[Protest Music]

35mm Digitization: Anti-Flag 2003 Show, SOMA SD

words and photos by Reviewer Rob

American pop music was once rife with political protest. It may have peaked in the 1960’s and early 70’s in response to the forced draft during the Vietnam War but it got a reboot after Ronald Reagan became elected and then in 2000 when George W. Bush lost the popular vote but became president through the Electoral College. For some reason the art of protest is vacant these days even after 4 years of Trump and the attacks of January 6, 2021. Can anyone guess why?

Here’s some recently digitized 35mm color images I shot during the set by Anti-Flag from a show Fat Wreak Chords put on at SOMA SD on Sports Arena Boulevard. The sheet of negs was marked 11/03. The early 2000’s was a productive year for protest music in punk rock. I’d love to know where all that energy went.

Justin, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.
Justin, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.
Justin, Anti-Flag, 2003, Soma.
Justin, Anti-Flag, 2003, Soma.
35mm film, Anti-Flag at Soma, Nov. 2003?
35mm film, Anti-Flag at Soma, Nov. 2003?
Anti-Flag crowd, punk rock salute, 2003, SOMA San Diego.
Anti-Flag crowd, punk rock salute, 2003, SOMA San Diego.
Crowd surfing at the stage, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.
Crowd surfing at the stage, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.
Justin jumping, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.
Justin jumping, Anti-Flag, 2003, SOMA, San Diego.

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