As expected, I was slightly hangover today, but I had a ticket to California Discord fest today. It's a two-day festival with some cool crust punk and grindcore bands, so was looking forward to checking out the hardcore scene, and just how underground it was. I was in for the weirdest festival ever.

I got to the venue after a 40 minute bus ride, as it's on the other side of Downtown LA, and there isn't really much going on in that area. 'The Vortex' was more like a big open warehouse filled with crusty's and a stage with bands on. There were some cool merch stands flogging the festival bands shirts, and a great selection of vinyl, but I was more interested in finding the bar to continue my birthday celebrations. It was after about 5 minutes of searching, I realised this wasn't really a venue, more a big empty space with toilets. I'm not sure what else you could use it for. There was strictly no outside drinks allowed, and no alcohol to available. They were selling bottles of water though…

Another of the rules, was that there would be no re-entry after 8pm. I have no idea why this was, maybe so there weren't a ton of people hanging around outside, but it's not like it was a built up area with neighbours complaining. I just wanted a cigarette.

It was just before 8 o'clock already, and I saw people going outside after Resistant Culture had finished for a quick cigarette before the next band went on, so I joined them. On my return, and whilst 'Blown To Bits' were setting up, there was announcement over the mic to say there were some 'technical difficulties'. A few monists later, and we were told that these 'difficulties' meant the show was being closed down by the police… I've NEVER been to a show that's been shut down.

After about 20 minutes of disgruntled punters shouting refund at some poor girl who was just delivering the message, the warehouse 'garage' doors opened, and we were informed if we didn't leave soon, there's a strong possibility we'd be arrested. All 400 of us. I didn't want to take the risk of ending up in a cell for the night, so made my way to the bus-stop, walking the long way round to avoid the police. I accidentally walked the 'wrong' way round, and actually past the 5 cop cars outside this venue/warehouse/thing. I managed to avoid any contact with them and got the bus home safe. I've heard they carry guns y'know…

Checked the California Discord Facebook page, which was now filled with angry rants at the promoters. I don't think anyone knows the real reason as to why it got shut down, but I think they mentioned last night that they apparently didn't have the right permits or something. They're announcing something later as a replacement to tomorrow's day. I guess I'll have to keep my eye on it to see what's going on and hope that it's not a mission to get to.

What makes matters worse is that I could've been watching UFO tonight! b*****!