Remembering Leslie Wimmer of Open Books & Records
Leslie Wimmer played an outsized role in the development and nurturing of South Florida’s original-music scene of the 1980s and ‘90s. She was one of the icons of that wonderful time of independent thinking and alternative culture in a SFLA that looked and felt quite different then than it does today (OK, [...]
From PUNK readers: TOM DARK
Here’s another in a series of remembrances from PUNK UNDER THE SUN readers. This one’s from Tom Dark, a self-proclaimed 61-year-old punker living in Cleveland, Ohio, who played in bands such as the Decapitators and the Dark (featured image) and founded Hit & Run Records. Read all about Tom HERE. "I knew [...]
Welcome back Churchill’s!
Lots of buzz and excitement surrounding the re-launch of Churchill's Pub this weekend. My personal highlight memory was when my old band, Naughty Puritans, were asked to open for the mighty Social Distortion at Churchill's back in 1989. Almost 36 years ago to the date! Kinda wild to think back to Social [...]
RIP Bobby Tak – Cichlids, The Bobs and Nouveau Reach drummer and SFL icon
News surfaced today on Facebook about the passing of drummer Bobby Tak on or aroundAugust 8th, 2025. Bobby had been quietly battling an illness and had been largely absent from social media since earlier this year. I had quite a few conversations with Bobby for our book, mostly centered around The Cichlids. [...]
Frankie Banali (11-14-51 – 8-20-20) South Florida Drum Legend
Frankie Banali (11/14/51–8/20/20): South Florida Drum Legend Today marks five years since the passing of drummer Frankie Banali (November 14, 1951 – August 20, 2020). While best known for his meteoric rise and multi-platinum success with Quiet Riot in 1983 during the beginning of the hair metal era, his story actually has [...]
Your stuff needed for Punk Rock Museum in Vegas!
News: The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas started carrying hard copies of PUNK UNDER THE SUN in their museum store just in time to be on display during the 2025 Punk Rock Bowling fest in May. Not only that, but the museum wants to help tell the story of the [...]
