Cell 63, a grassroots venue in the San Fernando Valley during 1992-1996, hosted over 100 shows with 200+ bands and was started by 17-year -old Nathan Peterson.
Our archival collection of known Cell 63 flyers from 1992-1996 captures the essence of its journey, one which was born out of the basement. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, creativity, and the punk rock spirit that Cell 63 fostered in the San Fernando Valley. Cell 63’s legacy extends far beyond the shows and the bands that graced its stage. The venue became a symbol of the DIY ethos, a place where the punk community could gather, create, and thrive outside the constraints of the mainstream music industry. Cell 63 provided a platform for emerging bands and artists who would go on to shape the future of punk rock. The venue was a sanctuary for all, fostering a sense of community and belonging that transcended mere music and shows. Though it closed its doors in the mid-90s, the spirit of Cell 63 lives on in the countless musicians and punks it inspired.
“the home of punk”
-John Morell, LA Times
Cell 63, a grassroots venue in the San Fernando Valley, holds a legendary place in the history of the Los Angeles punk scene. Beginning in 1992, 17-year-old Nathan Peterson transformed his parents' basement into a vibrant underground space holding up to 150 punk rockers, a place which Los Angeles Times would later name “the home of punk”. Most active between 1992-1993, the venue became a hub for local punk rockers and visiting acts from around the country and internationally. Cell 63 would go on to host 100+ shows and well over 200 punk bands, including many who would go on to become iconic figures in the scene, such as Rage Against the Machine, Huggy Bear, Samiam, Jawbreaker, Face to Face, Total Chaos and Jughead's Revenge, just to name a few— all of which helped to define the sound and spirit of the era.
By 1993, as Cell 63 grew in popularity, the basement in Granada Hills became too small to contain the crowds and energy. As attention from the police and growing noise complaints mounted, the venue transitioned from the basement of a residential home to warehouse events. These warehouse shows, hosted in the San Fernando Valley and later Sun Valley, continued to build on the venue's legacy, attracting both local talent and touring bands. However, the 1994 Northridge earthquake marked a turning point in Cell 63's history. The devastating impacts of the earthquake resulted in the red-tagging of Nathan’s home, effectively putting an end to the iconic basement era. While the community was devastated, Cell 63 quickly adapted, hosting shows in temporary warehouse locations, as well as storefronts and rehearsal spaces. Though the frequency of events declined due to the earthquake’s impact and Nathan's search for a new place to live, Cell 63’s spirit remained alive through pop-up shows and its ongoing influence on the local punk scene.
By 1995 and 1996, Cell 63 had transitioned into a more sporadic, pop-up operation, with just a few shows each year. The shows, though fewer in number, remained a celebration of the punk ethos—raw, rebellious, and full of energy. In 1996, only two shows were documented, marking what is believed to be the final chapter in Cell 63's storied history. 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. Despite the reduced activity in its later years, Cell 63’s impact on the San Fernando Valley and the larger punk rock community cannot be overstated. The venue’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its vibrant, underground culture and in the many bands that once played its iconic stage. Its raw, DIY spirit continues to inspire punk communities and enthusiasts, preserving the memory of a space that helped define an era of underground music in Los Angeles.