Unlocking Control Cream
Sunday, August 25th 2024 and the humble surf-town of Oceanside, California was descended upon by barbers, friends, family, acquaintances and various other weird & wonderful walks-of-life for our ‘Unlocking Control Cream’ party at the infamous Pour House bar.
Since launching Control Cream globally at start of August, we’ve held events between Sydney, Melbourne, New Zealand - with the final leg of the tour wrapping with a party in our stateside home of Oceanside, California. And boy, wasn’t it a doozy! Nesbitt, Spanky, Mikal, Talley, Emiliano, Stopnik, Dressen, Wessels, Burleigh, Eagle & Pig and Dyson Ramones all joined founder Steve Purcell (along with a crowd of 300+ revellers) to celebrate Uppercut’s latest product offering with a good ol’ end of summer shindig.
We opened with the drawl and smooth country ramblings of Texan-born (now San Diego native) Maxwell Garza to warm the crowd upon arrival. Next up, was the crooning of another San Diego native; singer-songwriter Francis Blume. Francis has been a longtime friend of Uppercut Deluxe. His warm, bluesy 1950’s demeanor enticed the crowd inside and to begin bopping along. Beers flowed, hugs embraced, smiles were abundant. It felt like having an old family member over for dinner…
Just like any good theatre intermission; Francis finished his set then graciously introduced Steve on stage to welcome the crowd, speak of the features and benefits Control Cream imparts on the hair - whether it be loose curls or longer locks – to then lastly, surprising all with the ambassador crowning of North Carolina’s own Hayden Mingus by showing a short clip, filmed and edited by our buddy; Jeff Jones whilst handing over a custom hand-illustrated skateboard deck painted by TJ Guzzardi. The audience erupted! Hugs, high-fives and tears were had. It was a special moment welcoming Hayden into the fold.
The thrashy brutality of San Clemente’s Robber played next. People were floored as lead singer Mason stomped the stage with his signature ski mask, removing it momentarily to take a big scoop of Deluxe Pomade, run it through his hair, then drag the mask back over his sweaty head to continue screaming at everyone watching on in disbelief. Last but definitely not least, the headline act; LA’s punkers Strawberry Fuzz lit up every dark corner of the expansive bar with their sound. Buzzing guitars, energetic rhythms and angst fueled lyrics - all with a hint of not taking themselves too seriously… people danced themselves into a frenzy, spilling out into the carpark where the Tipsy Twins Photo Booth was set up for capturing the snowballed energy with group shots.
The sun continued to set over S. Coast Highway. The Plainview beers and Tolago seltzers flowed. People caught up with old friends, checked into the Barbers For Baja booth, tried on complimentary Stance socks and tailgated out of the Uppercut Deluxe ‘Cut Bus’ whilst the Cycle Zombies kicked over their choppers and departed on their final ride for the evening, back up north. This party was one for the books.
