1. 924 GILMAN
Jaime Gamblin
Before Green Day, Operation Ivy, and Rancid amassed their cult followings, they had a few
numbers in common.
0: the number of major record labels they had signed to
0: the number of official albums they had released
0: the number of times band members’ members had appeared on stage and made MTV
news (though the former may have happened and just been mercifully blocked from
concert-goers’ memories)
924: the Gilman Street address where they launched their careers to become the legends
they are today
Located less than 3 miles from campus, 924 Gilman Street, or simply “The Gilman,” is a
punk and alternative legend that doesn’t have the recognition from Berkeley’s diverse student
population that it deserves. Founded in 1986, the all-ages, drug and alcohol-free venue has
offered an accessible launching point for touring and local metal, punk, alternative, ska, and
hardcore bands. In addition the industry mainstays listed above, the Gilman has been host to a
variety of other now-famous bands: The Foo Fighters, Dropkick Murphys, AFI, the Offspring,
Star Fucking Hipsters, NOFX, Primus, and Fugazi have all presented their jean-vested selves at
924. The venue has a member-based, democratic system of operation that requires bands to send
in a copy of their lyrics to ensure that they don’t contain homophobic, misogynistic, or racist
messages. The Gilman has been a unique place of safety for over two decades for everyone who
wants to enjoy and support independent and creative music.
The Gilman is serious about staying away from the corporate mainstream world of
music- bands that have signed to a major label are banned from the stage. Gilman members
sometimes take their own interpretation of “major” to the next level as they did in 1997, when
several crowd members attacked the former lead singer of the Dead Kennedys in spite of the
club’s non-violent stance. While singer Jello Biafra was there with his new band who, in
accordance with club policy, had not signed to a major label, his appearance was enough to
incense those who feel more militant about an anti-commercial scene.
The Gilman’s colorful past shouldn’t be a deterrent, however. While a good show will
undoubtedly have a decent mosh pit for thrashing around in, there’s always a sense of
camaraderie and a helping hand or three to help you up if you should get pushed down. If this
still sounds too intense an experience as an audience member, the back of the venue is always
available for pure band viewing pleasure. Just don’t be surprised if all the cathartic fun of a good
pit surprises you. A short bus ride away, and with shows that almost always end in time to catch
a ride back home, the Gilman is an exciting bay area institution that’s well worth the trip.
Off-set box:
What to take on your trip to the punk rock mecca:
• a good pair of shoes: even if the mosh pit isn’t your thing, the Gilman can get
packed. Having your toes crushed isn’t in anyone’s best interest.
• a light jacket: this depends, of course, on the season, but the wide streets on the
several blocks from the bus stop to the venue can get windy. While the venue gets
reasonably warm, there are also always the breaks in between sets.

2. • a lighter: During those breaks, people tend to congregate out the side door to get
fresh air or to have a cigarette. It’s easy to make friends when someone asks if
you have a light and you might have an interesting conversation outside of the UC
bubble.
• cash: unless you buy presale tickets on the website, the venue doesn’t accept
cards. Luckily, shows are usually less than $10, and it isn’t too difficult to find
ATMs nearby.
Optional:
• Earplugs if your ears are very sensitive. While they will impair the quality of the
sound, the Gilman is a small venue that serves a typically loud style of music. If
your comfort and ability to enjoy all that the Gilman is are at stake, don’t give a
damn and pack those puppies in.
• Wear deodorant. Or don’t. It is a punk venue. But in the middle of a packed
crowd, if nothing else you can resort to your own sea breeze scent for a brief
respite.
Off-set box with pictures:
There are some interesting and useful things you’ll want to look for while at the Gilman.
On the right side of the ceiling above the graffitied stage, there’s a tag that says “Sweet
Children.” This is Green Day’s original band name, and it’s neat to look at and contemplate a
Green Day without MTV. Speaking of graffiti, there’s a LOT of it all over the inside of the
venue. While it’s an odd thing to go looking for, the bathrooms are a very… “colorful” and
interesting place in particular to look around. Finally (hopefully after all of your moshing), you’ll
probably be in need of some water. There are usually cups and a water cooler located near the
front by much of the bands’ merchandise. Grab a cup and hydrate while you look through merch
and show some support.
Another off-set box(?) (which may be updated during revision to reflect any route
changes):
How to Get Your Gang to the Gilman:
Depending on your method of transportation, the trip can take from 15 minutes to 40.
• Driving, of course, is the easiest: Just take University to a right on San Pablo, and
then a left on Gilman Street.
• Bart is bit of a hassle, and you don’t get the advantage of a free ride with your bus
pass. The North Berkeley Bart Station is a little over a mile from the venue.
• Bussing it is the most rational way of getting there for most students without a
car. Depending on your location around campus and the day of the week, the 25,
51B to the 72R, and the 52 will all get you there. No matter your location, though,
you’ll never have to walk more than 3 blocks after your end stop.