punk rock in better days

by Allan Wigney

RIP punk rock, pronounced dead Tuesday, following a prolonged illness. Cause of death is believed to have been an extended drum solo during a set by Whitby’s would be punks/metalheads Protest the Hero. Attempts to administer punk energy by veteran rapper Buck 65 and rocker John Fogerty ― including the former rapping over one of the latter’s tunes ― proved unsuccessful.

Punk is survived by Baloji, a rapper from Cameroon whose Tuesday Bluesfest performance, though witnessed by but a few dozen dancing onlookers, infused badly needed enthusiasm into the proceedings, the charismatic performer’s politically and sexually charged Afrobeat/Afro-Cuban anthems nearly overwhelming the modest, awestruck crowd.

A spokesperson for punk rock expressed gratitude to Baloji for his efforts. The rapper’s set, though seen by few, seems likely to stand as the most memorable of this year’s two-week festival.

Friends of punk rock may gather Wednesday evening at LeBreton Flats to join in the singing of Jane Says.