Dirty Politicians, Old Whores

"Dirty politicians, old whores, and ugly buildings all get respect if they last long enough." Deadbolt singer/guitarist Harley Davidson says John Huston's line in Chinatown applies to his band. Formed in 1990, Deadbolt is the last SD band left from the early '90s, says Davidson.

"Now that Rocket from the Crypt is breaking up, we're the last band left from that era when San Diego was 'the next Seattle.' Back when everybody was getting signed.... We kind of take it as a hobby. Some guys like to make origami or piñatas. Some guys play golf. We're in it for the beer and the travel."

Deadbolt survives as a modular band, with first-, second-, and third-string bassists and drummers.

"We're the only original band still on Cargo," says Davidson about the local label that first released Rocket and blink-182 records. All eight Deadbolt discs have been on Cargo. "Our ninth album should be out soon. It's called I Should Have Killed You."

Deadbolt never strayed from its "voodoobilly" aesthetic.

"We still have the snake dance and the karate demonstration and the power tools, and we still insult people.... Rockabilly is Peggy Sue at the malt shop; psychobilly is a crazy killer from outer space; voodoobilly is the darker, creepier side of the 'billy family. We're the side with the missing teeth."

Rocket from the Crypt, Gluecifer, and Deadbolt appear Monday night at the Westin Hotel. It is sold out.