Rockin' at Ground Zero

Biography

The GEARS started in 1977 when Axxel G. Reese confronted L.A. Shakers Drummer Dave Drive in his garage to form a new band. Crazy Ruben was the original guitarist along with bassist Gabriel Shock . After Recording the legendary “Let’s go to the Beach” single the band split up after Crazy Ruben fired a cue ball at a GEARS roadie’s head and was never to be seen again. Controllers’ guitarist Kidd Spike was enlisted along with bassist Brian Redz to fill the empty spots and “Rockin at Ground Zero” was...

The GEARS started in 1977 when Axxel G. Reese confronted L.A. Shakers Drummer Dave Drive in his garage to form a new band. Crazy Ruben was the original guitarist along with bassist Gabriel Shock . After Recording the legendary “Let’s go to the Beach” single the band split up after Crazy Ruben fired a cue ball at a GEARS roadie’s head and was never to be seen again. Controllers’ guitarist Kidd Spike was enlisted along with bassist Brian Redz to fill the empty spots and “Rockin at Ground Zero” was recorded in just a few hours.15 songs of melodic punk rock with a rockabilly flavor. The band would play the masque, Hong Kong Café, and all the local punk venues around in the early 80’s. The line up would remain the same for a few years until the band disbanded in ’85 with Axxel and Dave forming the D.I.’s. During the early 90’s the GEARS would reform with all but Redz. Employing various bass players throughout the 90’s including Johnny Ray of the D.I’S among others. Dave Drive would eventually leave the group around the late 90’s with his position being taken up by his nephew Sean Shift (later of the Skulls and Weirdos). 2000 found the GEARS playing very few shows up until about 2003 where they would open for the likes of the Skulls and Weirdos with various bass players sharing duties for the next couple of years. 2005 found the GEARS playing more often than usual. Also, Brian Redz was back in and out of the group, flying in for shows here and there and Dave Drive started showing up to do a few songs a set. In May 2005, Mike Manifold would be asked to sit in on bass at a Long Beach show. This would turn into a permanent spot, except for the days Redz was in town. In July and December 2005 the GEARS would re-unite with the Axxel, Dave, Redz, Spike line up for a few songs at the Knitting Factory and opening for the Adolescents in Long Beach. In 2006 The GEARS played more shows than they had in a few years with Manifold handling most of the bass duties. Most recently in late 2006, Sean Shift would leave the group due to conflicting scheduling (he's leaving for Germany in December). Dave Drive has reassumed the drummers throne once again and GEARS fans are in for a treat if they can get their asses to one of the next shows!

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