Founded in 1992 in a garage at 1316 Ardmore, AWOL tapped the roots of
their locale, the foundation of punk rock, the LA South Bay cities of
Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, home to Pennywise, Descendents, Black
Flag, Circle Jerks, and 98 Mute.
Throughout their brief tenure from 1992-1994, AWOL shared the stage
with Sublime, Lagwagon, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Guttermouth, Strung Out,
and Agent Orange at legit and underground venues from San Diego to
Santa Barbara.
Unfortunately, teenage angst and sexual frustration gave way to free
spirited college jovial apathy and sexual frustration. AWOL's last gig
is telling... They had moved from sweaty garages with mosh pits to the
main stage at the Old Hometown Fair, playing Brown Eyed Girl (at the
drummer's insistence) to a dance floor brimming with giggling teenage
girls. It was decided to put the band to rest.
The members of AWOL still perform with each other. Gavin has swapped
the bass for a guitar, Brett Thomas was added to the lineup, and the
quartet is currently playing under the moniker Slackstring.
