Kid Rock and a Punk Reunion

Those who managed to squeeze into the Roxy for Kid Rock’s sold-out show last week got to see a fierce performance by the newly adopted MTV veejay. OK, he’s not actually a veejay--but he gets more air time than Carson Daly.

Seems every time the music network has a special event, they call on the Motor City rapper to perform. Among those who weaseled their way in to see Kid rock the house Thursday were Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst and former veej weasel, Pauly Shore (who was so excited that he got on stage and performed with the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, Rock’s backup group). . . .

And they say punk is dead: Then explain why about 2,000 people showed up on Saturday for “Forming: The Early Days of L.A. Punk,” an extensive art exhibit at Track 16 Gallery in Santa Monica, curated by John Roecker and Exene Cervenka (yep, she dropped the “ova” again). It wasn’t just all that free Absolut--the vodka company generously sponsored the event--that enticed guests, but a chance to relive an important part of L.A.’s glorious music history.

“They really did an impressive job, documenting a scene that’s never really been thoroughly documented,” says Jennifer Schwartz, whose film “Desperate Teenage Lovedolls” is running on a continuous loop at the exhibit.

Those who turned out for the show were treated to photographs, art and flier art of nearly all the bands who came out of the scene from 1976 to 1982. Among those in attendance were Paul “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” Reubens and members of such punk bands as the Screamers, the Weirdos, Pennywise, X (Cervenka and bandmate John Doe, representing), L7’s Donita Sparks, Hole’s Melissa Auf Der Mauer, the Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin, the Vandals’ Warren Fitzgerald and Rancid’s Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman. Also on hand: performer Ann Magnuson, artist Ray Pettibone, actor Viggo Mortensen and, of course, legendary KROQ DJ and club promoter Rodney Bingenheimer (no such event would be complete without “The Mayor of the Sunset Strip,” right?). The exhibit runs through June 4. . . .

Those who want to take a chance on some Minneapolis boys may want to check out Helva, a metal-meets-reggae band from the State of Jesse Ventura that rocks very hard. The group’s first West Coast appearance is at the House of Blues “National Hemp Day Show” on Tuesday, when they open for Banyan, the latest project by former Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins. Helva is also scheduled to perform at the Troubadour on April 24 on a bill that includes Limp (ex-members of Dance Hall Crashers and Screw 32), the Ataris and Furious IV. Show these boys some California love (you’ll be glad you did). . . .

Those who didn’t win a golden ticket to the Smashing Pumpkins and Queens of the Stone Age show at the Roxy on April 24 might want to amble across the street to the Viper Room for some kvetching by famed groupie Pamela des Barres and genitalia artist Cynthia Plastercaster, who are scheduled to do a joint spoken-word performance that night.

Apparently, the gals will be joined by Slim Jim Phantom and the mayor, Mr. Bingenheimer, who will be doing the introductions. . . .

Fire up those scooters because Cafe Bleu and Shout! are teaming up for “Sound Off,” a big mod hoo-ha at the El Rey Theatre April 24 (seriously, those who show up with scooters get in for half price). Another mod clambake is scheduled for May 1 at Fais Do-Do, in L.A. on Adams Boulevard. . . . Tonight’s Royal Crown Revue gig at the Key Club is also a record release party for Toledo, L.A.’s favorite cool cat. Toledo is releasing his second album, “Misfits Lullabye,” on Scratch Records, the new indie label owned by Key Club booker Damian Brawner.

“Lullabye” picks up where “Fishnets & Cigarettes”--Toledo’s first album--left off, in some dark alley, with some bad women and plenty of down-and-dirty vices. . . .

Everyone got plenty drunk at the 20th anniversary party for Al’s Bar, the greatest dive of all. The Easter Sunday affair kicked off with a performance by the rad surf band Jimbonairres and just got sloppy--with Pop Defect and Mike Watt spreading the rock ‘n’ roll love vibe. The place was slamming from 3 until closing, past 2 a.m.

Those who missed out may want to check in at the following upcoming Al’s shows: Heavy-metal warrior Betty Blowtorch is having its record release party on Tuesday with Third Grade Teacher opening, and Friday’s shindig, a benefit for the Maniacs, Al’s coed softball team (you heard us right--it’s the Bad News Bears redux), which includes performances by Les Beaux Peeps, the Hug and Masher.