The Joneses formed in Anaheim, Orange County, in 1981 and, while they remain something of a cult band, those that are familiar hold them in peculiar reverence. They balanced on the line separating hair metal and punk rock, resulting in them being tagged the West Coast version of Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers. Still now, you can find them on compilation albums focussing specifically on both of those genres.
Jeff Drake was and is the main man, a fast and loose frontman that, at one point lead the Joneses to the brink of Guns N' Roses-esque stardom. In the end, they had to settle for Axl & co's notoriety. Substance issues, legal battles, name changes -- the Joneses had it all.
But here we are in 2024 and Drake (Jeff, not the rapper) is still leading a Joneses lineup that competently and professionally performs the old numbers. The old fire and fury might not be as overt as it once was, but "Miss 714" (from the Keeping Up With album) and "She's So Filthy" still generate some of the old fire.
This show at Alex's Bar in Long Beach saw an impressive array of openers -- The Hellers, 20th Century Boys, and the Legendary Swagger -- while, just before the Joneses took to the stage, we were treated to a juggler wandering amongst the crowd. It all added to the general carnival bonhomie.
The Joneses have still got it.
