As one of the most influential, formative figures in hardcore punk, it would be hard to imagine the landscape of Los Angeles' early music underground without Keith Morris. As the founding voice of Black Flag, then Circle Jerks and finding a creative rebirth with OFF! Morris has been at the core of some of punk music's most definitive, enduring projects. 

Given the depth of his work and significance of his contributions, it makes strange poetic sense that the man behind "Live Fast, Die Young" enjoyed a riotous 70th birthday celebration at the historic Hollywood Palladium over the weekend. At the helm of Circle Jerks, Morris presided over the pandemonium that ensued during the band's comprehensive set that included all of the mandatory cuts. 

Flexing some of hardcore punk's most beloved entries, tracks like "Red Tape," "Back Against the Wall" and the ageless "Wild In the Streets" leveled the floor, compelling punks across all ages to hurl their bodies into the torrent in the middle of the room. The chaos came to brief pause, if only for longtime friend and fellow punk Pete Weiss of Thelonious Monster to present Morris with a birthday cake onstage and lead the entire venue is singing happy birthday - a moment connecting the humanity at the heart of the evening. 

Channeling the spirit of angst, confrontation and the counter culture that defined Southern California punk in its earliest days, Circle Jerks ripped into a rendition of "Nervous Breakdown" towards the end of their set that ignited the room. With fans singing along about losing their sanity in the midst of chaos and upheaval, the stress and anxiety that inspired the song resonated just as relevant decades later.

Amid the close quarters, sweaty atmosphere, the collision and cascade of bodies surfing from the floor and over the barricade, the mayhem spoke to not only the durable quality of the music, but the humanity embedded in the songs. Transcending age, background, and cultural divides, Morris celebrated his 70th continuing his life's work - compelling people to work out their rage and exercise reason at the same time. 

Check the collection of images below captured by Maurice Nunez. 

CIRCLE JERKS

CEREMONY

NEGATIVE APPROACH

ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT