp and Jackson still residing in Huntsville, while Skalka and Tallyn are based in Austin and Nashville respectively, the reunion concert signifies not just a return to the stage but also a celebration of an enduring punk tradition.
The upcoming reunion show and the release of “Angry Young Men” serve as a compelling reminder of hardcore punk’s lasting influence and the importance of youth engagement in the genre, a sentiment that resonates deeply with both past and present fans of The Knockabouts.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville Locally Iconic 80s Band
- Wikipedia: Punk Rock
- AL.com: Alabama’s First Punk Rock Band
- Google Search: Huntsville punk rock history
- AL.com: Huntsville Local Rock Legend’s New Guitarist
- Google Scholar: Hardcore punk bands in Alabama
- AL.com: Huntsville Music Hall of Fame
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Punk Music
- AL.com: Huntsville News
- Google News: Huntsville music scene
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
