The Business in Pomona, CA!

 
March 1st
Arriving at Characters in Pomona, I heard the sounds of music playing loud and clear. It was Killroy finishing their set. The sound was fast, raw, and exciting. You could hear the cheers coming from the other side of the gate.

I entered the bar, to my surprise, there was no sound of outside music. It was convenient for those who were there to just enjoy a Thursday night playing pool and have a couple drinks. As I entered the back, I arrived at the door leading to the performance area. It was this open patio-type area. Had a few heat lamps.spread around.

Once out here, CH3 was ready to perform. Mike, the lead singer, was ready to have a good time. At the beginning he was constantly joking to the owner of Characters to give them beer, or they wouldn't play any good songs. As soon as they started playing, the crowd got into it by dancing and moshing (depending on the songs they played.) They started with a fast pace song. Halfway through the set, they dedicated a song or two to a fan's 21st birthday! He was cheering, having a good time and enjoying his song. They finished their set with a fast pace song. It was an enjoyable and fun set.

Up next was Downtown Struts. They did not have a big following compared to CH3. They started playing and a few people got into the music. Others just paid attention to their phones. Most of the set was average. There wasn't much stage presence, and a few of their songs sounded similar. It was an average performance, but still a good listen.

Before The Business came out to play, the entire room filled. The heat lamps by the center of the room where moved away. The owner and sound tech told the crowd to have a good time and be safe.

Then The Business started playing! The crowd immediately was filled with ecstasy. Everyone was filled with smiles and excitement. A wave of people jumping up and down. Everyone was singing along. The pit was never ending. The band was constantly smiling, and having a great time. Their strange presence was amazing, constant movement and constantly pumping the crowd.

When they played Harry May, the crowd went more nuts. Micky would sing "What's his name?!" The crowd would follow "Harry May!" What's his name?" Harry May" Harry, Harry, Harry May!"

You could hear the entire room singing along with other amazing songs that contain great choruses such as; "Oi! Oi! Oi! The chosen few, this is what we think of you." Smash the discos, smash them up!"

They played lots of favorites and famous songs that they're known for such as; Harry May, Suburban Rebels, Southgate (Euro 96),The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth, Smash the Discos, and Drinking and Driving.

There were some people hanging outside that could not enter, because they were underage. They were still able to hear the Business play and enjoy the music. Also, catch a glimpse of them performing.

As they were concluding the show, Micky asked if everyone's been drinking! He continued, "Then this song is for you, but be safe when you go home." They ended with "Drinking and Driving." Great song to conclude the evening, and couldn't be more applicable due to the show being at a bar.

The crowd was still filled with energy to sing along, mosh, and jump up and down. The entire room was filled that the stage was often filled with people along with the band. Everyone filled with smiles and excitement. All of them were singing along "Knock it back, Have another one, Drinking and driving it's so much fun!"

It was great to see The Business back in the U.S. It's been a couple years, since they were here. After years of being together they still showed us that this Oi! punk band still has it and will continue to rock. Great performance, great atmosphere, and amazing venue.

Characters Sports Bar was a great venue. The bouncers weren't hostile and were more friendly than expected. If someone was getting out of hand, they would warn them but not harass them. The sound tech person was having a good time, and enjoying the music. It sucks that there is an age limit, but since the stage area is outside... you could see glimpses of the band and most importantly hear the music!

Photos will be posted in the next few days.

Meanwhile enjoy this video of "Blind Justice."