Remember the good old punk days? A pleasant time before Avril Lavine and Fall Out bag? When bands like Husker Du, The Germs, and The vandals ruled the scene? Before words like “poser”, “emo”, and “sellout” were carelessly tossed around by those who knew nothing about the music itself? These day’s its rare to find a good punk band, and I really think that The Mormons are one of the last really good punk bands left in Highland Park. Back when I was in High school there was nothing but good local punk bands Disrott, Pissed Youth, Informal Society, and lastly my old favorite band the Gimps. Most if not all of those bands no longer exists. Life happened I suppose. Thinking back I remember seeing the Mormons around, at random shows and events. The first thought in my mind was “Are these guys really, Mormons?” They were attired with complete Mormon garb; the helmet, white short sleeve shirt with a black tie, and they even had backpacks! These guys had it all, everything except the darn bicycle. I remember when I saw their mobile unit playing at Coachella’s parking lot once, “These guys are nuts!” I thought. It was amazing that in a sea of strange people id see a band from my hood. I clearly remember another time at Tommy’s. A couple friends and I were eating when we spotted the Mormons, they were still dressed up so we naturally yelled “Hey Mormons!” they knew us and we knew them and we didn’t see it as a big deal. Right away, this girl behind us says” I thought that too, but why did you yell that out?” I explain to her that they are the band, but she just gives me a blank and puzzled stare. “So wait they’re not actual Mormons? I don’t get it.” some people are too close minded to get it. But wow that girl was a real dingbat.SO After Ten years of Trials, Broken plates, mistaken identity, and the highs and lows of being in a band, what is in store for their future? “Another ten years.” Patrick assures me.

The Mormons are Patrick Jones on Vocals, Vince O’Campo on Guitar and backup vocals, Johnny Mesa on Drums and the newest Mormon to convert Pete Tintle on Bass. Patrick and Vince are the only two original members of the Mormons left. The two met at Eagle Rock High school. They started their first band The Dyslexics
with friend Jimmy Castillo (a future ex- mormon) on guitar, Patrick on vocals, and Vince on drums. The band broke up in 96 when Jimmy joined the army. Saddened but determined to keep playing music, Patrick and Vince decided to start another band. They asked friends Mike Lopez and Ryan Weik (of Madcap) to be a part of the line up, and in August of 1998 they had their first show at Al’s Bar. The biggest question on my mind is where did the idea to dress like Mormons come in? “I really liked this band called the Leeches” explains Patrick. I recently saw the leeches play at T’s, they wore black plastic bags when they were performing. “I thought it would be cool to dress like Mormons and play punk music.” The idea however was not immediately accepted by Vince. “I didn’t like the idea at first. I had worked hard to learn guitar and create songs and I didn’t want to be a gimmick band.” says Vince .who admits that at the time he didn’t know much about the religion but figured they probably weren’t into heavy metal or punk. “Once I visualized them rocking out on guitar and drums it seemed pretty cool. So we had a dress rehearsal and tried it out one day.I knew we would be called The Mormons so that became our band name.” now lets fast forward to 2006 when johnny came into the picture.”These guys have always been heroes of mine.” says Johnny; who met the Mormons through Louie Rodriguez (their Guitarist at the time). “As luck would have it their drummer at that time (Joey Welcher; also of The Beeters) was preparing to step down and that’s when I came in.” “we’ve been really lucky to have a lot of really good drummers throughout the years” adds Vince.



When the band had a blowout, Johnny left. “I always knew id come back. Even when they found another drummer. I wasn’t settled I knew this would be the only band for me.” Explains Johnny. The newest member Pete tells me how he always idolized the Mormons . It wasn’t until he was at a party with Kevin from Midway that the idea came up. The two were talking about bands they liked, that were still playing and Kevin mentioned that the Mormons were looking for a new bassist. “I always thought that the Mormons were one of the best bands playing in LA so I jumped at the chance to audition” says Pete. Now, having seen a few line ups through the Mormons history, I feel like this line up is really strong. I notice when they aren’t playing together they seem to have a good friendship with each other. That’s something that is really important when it comes being in a band. Personally I find it hard to start a band with someone I’m not at least friends with.



The Mormons sound is inspired by all the punk staples. Everything from Screeching Weasel, bad brains youth Brigade and the Vindictives to Frank Black ,Devo and The Pixies. Patrick (who I personally believe is a closet genius) writes all the lyrics. “I’m inspired by everything throughout the day like work, paper bags ,and shoes.” He tells me how the song “Mattress Medium” is based on one of his dads roommates. The song idea comes from the thought of eventually ending up like him. Alone and divorced. His room was practically empty except for a squeaky mattress with no sheets he slept on. “It was like he was already dead” explains Patrick.

“Communicate with the spirits of the dead by creaking the springs in your bed” -“Mattress Medium”

The lyrics are one thing, but watching The Mormons play, well, that’s a horse of a different color. Watching them play is always a surprise experience.After watching them, i understand why Patrick uses elbow and knee pads. Each set is filled with Patrick’s Almost Demoniacal Possessed Antics- Flinging his body to the floor in a fit of shakes, or laying on the floor in the fetal position all while singing his borderline demented lyrics makes this band a must see. They not only have an amazing energy about them but their overall sound brings me back to the days of Punk shows.

I start to see the similarities between the Mormons and actual Mormon Missionaries. The Mormon’s go from club to club –venue to venue striving to showcase their musical talents. Whereas Missionaries go door to door spreading the good word of their religion. The Mormons Plays music for people to get them to relate or connect to their music in one way or another. In the same way missionaries talk to people to get them to buy in and convert to their religion. Its all relative because both require Sacrifice, Devotion, and Faith. ” its hard to keep a band together for 1 year let alone 10.” Says vince. He tells me a story about a guy on the Johnny Carson show who was spinning plates on sticks. Although the plates would fall and break the guy would just replace that plate and keep the rest of them spinning. “Basically a band is like those plates. We just got to keep spinning and along the way there’s going to be some broken plates.” 14 people can say they are playing in the Mormons currently or have played in the Mormons at one time.


” I’m proud to be in a band that’s lasted that long, it’s a huge acomplishment..We couldn’t have done it alone. There are so many specific people I cant even start naming names. Everyone who was in the band, all the bands we played with,all of our fans and everyone who supported us are to thank.” Says Vince “Our ten year show was amazing, it was everything I thought it would be and so much more.” Says Patrick. As I predicted it was a really tight squeeze at Mr.T’s “We got comments from friends on our myspace page telling us they went and left early because it was so packed.” Adds Johnny. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Thinking back there was probably as many people outside as there was inside.


The night was overflowing with some of Highland Parks truly great bands, including, Scientists, Ninjas ,Wolves, Robots, Midway and Mormons, someone would’ve thought that it was a costume party had they not known better. Unfortunately The Beeters were unable to take part in the festive night, so Nourishing the Wolves went on first. By the end of their set it was already getting pretty crowded. Next to go on were The Bolides who did a great job pumping up the crowd. Once Midway came on, there were no seats. It was at that point that Mr.T’s became standing room only.. Trying to get a drink at the bar, however was ridiculous. Serious Props go out to Manny for handling the crowd in such a professional and calm manner. After Midways Killer set, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that there was a line to get into Mr.T’s . No joke, in all my time there I’ve never seen a line. Up next was Ninja Academy who introduced their latest addition to the academy -Tai Kwan Dan who operated the fiddle of destruction.This already intricate band which also incorporates taiko drums has a new element of mystery to it.Just as their set was closing, these clever ninjas blew out the power just in time for Outdo Ninjas Drum Solo. How ninja is that? I noticed that after they finished playing no one dared move fearing they would lose their spot for 8-Bit. As the robots prepared to go on I remember hearing the fans shouting out requests for their favorite songs. As an 8-bit fan I was most definitely satisfied with their show, especially with “HLP” where the crowd joined 8-Bit on stage for the remainder of their show. I sincerely hope this won’t be the last time I see them play.When the Mormons finally took the stage it was still packed.As usual they delivered a great set that really “In all my time here I’ve only seen these many people just one other time , and this is coming pretty close to blowing that out the water.” Says Arlo. In my opinion this show should go down in ts history of Mr.T’s as one of the greatest shows ever. The celebration was topped of with Cake and a few after parties. 
Unfortunately with all the good must come the bad as well.Obviously the bar made a fortune that night and a little bird told me that anticipating a large crowd, the current owner raised prices on all drinks.Naturally one would expect that because of this increase the bands would be paid for once, Not the case. Please don’t think that this is something new. The owner never gives drink tickets or pays anyone who plays. The only reason bands even consider playing there is one man, Arlo. I was unable to contact The current owner Jonathan for a comment on the matter.I also heard that there is a possibility that Sundays will be rental only, starting this month. That would suck….

The Mormons plan to release Vinyl with all new material,which i am very eager to get my hands on . So until then check them out, i promise you wont be disappointed. You can get more info on them at Myspace.com/Mormons.OR you can catch the Mormons at The Legion on Ave. 55 on the 27th when they play with The Thingz, Million Kids, Bastidas, Johnny Sixpack . Also I highly suggest /insist that you Check out Saccharine Trust, Carnage Asada, Chuck Dukowski Sextet, Ollin, & more when they play at the Legion on the 20th. Both shows start at 9 and are 21+.What else does the future hold for the Mormons? “Another 10 years” Patrick reassures me.







current members:

Patrick Jones (vocals) 1998-present (2008)
Vince O’Campo (guitar/[drums*]/[bass**]) 1998-present (2008)
Johnny Mesa (drums) 2006-2007 & rejoined 2008
Pete Tintle (bass) 2008
——————————————-

former members:

Ryan Weik (drums/[guitar*]) 1998-2004
Mike Lopez (bass) 1998-1999
John Magaha (guitar) 1999-2000
Richard Dominguez (bass) 1999-2001
Louie Rodriguez (guitar) 1999-2003 & rejoined 2005-2007
Jimmy Castillo (bass/[guitar**]) 2001-2007
Aaron Friscia (guitar) 2003-2004
Joey Welcher (drums) 2004-2005
Josh Latham (guitar) 2004-2005
Kelly Kusomoto (drums) 2007

(*)until Ryan’s departure in 2004, Vince and Ryan would switch positions on certain songs.

(**)until Jimmy’s departure in 2007, Vince and Jimmy would switch positions on certain songs.

Published 09.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal