Interview: 20/20
Steve Allen & Ron Flynt Discuss The Band's Triumphant Return To LA
I finally got to see one of my favorite power pop bands of all time play live at an LA club and they sounded incredible.
20/20 is probably best known for the song “Yellow Pills” from their self-titled 1979 debut album. That track inspired the name of Jordan Oakes’ legendary fanzine and power pop compilations starting in the ‘90s, while another notable song from that debut later became the name of this newsletter.
Both were featured on the stacked April 12th Zebulon setlist when guitarist/vocalist Steve Allen and bassist/vocalist Ron Flynt—backed by Ron’s son Ray on drums—performed 20/20 songs together for the first time in over 15 years.
“We started out as a three-piece and it always seems to cover the bases,” Allen told me for the interview below.
The two lifelong friends and musical collaborators grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but relocated to LA in the late ‘70s where they teamed up with founder/drummer Mike Gallo, later adding keyboardist Chris Silagyi to form the classic line up. Allen and Flynt have been the only consistent members since the early ‘80s.
“It felt like deja vu in some ways to be back in LA playing another 20/20 show. Perfect springtime weather too. The pink trumpet trees were blooming. On stage it was like playing to friends, family, and new friends,” Allen said.
20/20 opened their April 12 set with “Remember The Lightning.” Video by S.W. Lauden.
The set also included fan favorites from across their sporadic 45+ year career, including a handful from their latest release, Back To California (SpyderPop Records/Big Stir Records).
“Most of the songs we played were from our first two records. We wanted to make sure that the fans got to hear the songs that played a small part in the soundtrack of their lives. The songs from the new record were all released as singles and I think—I hope—people were glad to hear them,” Flynt told me for the interview below.
I caught up with Steve and Ron by email as they basked in the glow of their triumphant return to LA, traveled back to their respective homes, and started thinking about what’s next for this latest iteration of 20/20.
Steve Allen and Ron Flynt Interview
Congrats on 20/20's triumphant return to playing live. How did it feel to be back on the stage in Los Angeles?
Ron Flynt: Yes, it was wonderful to play in LA again. I wasn't nervous, but I was very excited. When we walked on stage the audience response was really great.
After all this time, does LA still feel like 20/20's hometown?
Steve Allen: Yes. I lived here for 15 years. Still a big part of me here.
Ron Flynt: In some ways LA feels like my professional, musical hometown…but Tulsa is my hometown.
When was the last time you performed in LA?
Steve Allen: I can’t remember where or when. Playing with Ron and doing our songs again live works every time we play. Our last gig was in Japan in 2008.
Ron Flynt: I don't remember when we last played LA, I think it was an IPO festival. The show Saturday night was much more memorable.
I was really impressed by how powerful the set was. What made you decide to perform as a power trio?
Ron Flynt: 20/20 started as a trio and we've played as a trio in the most recent gigs. When we started rehearsing for the show, and when we tracked the new record, we played as a trio.
How does it feel to play these songs with your son on drums?
Ron Flynt: Playing music with my son has brought us closer together. When children grow up and move out of the house it can be hard to stay in touch as much as one might want.
Ray and I practiced together, traveled together, shared several meals, and then experienced the show together. It was fantastic. Ray is a great drummer, an excellent fellow, and I love my son very much.
What's next for 20/20?
Steve Allen: We wanted to play a good first show and see what opportunities arise. We would love to play more shows at the right time and place. We didn’t get to play in LA 5 years ago this month at the Roxy (because of COVID-19), so to have it realized feels so great. We want to come back to LA and Zebulon!
Ron Flynt: Hard to say what's next. I'd like to play Austin and Nashville, maybe New York, possibly Spain. Who knows, the skies the limit!
Review: 'Back To California' by 20/20
With a first album whose reputation has grown to represent the gold standard for power pop, 20/20 has stood, for decades, in the shadow of their own brilliance.
I discovered 20/20 at my pal's new record store in 2015. They're pretty good.