Grave Matter

There used to be a problem with punk rockers not respecting their elders. But for one of the finest punker outfits in the state, it’s no problem–they don’t have any elders.

One Foot in the Grave surely must be the greatest punk band ever to emerge from a retirement community. Songwriter Gavan Weiser cranks out frenetic, catchy tunes with lyrics concerning such standard punk themes as menopause, soft stools, the thrill of golfcart driving and–naturally–life in the ‘hood: Sun City.

Here are some sample lyrics, to the song “Menopause”:
Say hello to life’s frustration
Say goodbye to my menstruation
I never had an education
Like menopuase, menopause, menopause. . . .
Hit my son during my hot flash
For pointing out my new moustache
The house is a wreck and I don’t care
I just sit around in men’s underwear. . . .

Vocalist JoDina, who composed this verse in collaboration with Joey Scazzola (her son) and Ron Morey, sings the lyrics perfectly in her flat, obnoxious bray, when she’s not busy stage-diving. But the geriatric band members and the subject matter of the songs make it easy to overlook one factor: One Foot in the Grave is a great punk band, and should never be written off as a novelty.

Despite two albums and a loyal audience in Europe, they’ve been pretty much ignored locally. This might be partly their own doing; they rarely perform live in Arizona. A welcome exception is Sunday, November 15, when, as a warm-up for their latest European tour, they play Joe’s Grotto.

Bring your grandma, and start a mosh pit when One Foot in the Grave plays its anthem “Sun City Rocks.”

–Barry Graham

One Foot in the Grave is scheduled to perform at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15, at Joe’s Grotto, 13825 North 32nd Street. 992-1007.