A one-of-a-kind gallery exhibition that celebrates the grassroots history of punk rock in the Los Angeles suburb of the San Fernando Valley— “Inside Cell 63: Punk Rock in the San Fernando Valley.” This immersive exhibit explores a unique chapter in local punk rock history—Cell 63, an underground concert venue that started in the basement of Nathan Peterson's home in the San Fernando Valley and several warehouse locations at its height from 1992 to 1994 with rare pop-ups in 1995 and 1996.
In 1992, 17-year-old Nathan Peterson transformed his parents' basement into a thriving underground venue which hosted over 200 punk rock bands, including Rage Against the Machine, who rehearsed at the venue before one of their first few performances. Cell 63 was a highly organized, vibrant hub for live music, hosting shows almost every three days at its height with 50 to 150 attendees. The venue became a crucial gathering spot for local bands and drew acts from around the country, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. Cell 63 was not just a physical space, but a cultural institution. It’s the quintessential story of the punk rock ethos and its ability to thrive outside the mainstream. Inside Cell 63 celebrates creativity, rebellion, the transformative power of music and the pioneering spirit of punk rock.
POP UP EXHIBIT MARCH 28th - APRIL 6th, 2025
POP UP EXHIBIT MARCH 28th - APRIL 6th, 2025
Exhibit Highlights:
Rare Artifacts: See original flyers and posters from Cell 63’s shows, many of which document the rise of iconic punk bands in the region.
Exclusive Footage: Experience never-before-seen footage, including the only known video of Rage Against the Machine’s first ever live performance at Cal State University Northridge.
Interactive Displays: Learn about the DIY ethos of the punk rock scene, the cultural significance of underground venues, and the role that Cell 63 played in fostering a sense of community for punk fans and musicians alike.
Historical Context: Dive into the San Fernando Valley’s history and the cultural moment Cell 63 was born out of.
Interviews with Key Figures: Watch exclusive interviews with Nathan Peterson (founder of Cell 63), former band members, and local musicians who performed at the venue. These personal stories provide insight into the spirit of the scene and the lasting legacy of Cell 63.
So What Exactly is Cell 63 . . . ?
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Cell 63
80+ Shows with 200+ Bands
Active Years: 1992-1996
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![Inside Cell 63 Exhibit]()
Inside Cell 63 Exhibit
March 28-April 6, 2025
6469 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA
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![Nathan Peterson]()
Nathan Peterson
Founder of Cell 63, Amalgamated Records, Mighty, Mighty Records & Love Arrow Records
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LA Times Article
The Home of Punk article written in 1992 by John Morell of the Los Angeles Times about Nathan Peterson of Cell 63.
Cell 63: 1992-1996 Flyer Archive
Cell 63: 1992
Cell 63, The Sixth Dimension, and The Forbidden Zone in the Basement, located at Wish St. and Rinaldi St. in Granada Hills, served as a vibrant hub for the underground music scene in the San Fernando Valley in 1992.
These iconic DIY venues embodied the raw energy and creative spirit of the era, hosting countless shows that brought together a diverse mix of punk, hardcore, and alternative bands as well as performance art. As the heart of a thriving community, they became sanctuaries for self-expression and a cornerstone of the San Fernando Valley punk scene. During Cell 63’s tenure in 1992 there were 25 known shows which hosted over 125 bands from all over the country.
Many flyers include "and more," suggesting additional, unnamed bands performed, indicating far more activity than documented. It should be noted that this is NOT a comprehensive list of all the shows that took place or even all of the bands that played as some of these flyers and records have unfortunately been lost. We are aware that there were significantly more shows that took place and will continue to search for information to uncover the full history.
This collection contains 22 flyers from 1992 for Cell 63.
‘92 Flyers
Cell 63: 1993
Cell 63 & Club Amalgamated in the Cell 63 Basement in Granada Hills and the Warehouse in Northridge, California.
Cell 63 put on 30+ known shows in 1993 with over 90 bands from all over the country. As Cell 63 gained momentum and popularity, basement shows in the residential neighborhood garnered attention by the police and resulted in frequent shutdowns. As Cell 63 outgrew the basement it transitioned from residential basement shows to larger warehouse events., marking a new chapter in its evolution as a cornerstone of the San Fernando Valley punk scene. This shift reflected the venue's growing influence and its role as a key player in the underground music scene.
Many flyers include "and more," suggesting additional, unnamed bands performed, indicating far more activity than documented. It should be noted that this is NOT a comprehensive list of all the shows that took place or even all of the bands that played as some of these flyers and records have unfortunately been lost. We are aware that there were significantly more shows that took place and will continue to search for information to uncover the full history.
This collection contains 17 flyers from 1993 for Cell 63.
‘93 Flyers
Cell 63: 1994
Cell 63 & Club Amalgamated still located in the San Fernando Valley in various warehouses and other temporary spaces, eventually more permanently in Sun Valley, California.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake marked a pivotal moment in United States and Los Angeles history. The earthquake caused significant damage to the original Cell 63 basement venue, resulting in Nathan's home being red-tagged and officially closing the chapter on the iconic basement shows. In the aftermath of this disaster, the Sun Valley warehouse, along with temporary storefronts and rehearsal spaces, became vital locations for Cell 63's events, providing a place for the punk community to regroup and rebuild.
In 1994, Cell 63 hosted at least 9 known shows with over 40 bands; a notable decline from previous years directly due to the impact that the ‘94 earthquake had on the whole of Los Angeles. Nathan’s procurement of a place to live became first priority as he bounced around from place to place for almost the entire year of 1994. Due to the nature of Nathan’s erratic living situation post-earthquake, the majority of 1994’s flyer collections has been lost but it is estimated that this is approximately 1/3 of the shows that took place.
This chapter in Cell 63’s story embodies the resilient spirit of the punk community, showcasing the adaptability and unwavering commitment of the DIY scene to providing a haven for underground music and culture, even in the face of adversity.
We will continue to search for information to uncover the full history.
This collection contains 17 flyers from 1994 for Cell 63.
‘94 Flyers
Cell 63: 1995-1996
Cell 63 & Love Arrow Records, still located in the San Fernando Valley in various pop-up spaces and, in full circle fashion, back to residential house parties.
By 1995, Cell 63 had undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from a regular venue to more of a pop-up, hosting shows only on rare occasions. Between the years of 1995-1996 there are only 5 known shows hosting around 13 bands altogether. Without a permanent location or space, the venue's shows were held sporadically in new settings, still reflecting the challenges it faced after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. With the rise of venues such as Cobalt Cafe and The Smell, Nathan felt ready to take a step back and pursue the next chapter of his life knowing that he’d done his part for the punk rock community in the Valley. While the frequency of events had significantly declined, the shows that did take place still captured the rebellious and DIY ethos that defined Cell 63, in a more transient form.
In 1996, Cell 63's presence in the underground scene dwindled to a near end, with only two known flyers marking what is shown to be the final shows put on by the legendary Cell 63. While these last shows were a mere fraction of the venue's previous activity, they remain a testament to the enduring spirit of the community that once filled its walls. Cell 63 created a pivotal space in the San Fernando Valley, leaving an indelible mark on the local punk scene. The legacy of Cell 63 will always be remembered for its contributions to the Valley’s punk culture—its raw, DIY spirit, and its role in shaping the underground music scene that continues to inspire new generations of punk enthusiasts.
We continue to search for information to uncover the full history.
This collection contains 5 flyers from 1995-1996 for Cell 63.
‘95- ‘96 Flyers
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Behind the Scenes
Cheyanne Washington
Historical Archivist
History Major, Student
Pepperdine University
Cheyanne Washington
Archivist and Co-Curator
Cheyanne Washington is a passionate undergraduate student at Pepperdine University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in History. For her history program senior thesis, Cheyanne is curating and archiving the rich and unique history of Cell 63. Drawing from a love for local music history and a deep commitment to preserving the stories of cultural movements, Cheyanne has led the research and development of this exhibit, combining her academic experience with a passion for punk rock. With a keen eye for historical context and a drive to tell untold stories, Cheyanne has worked to bring this piece of Southern California’s music history to life. This project not only reflects her scholarly achievements but also highlights her creative expression, strong sense of curiosity and a desire to amplify voices and stories untold, making her work both academically enriching and culturally significant.
Crystal Backus-Peterson
Curator
Master’s in Interior Architecture
UCLA & Cal Poly Pomona
Crystal Backus-Peterson
Designer and Co-Curator
Collaborating with Cheyanne is a talented graduate from UCLA’s Interior Architecture Master's Program, bringing expertise in visual design and curation to the project. With a strong background in interior design, exhibition layout, and creative storytelling, Crystal has played a critical role in transforming Cheyanne’s research into a visually dynamic and interactive exhibit. Crystal’s work ensures that the history of Cell 63 is not only told through the artifacts and footage but also through an engaging and immersive visual experience. By blending archival materials with creative design, Crystal has helped bring the atmosphere of the punk scene into the exhibit space, allowing attendees to step back in time and feel the energy of the era. Beyond the physical space, Crystal also extended her creative vision into the digital realm creating the Inside Cell 63 website and online archive.
Together, Cheyanne and Crystal form a dedicated team of scholars, creatives, and music enthusiasts who have poured their time and energy into curating this special project. Their collaboration reflects the intersection of academic research, historical preservation, and creative expression, with a focus on delivering an educational and emotionally resonant experience for visitors. Through their combined expertise, they aim to bring Cell 63’s fascinating story to life and celebrate the significant role this small but mighty venue played in shaping the Southern California punk rock scene.
Special Thanks to:
(we couldn’t have done this without you)
