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DayGlo Abortions return for Thrash’s 40th birthday

Legendary Victoria punk band back in town to celebrate a Whistler legend
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Who: Dayglo Abortions

Where: Garibaldi Lift Co.

When: Saturday, Jan. 23

Mention Johnny Thrash's upcoming 40th Birthday to any longtime Whistler local and the response is almost always the same: "I'm surprised he's made it this far."

Johnny Thrash (a.k.a. Johnny Liquidspeed, a.k.a. Johnny Cocknballs) arrived in Whistler as simply John Hunt, but quickly became the catalyst for over two decades of balls-out mayhem (literally - he's been naked in every club in town and most peoples' homes), fearless enthusiasm (he was once arrested for getting towed through town in a gyroscope, naked) and good clean fun (Thrash's sensitive side was the best part of the Canadian Film Board classic Ski Bums ).

On Saturday, Jan. 23, Thrash will prove to the naysayers that givin'er is still a valid health and retirement plan by hosting a Celebrity Rehab-themed party at the Garibaldi Lift Company featuring legendary Victoria punkers The Dayglo Abortions.

"Johnny and the band go way back," Dayglo drummer Jesus Bonehead said. "It will be good to see him and get up there before the Olympics and have some real fun before it all shuts down."

The Dayglos have been playing together for over 30 years and have traveled the globe, but Bonehead said they always have a good time in Whistler. Paired with Thrash's joie de vivre Saturday promises to be a punk night the likes of which Whistler hasn't seen in a long, long time.

Thrash, a skilled guitar player best known for his work with The Harpoons (they whale), hints that he might join the Abortions for a song or two.

"I might put on the dress and get up there," he said, adding that he's hoping a lot of people show up in costume.

"Celebrity Rehab is easy," Thrash enthuses. "Anyone from the '70s will work, really. Just think of someone you kinda look like, who's a celebrity and not a Christian Puritan and then run with it. Think Slash or Elvis, not Barbara Streisand or Reese Witherspoon; that would be wrong."

Edmonton rockers Frostbacks ("like wetbacks, but with frost") will open for the Dayglos and DJ Vinyl Ritchie will be holding it down in between sets, spinning hardcore tracks no other DJ in town has, especially not on vinyl.

"Johnny Thrash is a much needed contrast to the beauty and serenity of Whistler," Vinyl Ritchie said. "He is the poster child for the ugly realness in a town full of money, poseurs and kooks. He is the naked truth, the Ayatolla of Rock 'n' Rolla. To the Whistler club scene Johnny Thrash is a hot beef injection of dangerous adrenaline, raising the middle finger to the monotonous status quo."

And he's turning 40 this Saturday at the GLC. Get there early.

When asked how it feels to get old Thrash says, "I feel wiser. I feel well rounded. I've lived the life of 10 men... A lady would be nice though. A nice birthday woman for myself would be really sweet."

Surely there is a sweet girl out there who wants to Punk Rock and Roll all night and party every day. A girl - no, a woman - with charm and poise and an open heart who is the perfect match for one of Whistler's kindest souls and wildest characters. If you're out there, magical lady, make your way to the GLC this Saturday night.

Just don't dress up like Reese Witherspoon.