X / Rollins Band

Fronted by feminist hero Exene Cervenka, X have been playing their own style of shaky punk rock since the late '70s. While their lyrics describe horrors such as rape, abuse and Los Angeles, their surprisingly thick and melodic song structures are ripe with riffs that honor our rock & roll daddy, Chuck Berry. Henry Rollins will take a break from his main gig as witty cultural commentator to once again lead the Rollins Band in displays of sweating, gritty speed-rock. Don't let his new status as a man of words and wisdom fool you, though — on stage he's still the same blasting force we first encountered in Black Flag. Get to the east side early to catch Texas' the Riverboat Gamblers and The Lou's own 7 Shot Screamers.