Raul's: The Birthplace of Austin's Punk and New Wave Scene
Before Austin became a global hub for diverse musical genres, a small bar run by Joseph Gonzales and Roy "Raul" Gomez served as the unlikely catalyst for a cultural revolution. Originally established as a venue catering to Tejano music—a blend of Spanish and German influences traditional to Texas—Raul's eventually pivoted to become the nerve center for the city's punk and new wave movements.
The Shift Toward Punk Rock
The transformation began in late 1977 when four musicians—Jesse Sublett, Kathy Valentine, Carla Olson, and Marilyn Dean—approached Gonzales and Gomez. Having struggled to find acceptance at other venues, the group, performing as a new punk band called the Violators, sought a place to play. They were joined by another emerging local act, the Skunks, which featured Sublett, Eddie Munoz, and Bill Blackmon.
Although the owners were initially skeptical of this aggressive new style, which clashed with their original vision for the bar, they gave both bands a chance. In February 1978, the Violators and the Skunks performed their first shows at Raul's to a mildly enthusiastic crowd. This moment marked the beginning of a significant shift in the Austin music landscape.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Rise of the Skunks
Following those initial performances, the Skunks—led by mainstay Jesse Sublett and featuring guitarist Jon Dee Graham—developed a large and devoted following. Their popularity extended beyond the walls of Raul's, allowing them to break into more mainstream venues across Austin and proving that there was a viable market for punk and new wave in the city.
A Catalyst for Cultural Change
Raul's holds the distinction of being the first venue in Austin to regularly feature punk and new wave bands. By providing a consistent stage for these artists, it helped redefine the city's musical identity. Austin was no longer viewed solely as the home of outlaw country icons like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker; it was now a destination for the avant-garde and the rebellious.
The Infamous Arrest of Phil Tolstead
The venue's notoriety peaked following a controversial incident on September 19. During the first performance by the band The Huns, singer Phil Tolstead was arrested on stage for obscenity. The event gained massive publicity after a scoop was published in The Daily Texan, the university students' newspaper, and was subsequently picked up by international publications including Rolling Stone and the UK's NME.
A photograph from the arrest became iconic, capturing a bare-chested Tolstead being handcuffed while attempting to kiss one of the police officers on the cheek. This publicity, combined with the bar's proximity to the university, sparked a surge of curiosity among young people, leading to a significant increase in clientele.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founders: Joseph Gonzales and Roy "Raul" Gomez.
- Original Genre: The bar originally catered to Tejano music.
- Pioneering Bands: The Violators and the Skunks were the first punk acts to play in February 1978.
- Key Figures: Jesse Sublett and Jon Dee Graham were central to the scene's growth.
- Cultural Impact: First Austin venue to regularly host punk/new wave, diversifying the city's image beyond country music.
- Media Milestone: The arrest of Phil Tolstead (The Huns) brought international attention via Rolling Stone and NME.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Punk Performances | February 1978 |
| Founding Punk Bands | The Violators, The Skunks |
| Notable Musicians | Jesse Sublett, Jon Dee Graham, Kathy Valentine |
| Major Media Coverage | The Daily Texan, Rolling Stone, NME |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Raul's before it became a punk venue?
Raul's was originally a bar run by Joseph Gonzales and Roy "Raul" Gomez that catered to Tejano music.
Which bands were the first to bring punk to Raul's?
The Violators and the Skunks were the first punk bands to perform at the venue in February 1978.
How did Raul's change the perception of Austin's music scene?
It shifted Austin's reputation from being exclusively the home of country artists like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker to being a center for punk and new wave music.
Who was Phil Tolstead and why was he significant to Raul's history?
Phil Tolstead was the singer of The Huns. His on-stage arrest for obscenity on September 19 drew international media attention, which significantly increased the venue's popularity among young people.
Which publications reported on the events at Raul's?
The events were covered by the university newspaper The Daily Texan, as well as Rolling Stone and the UK-based NME.