Community and Rusty Dancing

Photography By Rhyan Paul

From late October into November 2024, heavy rains poured throughout Southern Spain, causing colossal floods and massive damage to the cities and towns. In Valencia, the local punk rehearsal space L'assaig de Massanassa was part of the catastrophe, effecting dozens of bands and artists. Beloved music venue 16 Toneladas gathered the music community together by throwing a benefit show to raise funds for the rehearsal space, featuring live performances by Ukelele Zombies and Golden Peluco. Photographer Rhyan Paul was there to capture the night.

Valenica, Spain

Punk in the Community

On Saturday November 22nd, 16 Toneladas in Valencia, Spain held a benefit event to raise money for the damage caused by the recent weather disaster to the L'assaig de Massanassa rehearsal rooms.

The rehearsal space is used by many of Valencia’s local bands and there was not only damage to the building, but the equipment as well, has left many bands without a space to rehearse, practice, and store equipment.

It was the first time many of us had been out since the disaster and emotions were running high – lots of sadness and everyone wanting to party the fuck out!

Delivering the goods were two of our local favorites – The Ukelele Zombies and Golden Peluco. Neither band disapointed – high energy, alcohol fueled silliness all round with rusty dancing. We realized many of us had let that side down and were not club fit anymore! However, practice makes perfect and its fair to say everyone who came gave it their best shot!

After the event I caught up Lucy, Pipe and Eric from the Deaf Devils – who were trapped in their van for 15 hours when the DANA first hit.

“We were on our way to rehearsals and the weather just got worse and worse. The water has getting higher on the roads and it was starting to come in thorugh the doors. We we lucky – we are young tough mother fuckers and we eventually made it out with the van. We know a lot of people who were not so lucky. It made us realise what is important and now its time for Valencia to come together and help rebuild. Gigs like tonight are important and we need to keep fundraising, events and awareness going to help those affected.”

To see more of Rhyan’s Work, Follow @rhyanpaul