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Island- the club
Rock Island, Paradise Island, or just The Island? Who cares?
That place just Rocked!!
1979 - 1983.
4700 Main St. Houston.
We fans have found a place on Facebook.
The Island - Punk Rock Houston
The Island Known variously as Rock Island, Paradise Island and just plain the Island, this former Mexican restaurant on Main Street was Ground Zero for Houston's punk rock scene between 1978 and 1983. In addition to providing a stage for local upstarts such as the Hates, Mydolls, Really Red and the Judy's, the Island also hosted legends from the Dead Kennedys, Black Flag and X to like-minded Texas groups Butthole Surfers, Big Boys and MDC. The atmosphere was rank and the threat of violence and police harassment lingered over many gigs, but the DIY scenester spirit of the place made it fertile ground for no-rules rock experimentalism. NATHAN SMITH
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THE FACTS
Here are some published articles about the Island
Remembering The Island: Where R.E.M. Played, but XTC Wouldn't
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012 AT 8 A.M. BY DAVID ENSMINGER.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014 BY DAVID ENSMINGER.
An article about an auto biography penned by Christian Kidd of the Hates.
An article about co-director Ben DeSoto and his passion for education.
An article about DeSoto's punk photo essay title "Punk Under Reagan".
A listing about the punk rock music scene in the Texas State Historical Association.