Josh Brolin films punk band Cito Vice Squad
The Soundtrack of Rebellion: Josh Brolin and the Birth of a Punk Legacy
For some, the path to greatness is paved with noise and rebellion. For Josh Brolin, that path began in the gritty, sprawling landscape of the Los Angeles punk scene, a world defined by slamming guitars, reckless energy, and the raw spirit of the 1980s. Brolin’s journey is deeply intertwined with the music that shaped not just his life, but the cultural trajectory of a generation.
Growing up in L.A., Brolin experienced the scene firsthand, navigating it with a rebellious streak that often led him out of his bedroom window and down to legendary venues like Godzilla’s, which served as a perfect analog to New York’s iconic CBGB. This environment was saturated with the sounds of dissent, where bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, and Sex Pistols provided the soundtrack for youthful defiance.
It was within this electric atmosphere that Brolin formed Cito Vice Squad, a foundational group that captured the raw energy of the era. Motivated by the spirit of the punk movement, the group channeled that fire into their music. Alongside his friend Jason Sears, and fellow member Richard “Bomer” Manzullo, they forged a legacy that would endure.
The group eventually evolved into the hardcore skatepunk outfit, Rich Kids On LSD. The band’s name itself carried the weight of their outsider status, stemming from an early critic’s observation that they were simply rich kids on LSD—a perfect encapsulation of the era’s cynical yet vibrant humor.
Brolin’s role in the band was rooted in the chaos, though he often teased that his initial iteration, Cito Vice Squad, was a really bad garage version of Rich Kids On LSD. The chemistry within the group was explosive, particularly the dynamic between Brolin and Bomer, who proved to be an astonishing, self-taught musician, effortlessly mastering bass, guitar, drums, and piano, and later composing complex scores.
The music they created was more than just noise; it was a cultural statement. Rich Kids On LSD released their debut EP, ‘It’s A Beautiful Feeling‘, in 1984, followed by their full-length album ‘Still Laughing‘ the following year. Although the band experienced ups and downs—breaking up after the release of their second album ‘Rock ‘n Roll Nightmare‘ in 1989 before a brief reformation in 1992—their impact remained indelible.
The story of the band and its members carried deeper personal weight. Brolin also reflected on his childhood, which included being part of a surf gang called the Cito Rats. This life, marked by the dichotomy of rich and poor neglect, informed a complex understanding of the world. He also candidly shared his personal struggles, admitting to trying heroin and facing the loss of many friends, emphasizing that this experience shaped his perspective profoundly.
Beyond the punk scene, Brolin’s appreciation for music extended to towering figures like David Bowie and Pearl Jam, as well as the revolutionary influence of Bob Dylan. He noted how music has the power to change one’s entire trajectory, illustrating that the sound of a rebellion can redefine how we see the world.
Today, Brolin is continuing this exploration, currently working on a documentary that delves into the history of the L.A. punk scene, alongside conversations with filmmakers like Amy Berg, ensuring that the echoes of the past continue to inspire the future.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
