The Untouchables

Written by Jim the Realtor

March 5, 2014

These guys can probably claim to have played every venue in the state, including CSU Fullerton around 1982. From wiki:

The Untouchables are a soul/mod revival band from the Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California area. Described by original lead singer Kevin Long as “mods who played ska music,” The Untouchables are credited with being America’s first ska band.

They formed in 1981 as part of the embryonic L.A. mod revival, after being inspired by the ska revival/punk rock band The Boxboys. Since some couldn’t play instruments, they either hastily learned, or became vocalists.

After a shaky start playing at parties, the integrated septet were eventually booked at the O.N. Klub (known as the On to regulars). The band had guaranteed the club that they would pack the venue, and they did not disappoint. In middle of that year, they released their first (ska-styled) 7″ single, copies of which were snapped up by local mods. Late in 1982, the band began a stint as the house band at the Roxy Theatre.

Their second single, “The General,” became a minor local hit, despite poor distribution. The band performed “The General” in the 1984 comedy The Party Animal, and they appeared as a scooter gang in the movie Repo Man. In early 1984, they were signed to Stiff Records. Concerts with The B-52’s, Black Uhuru, Bow Wow Wow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, No Doubt and X all over California gave the group a disparate following of whites, blacks, mods, punks, surfers and rockabilly fans, with the local performances drawing up to 1,500 people. The band also appeared in the 1984 film Surf II, performing “Dance Beat”, and 1987’s No Man’s Land, performing “What’s Gone Wrong”.

3 Comments

  1. Just some guy

    City Gent is my favorite tune.

    great band. I saw them at show along with Fishbone. Although I can’t remember who opened for whom?

  2. 97212

    I will have to dig out my La Cumbre year books (UCSB), but I am pretty sure they played Isla Vista back in the late 80s.

    JtR: Keep up the informative work. I personally do not believe these price levels can be sustained even with international buyers, but I am more curious how someone of Kayla’s generation views their housing future?

  3. josh

    nice one, Jim…

Klinge Realty Group - Compass

Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group

Are you looking for an experienced agent to help you buy or sell a home?

Contact Jim the Realtor!

CA DRE #01527365CA DRE #00873197

Pin It on Pinterest