In July '96, The 1-4-5s headed West to meet their fate on the open road and support their new Estrus album "Rock Invasion." This tour diary ran issue #9 of the late Fizz Magazine.

This is one of many 1-4-5s "pit stops." We spent a small fourtune on gas and oil to tame the monster Suburban's appetite. This particular oil check was after we almost burned up the engine, but before we lost the oil cap. It was also after we almost cracked the engine block by pouring water on it to cool it down, and just before we nearly ran out of gas in the middle of the desert. If Estrus Records ever found out how little we know about cars, we'd have our garage rock licenses revoked!

1-4-5s fans are so dedicated that they often camp at the ticket stand days before the show to insure a spot in the undoubtedly packed venue. A lively dance floor like this one is not an uncommon sight once the driving rhythm of the 1-4-5s infects the audience. Slam-dancing can get out of hand, so fans are advised to bring their own protective headgear.

Darin Rafaelli (aka "Colonel Brain") led us to some of San Francisco's most exclusive dining facilities, such as Val's Hamburgers, where you can follow Darin's example and order the Papa Burger, if you dare. That's a whole pound of certified USDA beef, kids!