Exploring the Legacy of Texas Punk Rock: The Big Boys and The Dicks at Raul’s
The year was 1980, and the punk rock scene in Austin, Texas, was thriving. Two iconic bands, the Big Boys and the Dicks, made their mark on music history with a legendary live recording at Raul’s, a bar located on the Drag across from the University of Texas. This recording, aptly titled “Recorded Live at Raul’s Club,” captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the emerging punk scene in Texas.
Raul’s, originally opened as a Tejano bar by Roy “Raul” Gomez and Joseph Gonzalez in 1977, quickly became the epicenter of Austin’s punk movement. What started as a venue for Onda Chicana artists transformed into a hub for punk rock enthusiasts, thanks in part to the influence of bands like the Violators, Austin’s first punk band. The venue gained notoriety for a skirmish that some referred to as a riot, involving Huns vocalist Phil Tolstead and five others who were arrested after a confrontation with the police in 1978.
The Big Boys and the Dicks, both known for their energetic performances and unique musical styles, took the stage at Raul’s in 1980 to record a live album that would go down in history. The Big Boys, fronted by Randy “Biscuit” Turner and accompanied by guitarist Tim Kerr, blended punk, funk, and soul rhythms to create a sound that challenged the status quo of the music scene. On the other hand, the Dicks, led by vocalist Gary Floyd and guitarist Glen Taylor, brought a confrontational queer voice to punk that set them apart from their peers.
The recording at Raul’s captured a pivotal moment in the evolution of Austin’s punk rock scene. Both the Big Boys and the Dicks were relatively new to the music scene, with the Dicks having just debuted at the Armadillo World Headquarters and released their debut single, “Dicks Hate the Police.” The Big Boys, meanwhile, had released their first record, a four-song 7” titled “Frat Cars,” earlier in the year. The meeting of these two bands on “Recorded Live at Raul’s Club” showcased the rapid growth and evolution of punk rock in Texas.
The Impact of the Raul’s Recording
The live recording at Raul’s not only captured the essence of the punk rock scene in Austin but also served as a time capsule of a moment in music history. The energy and passion of both the Big Boys and the Dicks were palpable in every note, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the punk movement in the early 1980s.
For the Big Boys, the Raul’s recording solidified their reputation as one of the most influential punk bands in Texas. Randy “Biscuit” Turner’s charismatic stage presence and the band’s unique blend of genres helped them stand out in a crowded music scene. The Dicks, with Gary Floyd’s powerful vocals and Glen Taylor’s blistering guitar riffs, brought a new level of intensity and emotion to their performance, setting them apart as trailblazers in the punk rock genre.
The legacy of the Raul’s recording lives on in the hearts of punk rock enthusiasts and music historians alike. It serves as a reminder of a time when music was raw, unapologetic, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. The Big Boys and the Dicks may have been early pioneers of the punk rock movement in Texas, but their impact continues to be felt to this day.
Looking Back on Texas Music History
As we reflect on the legacy of the Big Boys and the Dicks at Raul’s, it’s important to recognize the role that Austin played in shaping the punk rock scene in Texas. Raul’s, with its eclectic mix of Tejano music and punk rock, served as a melting pot of creativity and expression, where musicians were free to experiment and push boundaries.
The recording at Raul’s stands as a testament to the power of live music and the influence of grassroots venues in shaping musical movements. It’s a reminder that music is not just about the notes and lyrics but about the passion and energy that artists bring to their performances. The Big Boys and the Dicks may have been two bands among many in the punk rock scene, but their contribution to Texas music history is undeniable.
In conclusion, the live recording of the Big Boys and the Dicks at Raul’s is more than just a piece of music history—it’s a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and the enduring spirit of punk rock. As we continue to celebrate the legacy of these iconic bands, let’s remember the impact they had on shaping the music scene in Texas and beyond.
