Much has been written about the origins of punk rock music in Los Angeles, but perhaps lost in the footnote of history is a place called Oki Dog, a fast-food restaurant that was located on Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of what was hardcore Hollywood.
In the late 70s, early 80s, it was the place to be and be seen in Los Angeles, especially if you were into the punk rock movement. Seminal SoCal punk bands hung out there regularly, including members of The Germs, The Circle Jerks, Suicidal Tendancies, Bad Religion and others.
Greg Graffin, lead singer Bad Religion, wrote about Oki Dog in his 2010 Book, “Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science and Bad Religion in a World Without God”:
“Oki Dog was the center of our misfit universe, said Pete Finestone, former drummer of Bad Religion (who also happens to be my husband). “It was a place where you could meet and talk to other people and find out you weren’t alone in your feelings of being the outsider… the freak.”
Creativity fuels the soul. When we’re creative, time stands still, the mind explodes with wonder and ideas, and passion exudes from every pore. Bottom line, the world is a mad, mad, place.
Very few creative types are truly originals, even fewer are perhaps what you would consider successful, but one thing all creative people share is passion for their art.
And this brings me to rock icon, Courtney Love, who recently debuted a new fashion line she calls, “Never the Bride”. Love first tweeted photos of her clothes back in October. Since then, it’s made headlines in various online publications like Huffington Post, The Hollywood Reporter, and the Daily Mail.
But one thing that hasn’t been discussed in these articles is the back story to the story. And it involves an award winning Austin, Texas based fashion designer, named Dawn Younger-Smith, aka “Boudoir Queen”. For a short time, Dawn designed and sold clothes to Courtney Love. They were also involved in a very public defamation lawsuit- one that Love lost.
Dawn is an old friend of my husband’s….
READ MORE HERE on WWW.PURDYMUCH.COM
The scene: Ventura, California
The Venue: The Beach
The Event: ”Surf Rodeo”
What’s a Surf Rodeo? Well, I’m told it involves surfers wearing cowboy hats and bands rocking out on a stage at the beach. For years, it was a must see annual, weekend event in beautiful Ventura, California.
My husband’s friend John Drury is bringing back the “Surf Rodeo” next year with the help of “Roadshow Revival” productions (the team behind the Johnny Cash Music Festival).
But to get folks hyped up now, they held a “mini rodeo” on the beach in Ventura over the weekend.
Amazing venue to listen to music and boogie a little too. Pefect setting to catch the honky-tonk punk band “Jackass”.
Look closer- that’s my hubs banging on the drum kit. And yup, that’s my wee one playing his bongo on stage. Total family affair.
Some of the sights and sounds from vendors who setup on the boardwalk.
You didn’t have too look too far to find the real deal. This lil’ guy was on the swing next to my kid. Odd, but cute.
I’m sure we’ll be up here next year- COWBOY UP!
An amazing and rare date night with my husband. We saw the one and only NEIL DIAMOND-at this historic Greek Theater in Los Angeles last night. 
But this wasn’t just any Neil Diamond concert— it was his final gig celebrating the 40th anniversary of his legendary album “Hot August Night”. 
A special thanks to our friend Mark who helped us score tickets to this sold out show.
We arrived about 30 minutes early and decided to walk around, check out the sites.
I’ve seen Neil three other times— and it’s always fun to people watch at his concerts.
We made it to our seats— time for a photo op.
And then the people watching continued. You just never know who you are going to see at a concert in Los Angeles….
Look closer, that’s comedian David Spade. Who knew he was a Diamond fan?
Finally… the main event. Not too shabby- 17 rows back.
The view behind us. There were no “Tree People” this time around, but ain’t the Greek gorgeous?
Neil Diamond is killer- 71 years old and one of the best showman I’ve ever seen.
1) Trying too hard: For the record, Pocahontas is the only one who ever rocked this look.
2) Arriving at the concert on your G6:
3) And finally, The end is near:
Dear Anonymous,
I got home last night from work to find your mail in our mail box. You obviously took the time to track down my husband to our home address, but unfortunately you didn’t leave a return address (or give your name). So hence, the blog post.
I want to thank you for the encouraging words. However, you should know that Jesus has loved Pete for 40+ years, even during his time in “Bad Religion”.
God Bless,
Pete’s Wife
