After a number of concerts in D.C. opening for bands such as the

After a number of concerts in D.C. opening for bands such as the Untouchables , the Idles decided to tour the West Coast in August 1980. Along with roadies Garfield and Sullivan, the band traveled to California. They were immediately hassled by police upon their arrival, and after challenging the police, Nelson was handcuffed for an hour. When the Teen Idles eventually began their tour, they were refused entry at Los Angeles’ Hong Kong Café because of their age. Originally due to open for the Dead Kennedys and the Circle Jerks , they settled for playing the next night, opening for the Mentors and a band called Puke, Spit and Guts in exchange for just $15. The Teen Idles impressed those at the venue; MacKaye later said, “People were freaked out by how fast [we played]”.