Witness a historic moment in punk rock history as The Cramps, a band hailing from New York City, drove 3,000 miles to play a concert at a state mental hospital in Napa, California on June 13, 1978. At a time when Napa was more renowned for its hospital than its burgeoning wine industry, lead vocalist Lux Interior declared their presence with a raw and unapologetic introduction.
After their electrifying first number, “Mystery Plane,” Lux Interior engaged with the crowd, stating, “And somebody told me you people are crazy, but I’m not so sure about that. You seem to be all right to me.” The atmosphere was charged with energy as the patients and band’s friends alike enjoyed the show, some dancing like they were at a sock hop while others experienced the music in their unique ways.
This concert, captured on video, was a rare moment in punk history. Although other bands had performed at the institution before, this particular event stands out for its raw energy and unique setting. The sheer rebelliousness of The Cramps’ performance, combined with the unconventional venue, created a one-of-a-kind experience.
While the chances of a similar concert happening again at Napa State may be slim due to changes in the patient population, the memory of that night lives on as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
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Ted Mills is a freelance writer on the arts and hosts the artist interview-based FunkZone Podcast. Follow him on Twitter, read his articles at tedmills.com, and watch his films on Vimeo.
