The Mosswood Meltdown festival in North Oakland was electrified by a dynamic performance from Shannon and the Clams, who opened their set with the audience favorite, “You Will Always Bring Me Flowers.”
Shannon Shaw, the band’s frontwoman, took a moment to reflect on her roots, revealing to the crowd that she had penned much of the song in her own driveway on Clarke Street.
Despite their established reputation as Oakland punk-doo-wop royalty, as host John Waters described them, this year marked the band’s debut at the annual festival, a staple in the local music scene.
Previously called Burger Boogaloo, Mosswood Meltdown transformed the titular park into a vibrant hub of local talent and culinary delights, catering to punk enthusiasts everywhere.
This year’s lineup, particularly on Sunday, felt like a homecoming for many in attendance, including rapper Kreayshawn, who made a triumphant return to the stage after a decade-long absence, along with notables like Twompsax and writer-musician Brontez Purnell, who made an appearance with Bratmobile.
The festival also represented the East Bay music scene’s rich history, featuring booths from iconic local vendors and institutions such as 924 Gilman and Down at Lulu’s, alongside a special beer created by Alameda’s Faction Brewing, the “Punk Flamingo” lager.
Many attendees embraced the community spirit, arriving from nearby neighborhoods, including Allisson Gothz, a drag performer who dressed in a pink leopard print sweater to honor local legend John Waters, expressing their excitement at returning for the eighth time.
There was an impressive mix of attendees, from locals to those who traveled far and wide, including fans from Alaska, Vancouver, and Los Angeles.
In a humorous take, Waters encouraged the crowd, saying, “Punks do recruit. Join us, Taylor Swift, and get a mohawk!” in a lighthearted call to embrace the punk spirit.
The festival boasted two notable headliners: the iconic band Devo played on Saturday, showcasing their influential sound, while the pioneering riot grrrl band Bratmobile closed out the festival on Sunday.
One attendee, Margarita Popova, shared her experiences reminiscing about shows she hosted in the late 70s and early 80s through Shark Productions, recalling how punk was still in its infancy, with performers like Iggy Pop and the Dead Kennedys being paid minimal fees.
“I remember people would drive by and yell Devo, Devo, Devo at us,” Popova remarked, reflecting on the early days of punk.
Among the crowd was young James D., just 12 years old, attending the festival with his parents. He expressed a sense of belonging as a new generation discovering punk music through his father, Adam D., the lead vocalist of ska-punk band Omnigone.
“This is my first festival, but I’ve been going to shows forever-forever,” James explained, as both his parents enthusiastically shared their love for Mosswood Meltdown, praising its accessibility in the heart of Oakland.
While Kreayshawn may seem like a departure from the raw punk sound dominating the festival, her performance resonated with the spirit of reclaiming identity and performing on her own terms.
Her song “Missing Kitty” connected with the crowd, reminding attendees of the inherent punk ethos of reemergence and authenticity.
“I’m gonna crash out, there’s so many people here,” Kreayshawn said playfully, but her performance commanded the audience’s attention, drawing them in with infectious energy.
The crowd thrived on nostalgia and camaraderie, singing along with her mega-hit “Gucci Gucci” and celebrating the shared memories her music conjured, even as a Hello Kitty mascot joined her on stage.
In addition to her musical roots, Kreayshawn highlighted her connection to the local punk scene by sharing that her mother was part of the 90s band The Trashwomen, making her performance a familial homage.
Throughout the festival, many artists used their platforms to speak on important social issues, making political statements from the stage.
Kreayshawn altered a line from her hit: “I’m lookin’ like Madonna, but I’m flossing like I wanna free Palestine,” integrating activism into her performance.
Similarly, Cher Strauberry of Twompsax passionately declared, “Revolt for all our dead transpeople,” during her set, urging the audience to fight back against injustice.
John Waters also preached the power of punk to confront authoritarianism, stating, “We’re defiant in the face of semi-approved demi-gods.” His comedy intertwined with social commentary struck a chord with festival-goers.
This year’s festival saw some changes, as the event was more compact than in previous years due to constructions around the Mosswood Community Center. Some attendees felt the adjustments made the festival feel crowded, while others appreciated the unity that came with a single stage format.
Overall, the Moswood Meltdown was an intimate gathering that celebrated the local community, emphasized a shared cultural lineage, and showcased the resilience and vibrancy of punk culture in Oakland, leaving attendees to connect with one another in both spirit and style.
By the close of the weekend, it seemed festival-goers were even beginning to mirror each other, with Pony Studios offering free bangs as a nod to the ever-evolving punk aesthetic.
image source from：oaklandside
