Monday, October 19, 2026

Hell's Kitchen Radio #632: Cover Me Rob Taco!

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Punk photographer Rob Coons (AKA: Rob Taco) returns to Hell's Kitchen Radio Monday to play his favorite punk bands playing cover tunes. DJ Copper Stripper and I add our own to the mix, and to be honest there's just too much on the list. Really, where do we stop? This could have gone on for days.

I made each promise not to blabber on too much so we could focus on the music. And when I say "each" I mean myself and Copper Stripper. OK, really just me. We did our best to focus on the music, but each set reminded me of a story I wanted to share, and that triggered Rob's memories, so he had to share. And DJCS is just a walking encyclopedia so he had something to add.

So this is all punk bands covering songs that may or may not be from the punk genre. I've played countless covers on my show over the years, but rarely hosted a feature show like this. I love having Rob on to share his love of the music. This guy puts himself into harm's way every time he's at a show with his his camera. If you take risks with your camera lens (not to mention his body) then you just know the risks he's going to take in the radio studio are top notch!

Follow Rob on Instagram (if you're still on that thing). The images he posts, which he took himself, are incredible. I'll be the first in line to buy the book (when's the book coming, Rob?)! And he'll always let you know what shows he's headed to, so you can go enjoy the pit yourself!

Let the record speak for itself.

Did you see what I did there?

Enjoy and please share.

This Monday night DJ Copper Stripper and I will feature two hours of spooky aural thrills. Tune in and prepare to be fReAkeD oUt!!!!

We've also chosen our year for the 16th annual Annual Annual coming up in early November!

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop-O-Pies (7" - 1982)
I'm A Man: Ty Segall (Fudge Sandwich - 2018)

Let's Dance: Ramones
I Fought The Law: The Clash (The Clash - 1978)
Rave On: The Real Kids (The Real Kids - 1977)
Wild About You: The Saints (I'm Stranded - 1977)
Help: The Damned (The Light At The End of the Tunnel - 1987) 

Paint it Black: Avengers (Avengers - 1981)
Too Much To Dream: Stiv Bators (Disconnected - 1980)
Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl: The Dogs (7" - 1978)
No Fun: Sex Pistols (7" - 1977)

No Fun: F-Word (Like It Or Not Live - 1978)
Someone's Going To Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight: The Rezillos (Can't Stand the Rezillos - 1978)
Soul Kitchen: X (Los Angeles - 1980)
Eve of Destruction: The Dickies (The Incredible Shrinking Dickies - 1980)
Tootie Frutti: MC5 (Back in the USA - 1970)
Hanging on the Telephone: L7 (The Jerky Boys SDTK - 1995)

Savior Machine: Redd Kross (Teen Babes From Monsanto - 1984)
Smells Like Teen Spirit: Melvins (The Crybaby - 2000)

Take This Job and Shove It: Dead Kennedys (Bedtime for Democracy - 1986)
Nazi Punks Fuck Off: Napalm Death (EP - 1993)
Forward to Death: NoMeans No (Virus 100 - 1992)
Short Songs: Spazz (Sweatin' 3: Skatin' Satan and Katon - 2001)
Rawhide Theme: Dead Kennedys (Plastic Surgery Disasters - 1991)
Class War: Plain Jane and the Jokes (Bloodstains Across California -1993)
Lust For Life: Bad Livers (7" - 1991)

What Do I Get?: Destroy All Monsters (7" - 1989)
Hate the Police: Mudhoney (Superfuzz Bigmuff - 1988)
Shot Down: The Mummies (Shot Down: The Mummies - 1992)
Mobile Home: Turbonegro (Ass Cobra - 1996)

Stepping Stone: Minor Threat (In My Eyes - 1981)

Monday, October 12, 2026

Hell's Kitchen Radio #631: Mabuhay Gardens Interview

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Monday night I hosted a discussion with the self-proclaimed "stewards" of the recently rebranded Mabuhay Gardens, the legendary punk playhouse in North Beach that launched the West Coast Punk scene in the mid-70s, featuring bands like Avengers, Mutants, Crime, The Nuns, followed by Flipper, Dead Kennedys and so many more.

The club was closed in 1987, though it did remain a live music venue under other names for the past 30+ years. Last November Tom Watson, Bobby Fishkin and Andres Acosta took over the ownership from Francesca "Queen of Broadway" Valdez, who hoped to pass the torch to a younger generation, in the hopes they would honor the history, vision and spirit of a venue that launched a movement.

The past year has been a learning curve, one that we spoke about at length during the show. We touch on the history of the three gents, what brought them together, why they decided to take over the venue (two in one, since On Broadway is upstairs!), successes and challenges of the past year, and an opportunity to answer their critics, of which there are many. 

You can't please everyone.

What planned on being a one hour interview cut into three segments: history, celebrations, and challenges, turned into two hours of solid conversation, that at times got a bit tense. 

If you have an interest in the FabMab, and where it's going, I strongly encourage you to tune into this episode, as Tom, Bobby and Andres go on record for where they feel the venue is headed and what they need to do to make it successful for the music scene, as well as a business. 

I look forward to your comments.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop-O-Pies (7" - 1982)
Insect Lounge: Mutants (Curse of the Easily Amused - 2002)
Flyeater: Crime (San Francisco's Doomed - 1978)

Interview with stewards of Mabuhay Gardens

Suicide Child: The Nuns (Nuns - 1978)
Paint It Black: Avengers (Avengers - 1978)

Interview with stewards of Mabuhay Gardens

Leave Us Alone: Mary Monday
Kill the Poor: Dead Kennedys (Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables - 
Fascists Eat Donuts: Pop-O-Pies (The White EP - 


Monday, October 05, 2026

Hell's Kitchen Radio #630: Rob Plays The Shits

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Rob Vastano of The Seagulls, The ific, and The Lewd(!!!) joined me and Copper Stripper in the studio Monday night. He brought an idea to us that we couldn't pass up: play horrible songs by your favorite artists!

He initially wanted to do two hours of this, but I care too much for you to let that happen. So we gave him a feature set that turned into about half an hour, because we all had to chime in about it. Rob has a lot to say. Copper Stripper and I also added our own choice songs. Oooooh boy this was a treat. 

Rob also shared some music from his band The ific, who play a host of shows in the Bay Area. Go check them out when you can. 

There's music spanning eight decades tonight! What's that all about?

New Osees, Ty Segall, and The ific tonight.

This coming Monday night I'll be hosting a roundtable interview with the owners of the recently rebranded Mabuhay Gardens/On Broadway. We'll talk about their vision and mission, how they wish to reconnect with the colorful history of this legendary venue, and the celebrations and conflicts they've experienced along the way.

Tune in and please share.

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop O Piers (7" - 1982)
Common People: Leonard Nimoy (Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy - 1968)
Gospel Express: Marcy (Sing With Marcy - 1965)
Roll Down Your Window: Smegma (7" - 1979)

Shut The Fuck Up: The Coathangers (s/t - 2007)
Rise: PIL (album - 1986)
I Need Adventure: GG Allin (Always Is, Was, And Always Shall Be - 1980)

Hectae's Reflection Is A Trick: OSees (Off Course - 2026)
Love Buzz: The Shocking Blue (Shocking Blue - 1970)

***Rob Vhe Celebrated Songs He Hates By Bands He Loves***
Do You Think It's Alright: The Who (Tommy - 1970)
Rock the Casbah: The Clash (Combat Rock - 1982)
The Jack: AC/DC (If You Want Blood You've Go It - 1974)
Burning Down The House: Talking Heads (Speaking in Tongues - 1983)

You, Yes You: The IFIC (7" - 2026)
I Shot All the Birds: The Blind Shake (Celebrate Your Worth - 2016)
Bip Bop Boom: Mickey Hawks (7" - 1958)
Psychobilly Freakout: Reverend Horton Heat (Smoke 'em if you Got 'em - 1993)

Valley Girl: Frank Zappa (Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch - 1982)
Do Me In Once and I'll Be Sad, Do Me In Twice and I'll Know Better: Girls Together Outrageously (Zapped - 1970)

Long and Winding Road: The Beatles (Let It Be - 1970)
Hit It And Quit It: Funkadelic - (Maggot Brain - 1971)
Part 3: Les Razilles Denudes (Oz Days Live - 1973)
White Light White Heat: Velvet Underground (White Light White Heat - 1968)

Road To Nowhere: Ty Segall (Chrome - 2026)

Monday, September 28, 2026

Hell's Kitchen Radio #629: Copper Abortions From Hell

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It's my birthday week, so I get to do whatever I want! When don't I? My darling daughter, Lauson "DJ Monthly Abortion" joined me and DJ Copper Stripper in the studio Monday night, filled with music and questions for her father.

She promised not to rage bait me, and it didn't take long to toss that one aside. Actually, to be honest, I think I started it.

blogThe show was off the rails long before the candles on the cake were lit. 

DJ Copper Stripper brought me birthday balloons and cheesecake! How delightful is that?

The topics were as fluid as the genders and sexuality at the Folsom Street Fair last Sunday, which, by the way, I had to miss because I had to care for my fabulous son, who is turning 9 years old on October 5th.

Lauson is my alibi for January 6th. I sang the song I wrote about Charlie "Thank Fucking God He Is Dead" Kirk. 

Lauson is turning 22 on October 14th! 

It's a house full of Libras. 

We are in so much trouble. No one can decide what to make for dinner or what movie to watch.

But give me a stack-o-wax and I can spin two hours of good radio for you all.

Lauson...er, um, DJ Monthly Abortion chose a bunch of the tracks tonight. Rounding that out with my selections and Daniel's choice cuts, and you get a birthday show worth celebrating.

There's new music from Slift and Sprints. Other than that we go from 1964 all the way up to today.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop-O-Pies (7" - 1982)
Peter Gunn Theme: Henry Mancini (Best of... - 1964)

Can You Get To That: Funkadelic (Maggot Brain - 1971)
Startstop: Lee Morgan (The Procrastinator - 1967)
Goo Goo Muck: The Cramps (Bad Music For Bad People - 1984)
The Fire of Love: The Gun Club (Miami - 1982)

TV Eye: The Stooges (Fun House - 1970)
Ca Plane Pour Moi: Plastic Bertrand (Ca Plane Pour Moi - 1978)
Bloodsucker: Deep Purple (In Rock - 1970)

Burning Rubber: Teenage Jesus and the Jerks (s/t - 1979)
Tastemaker: Don Cherry (Where's Brooklyn - 1970)
How Do You Sleep?: John Lennon (Imagine - 1971)
Snowblind: Brownout (Brown Sabbath Volume 2 - 2016)

Me and the Girls: Amyl and the Sniffers (Cartoon Darkness - 2025)
Decadent Jew: The Nuns (7" - 1978)
Linda Blair (1984): Redd Kross (Teen Babes for Monsanto - 1984)
Queen Bitch (Live at the BBC June 3, 1971): David Bowie (Divine Symmetry - 2022)
I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself: Elton John (Honky Chateau - 1972)

Halloween: Siouxsie and the Banshees (Peel Sessions - 1981)
Corrupted Sky: Slift (Fantasia - 2026)
Kill Yourself: The Lewd (Kill Yourself Again - 1979)

Deceptacon: Sprints (7" - 2026)

Monday, September 21, 2026

Hell's Kitchen Radio #628: Surviving The Fair

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This past weekend was one for the books.

Friday night found us under the big top at The Soiled Dove out on Alameda Point, to watch the acrobatic
burlesque show, featuring Sgt. Splendor and Joan Baez. It's always a pleasure hanging with Eric and Kate, but this time we got to dance with a living legend too!

Sunday DJ Copper Stripper...or whatever we're calling him this week, and I survived the Haight Street Fair, and we want to tell you all about it. 

Radio Valencia had a booth in front of the newly reopened Club Deluxe, near the corner of Haight and Ashbury. We were across from my dear friend Linda Kelly of Haight Street Voice. We found ourselves next door to Aviator Nation, who's manager Angela coincidentally reached out to Radio Valencia about hosting a show. 

Everywhere I turned I ran into friends, new and old. There were so many

fabulous people in the street, skaters, kids, families, awesome bands, small stores vending in the street, and local bars and clubs bringing people in with great food and music. 

If you've been to the fair before you know how great it can be. Honestly, it's my favorite SF street fair of the year. This year may have been the best I've been to, and you can thank the leadership of Katrina Zanotto for that. She really knows how to put an amazing team together.

As for this radio thing it's becoming more and more obvious that this show has lost its sanity.

I have strived for 30+ years NOT to host a show that stays away from roommate radio, but I think there is something to say about making you feel as if you're in the room while the conversations just flow. I mean the topics are so ADHD that it must feel uncomfortable listening from that vantage point. You're welcome.

I think the best part of the night was when our neighbor Eric McFadden dropped by. This guy thinks since
he's living in the hood, and our door being opened, he can just drop in any time he likes. 

He's right!

What a hoot. I strongly encourage you to listen to our impromptu Tuvan Throat Singing. I'm impressed. We may take this on the road. Then we got into a conversation about all the bands Eric has played in. Who knew he was in Creed? Train? 

The hits just keep on coming.

New music from The Darts and The Cramps!!!!!!

We also celebrate the 33 years of Houdini!

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop-O-Pies (7" - 1982)
Night Goat: Melvins (Houdini - 1993)

Korosu: Boris (Heavy Rocks - 2003)
Satori Part 2: Flower Travellin' Band (Satori - 1971)

My Heart is a Graveyard: The Darts (Nightmare Queens - 2026)
Is It Too Late?: Jenny Don't and the Spurs (Call of the Road - 2016)
Sugarfoot Rag: Mitch Polzak and the Kaw-Ligas (Down South Blues - 2024)
Neither Fish Nor Foul: Thee Headcoats (Headcoatitude - 1991)
Need Ya: Bob Seger (Seven - 1974)

Can't Find My Mind: The Cramps (Gravest Gravy - 2026)
Bullwinkle Pt. 2: Centurions (Surfer Pajama Party - 1963)
Last Orders: The Fall (Short Circus: Live At The Electric Circus - 1978)
What Love Is: Dead Boys (Young, Loud and Snotty - 1977)

Run Down: The Saints (Eternally Yours - 1978)
Need: Mudhoney (Superfuzz Bigmuff - 1988)
Me and My Woman: Shuggie Otis (Freedom Flight - 1971)
Jakey: Big John Patton (Let 'em Roll - 1965)

Forming: The Germs (Live At The Whiskey - 1977)
Head on the Curve: James Williamson (Re-Licked - 2014)
Honey Bucket: Melvins (Houdini - 1993)

The Angry Angakok: The Residents (Eskimo - 1979)
Wots Uh The Deal: Pink Floyd (Obscured By Clouds - 1972)

My Way: Elvis Presley