The Implosions, Toe Tag, Rhythm Ace and the Nu Tones at Red Dwarf Friday September 4, 2026

Of course I try to see our friends the Implosions whenever I can and with this gig landing on guitarist Dave Post's birthday, I had to make the effort, despite it being quite a week for me for many reasons.

Knowing that the Imps were opening the night, I got to the Red Dwarf early for pizza and drinks and discovered a fairly packed house right from the start, and more people continued to show up as it went along. Plenty of friends'n'fans showed up to support and to wish Dave a happy day, and the band received an enthusiastic response to their rockin' set of Las Vegas-themed garage/punk/what-have-you tunes. They surprised Dave by switching instruments and handing out placards with Dave's face on it, then gave him a party hat and made him sing his own self-penned birthday song! Everyone joined in, and then helped out with their tune about cashing out and rocked appropriately for the closer about playing the ponies! Great start of the night!

SoCal's Toe Tag was new to me (although the Imps have played with them on their home turf before) but was a pleasant r'n'r surprise of hip 70's styled punk'n'roll that kinda reminded me a little of bands like the Humpers as they covered the Dicks, the Pleasure Seekers ("What a Way to Die"), and even Charles Manson! The lead guitarist also plays in the more 60's styled garage combo the Wyld Goons (who have backed up Ray Brandes from the Tell Tale Hearts at times), while the rhythm guitarist was sporting a Voodoo Records t-shirt (and is a fan of the Rev) so they definitely have a variety of influences that combine for their own sound. Really enjoyed them, but somehow managed to not pick up any of their merch - next time!

Vegas' own Rhythm Ace and the Nu-Tones closed out the night with their wild mix of rockabilly, garage and even weirdness like Suicide peaking out now'n'again. A three piece with guitar, vintage organ (and theremin) along with live drums, they blast out plenty of noise (always a good thing in my book) with cool songs and a healthy dose of uncontrolled mayhem. They have had a few different lineups at different times (the core being the font duo Jeremiah and Lindsay), but this was particularly cool set and a fab ending to the night!

Big thanks to Red Dwarf for hosting yet another hip, happenin' night of good time rock'n'roll!

(And be sure to see the Implosions and Rhythm Ace at the Double Down on Halloween night with our own Roky Erickson tribute band, the Evil Ones!)