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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Public Restrooms Suck!" by Houston & the Dirty Rats

By Bob Makin

originally published: 10/22/2021


Hard-working Phillipsburg-based punk trio Houston & the Dirty Rats are back on the road in support of their latest video for “Public Restrooms Suck!” off their 2020 EP, “Songs! From the Bathroom Stall?”

Having done 100 shows in 100 days before the pandemic, hard-working Phillipsburg-based punk trio Houston & the Dirty Rats have been itchin’ to get back on the road. They kick off a week long jaunt to Florida on Oct. 22 with Night of the Living Pogo II, a Halloween costume party at Area 81 in Phillipsburg. 

The tour coincides with the long-awaited video for “Public Restrooms Suck!” off their 2020 EP, “Songs! From the Bathroom Stall?” The blistering, potty-humorous tune is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. 

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Public Restrooms Suck!” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 22 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. 

Night of the Living Pogo also will include OC Rippers, One Sided, and Diamond Dogs. Admission is only $7 with a costume. 




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The Dirty Rats tour also will include stops in Virginia and the Carolinas. The set list is sure to include “Dumpster Diver,” the band’s biggest hit.

For more info about Houston & the Dirty Rats, visit their Instagram and Bandcamp pages.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Choir! Choir! Choir! Hallelujah”: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ


Always Jovi with special guest, Shot of Poison

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ


Margarita Rovenskaya, piano

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Bösendorfer Recital Room
Toms River, NJ


Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ


The Chris Pinnella Big Band Project

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


Shemekia Copeland with special guest JB Barnes Blues Band

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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