Celebrating SPOT’s Legacy: Under-Dog Town Benefit Concert
– In every historic music scene, there are pivotal figures who define and personify their era. Glenn Michael Lockett, known as SPOT, was one such figure in the South Bay during the 1970s and early 1980s. SPOT’s passing on , left an irreplaceable void in the community.
As an accomplished producer and engineer, SPOT worked on legendary albums such as Black Flag’s “Damaged”, “My War”, “Jealous Again”, Minutemen’s “The Punch Line” and “What Makes A Man Start Fires”, Hüsker Dü’s “Zen Arcade”, and Descendents’ “Milo Goes To College”. Serving as the in-house producer for SST Records from 1979 to 1985, he played a crucial role in over 100 albums, many of which were produced at his Media Arts studio in Hermosa Beach. SPOT’s significant contribution to music history has been recognized in national publications such as The New York Times and Rolling Stone.
SPOT was not only an influential music producer but also an active writer, contributing record reviews to the South Bay’s ‘Easy Reader’. Additionally, as a published photographer, his book “Sounds of Two Eyes Opening” offers an incredible glimpse into life on The Strand during the vibrant punk era. Capturing the essence of the times, he was often seen roller skating down The Strand, photographing punk bands in their rehearsal spaces, and documenting the scenes of Hermosa and Redondo Beach with a unique insider’s perspective.
SPOT’s photography, which vividly highlights the culture of the era, is represented by the Pacific Coast Gallery and Matt Welch, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of music and photographic history.
SPOT’s departure from this world on , at the age of 71, was marked by several memorials from those who loved and appreciated his immense contribution to music. Notably, a gathering of original SST Records artists occurred where they paid homage by spreading his ashes into the ocean.
The idea of a live concert event to celebrate SPOT’s legacy soon took shape, with artists he worked with or inspired coming together for the cause. Matt Welch and Dez Cadena, the ex-Black Flag icon, were instrumental in spearheading this event. The concert aimed to raise funds for SPOT’s charity, dedicated to supporting music education in South Bay schools. Saint Rocke, a venue with its own rich history, was chosen to host this special event, commemorating SPOT’s lasting impact on the music scene.
The lineup for “Under-Dog Town” boasted an impressive array of artists, reflecting the rich musical heritage SPOT helped foster. Lockjaw, featuring George Hurley of Minutemen and Firehose, alongside their sister band The Wrinkling Brothers, set the tone for the event. Joining them were the influential Saccharine Trust, the iconic The Last, and Dondo, the latest project from Dez Cadena.
Highlighting the event was the debut live performance by Happy Universe, a group featuring Elmo and Chris Kirkwood and Derrick Bostrom of the legendary Meat Puppets. This ensemble underscored the evening’s theme of celebrating SPOT’s enduring influence on the punk and alternative rock scenes.
Each artist at the “Under-Dog Town” event delivered passionate performances of their catalogs, allowing the audience to immerse in a collective experience that underscored their significant contributions to music history. The event was not only a celebration of art but also a successful fundraiser, generating $1000 for the local elementary school music program in Hermosa Beach. Notable attendees included Keith Morris, the frontman of Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and OFF!, who paid homage to an essential member of the music community.
Special recognition goes to Dez Cadena and Matt Welch of the Pacific Coast Gallery for their invaluable contributions in organizing this memorable event. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the music community together for a noble cause.
