Bad Cop Bad Cop rallies for repro rights at Santa Ana punk show

The Constellation Room at The Observatory in Santa Ana has always been one of those venues where the walls seem to sweat punk rock history. On Friday night, July 11th, that intimate space became a pressure cooker of raw energy as three acts proved that punk’s spirit is alive and kicking — possibly harder than ever.

The Constellation Room was packed and the crowd was ready for a good show. Three solid punk acts were on the bill, each bringing their own style to the small venue. Opening the night was Poli Van Dam, the solo project from the former Bombpops member who announced her departure from that band in 2021. For anyone unfamiliar with Van Dam’s work, this performance was a perfect introduction to what they’ve been missing. Poli Van Dam and her backing band delivered a lively pop-punk sound that immediately had the room’s full attention.

Van Dam has successfully transitioned from band member to solo artist.

Her performance this night proved she’s not just surviving the change, she’s thriving in this new role. I loved this band and loved their set. I am really looking forward to catching their next show. You should definitely go check this band out!

If Poli Van Dam warmed up the room, The Last Gang set it on fire. This Los Angeles punk quartet, formed by singer and guitarist Brenna Red in the 2000s, has been a Fat Wreck Chords favorite since their breakthrough in 2017 and their live show makes it clear why Alternative Press picked them as one of 18 artists to watch.

Red is a force of nature as a frontperson: dynamic and charismatic in a way that commands every eye in the room. While she’s the consistent member who’s guided the band through various lineup changes, the current roster feels locked in and unstoppable. Guitarist Ken Aquino was all smiles throughout the set — his joy infectious as he delivered riff after riff. Ken is a killer on guitar and the nicest guy you will ever meet.

But the rhythm section is where The Last Gang really comes alive.

Sean Viele on bass is a nonstop rhythm maniac, bouncing and leaping with such intensity that you wonder if he’s physically capable of standing still. Behind the kit, Sam Mankinen literally puts his entire body into every beat, playing with such ferocity that you can see the whites of his eyes rolling back as he loses himself in the music.

The highlight might have been their take on “Flagpole Sitter”, transforming Harvey Danger’s ’90s alt hit into a punk rock anthem. It’s clear why they’re considered one of the best local bands in the LA scene: they’re fun, energetic, profound, timely, and straight-up punk rock… and Red is a straight-up punk rock queen and outright badass!

Then, Bad Cop Bad Cop reminded everyone why they’re headlining. This quartet has been flying the flag for socially conscious punk since the founding of the band in 2011 and their reputation for powerful live shows is well-earned. The four-piece lineup of Stacey Dee (vocals/guitar), Linh Le (bass), Myra Gallarza (drums), and newest member Alex Windsor (lead guitar) is a powerhouse combination.

Dee commands the stage with authority.

Le is a beast on bass, holding down the low end with precision, power, and infectious energy… and, at times, is a loveable goofball. Gallarza simply destroys behind the drum kit and Windsor proves she’s the perfect addition as an absolute shredder on lead guitar.

But what sets Bad Cop Bad Cop apart isn’t just their musical chops; it’s their unwavering commitment to using their platform for good. They are proud, in-your-face feminists who are unabashed about their views and willingness to put it all out there. They care about human rights, women’s rights, and conflicts around the world — and they’re not afraid to let you know it. And the room this night was 100% there for it.

Before launching into their set, the band raffled off a t-shirt with a QR code to help women get emergency contraception safely anywhere in the country.

It’s this kind of direct action that makes their advocacy feel genuine rather than performative.

Their set was a solid mix showcasing the band’s range and energy. They opened with “All Together Now” and “Done” before diving into “Retrograde” — one of the night’s standout tracks that had the crowd moving from the first chord. The setlist included both newer material, like “Safe and Legal”, and fan-favorites, like “Womanarchist”, which was absolutely electric live and easily one of the best moments of the entire show. Other highlights included “Warriors”, “Broken”, and “Monsters”, with the band closing out strong on “Nightmare”.

The inclusion of “Safe and Legal”, their 2023 single addressing reproductive rights, was a powerful moment that reinforced the band’s commitment to tackling difficult subjects head-on. And the band’s activism extends far beyond the stage, with Dee leading the Sidewalk Project — helping the unhoused receive basic staples while avoiding unlawful persecution.

This show at The Observatory was the kind of night that reminds you why punk rock matters. Three acts — each at different stages of their careers — brought something unique to the table, all united by a commitment to a punk ethos. The combination of Poli Van Dam’s infectious energy, The Last Gang’s chaotic perfection, and Bad Cop Bad Cop’s altruistic influence made for a show that felt both actionable and joyful. That’s punk rock at its best.

Photography by Shane Pase

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