Audio By Carbonatix
From 1985 through 1989, guitarist/shouter Jesse Alvare and his band FWA! ruled the roost of the Miami punk-rock scene, playing every legal (and some not-so-legal) venue at the time — including four legendary shows at the Cameo Theatre. In 1987 FWA! released a self-titled LP of raging hardcore salvos with names like “Bad Acid,” “Inflamela,” and “Bang Bang Bang.” In 1989 FWA! switched gears and released the enormously popular Booger Bus cassette. Booger Bus‘s danceable ska-punk was an immediate hit on WVUM — with the anthem “The Big Stink” staying in the rotation for nearly two years. Alas, Alvare had an easier time getting airplay than keeping the band together. Tired of being chased by the cops, original bassist Jimmy joined the force himself. Adding insult to injury, original drummer Evan quit to follow the Grateful Dead. From 1990 through 1995, FWA! struggled through a dozen lineups before Alvare threw in the towel and ran off to Atlanta to found street-punk combo Too Far Gone. Seven years and a divorce later, Alvare is back in town with a new FWA! lineup and a major chip on his swarthy, Cuban shoulder. “I travel for my job,” Alvare explains. “And the airport security people think I look like a terrorist, so I get stopped every time. If you make a fuss it just gets worse. I had to get back at them, so now I pack a giant dildo in my carryon. The looks I get are priceless.”
