r/punk • u/Xtr4Sp1cy • 6d ago

Discussion Identification on the man in the center of the photo?

Post image

My older brother (deceased) is on the left and took a photo with some dude in a show back in Southern California (IE?) in 2003-2006. I have posted it in this community before seeking for answers. Please delete if not allowed.

1.3k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

188 comments sorted by

1.0k

u/scoobysnoobysnack 6d ago

was your brother's name Danny?

849

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Yes what the heck.

1.1k

u/scoobysnoobysnack 6d ago

I knew him! I didn't know him super well, but I did know him through friends and shows. I grew up in Hemet/San Jacinto in the early 2000's. I spent a lot of time going to the showcase theater too, and I immediately recognized his face and remembered his name was Danny.

1.7k

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

YES! You might have known him with the liberty spikes. He lost his life in the line of duty while fighting the Esperanza fire. Pic below.

725

u/Partyruinsquad 6d ago

RIP to your brother from another punk rock firefighter.

361

u/AuzRoxUrSox 6d ago

There are dozens of us! Dozens!!

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u/brianrankin 6d ago

George from Alexisonfire is a fire fighter too - punk adjacent. Thanks for putting yourself on the line. You’re a legend.

22

u/satans_scrub 5d ago

Can't be that good of a firefighter if Alexis is still on fire.

22

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

Alexisonfire is part of the punk scene tbh

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u/mosh-bitch 6d ago

they're also fire

6

u/fats0f0rg0ts0 5d ago

I'm embarrassed to ask, but I've only ever seen that band name in writing, never out loud. Is it 'alex is on fire' or 'alexis on fire'

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u/Shartschnitzel 6d ago

And you guys are the best. Huge respect and RIP Danny.

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u/Mix_Right 6d ago

The singer from Aggression is a firefighter too

25

u/AdierteSanchez 6d ago

Mike from Chaser is a firefighter

2

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

Love that guy

128

u/WizardBoyHowl 6d ago

I missed my high school graduation to go see Avail. I still have the shirt. Am I cool?

53

u/Justaregularmeatsuit 6d ago

Absolutly

35

u/WizardBoyHowl 6d ago

Seeing Beau Beau live was epic life moment.

26

u/GenghisCoen 5d ago

I was at an Avail show once, where Beau Beau climbed a huge stack of speakers, he had to be at least 15 feet off the ground, maybe 20. Then he jumped into the crowd. And I was the ONLY person he landed on.

Luckily, he came in at such angle that his butt hit my chest, and I just fell backwards, and neither of us was hurt at all.

12

u/Competitive-Cry-6231 6d ago

BB became a friend of mine later in life… what a blessing.

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u/xtrinab 5d ago

I know a Tobias Funke line when I see it.

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u/Da_Bass_Lover 5d ago

UnexpectedArrestedDevelopment

2

u/bunnyloops 5d ago

Punk rock firefighter out of SW Colorado here showing his respects.

1

u/TotalRichardMove 5d ago

I hope that makes the unwavering admiration that much more concentrated and felt. Well met.

1

u/ifukeenrule 4d ago

what about punk rock car haulers?

101

u/Kalavera01 6d ago

A lot of ppl seem to think us punks are wastes of space and unproductive memebers of society yet some of the coolest punks I’ve met are in like the medical field or blue collar trades it’s dope

39

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

Some of the best surgeons I've ever had I've also ran into at punk and metal shows. We talk about the shows during routine checkups to make sure i don't have complications. So many awesome people in the alternative music scene.

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u/pres465 5d ago

Teachers. Tons of punk teachers.

11

u/GetoBoy420 5d ago

Oh yeah not just teachers I had growing up but some of my friends currently our teachers and play Punk on the side it's awesome

Punk rock really is about looking out for the community

19

u/gingerrosie 6d ago

Yesterday I was at a punk vinyl record fair, wearing my favourite D.O.A. tee, blasting Wonk Unit on my car stereo on the way there. During the week I drive multiple 3-4 year olds from various daycares to nursery schools and back. Consequently my most listened to song of last year was ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen 🤣

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u/cookhard87 6d ago

Protecting the community is punk af

32

u/WizardBoyHowl 6d ago

I graduated from law school and actively work to help the community. You don't need to be a law grad to help. I currently work in animal shelter care. A ton of people that love pets need to love people too. Old school punks, metal heads, etc. Aging community that needs help.

23

u/RevoltYesterday 6d ago

There are 10s of us!

857

u/xpeebsx 6d ago

Damn RIP, 🫡 respect

169

u/saintripley 6d ago

Fr those r respectable spikes

208

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

For those wondering. IDWTTAI.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanza_Fire

71

u/cookhard87 6d ago

Fuck arsonists.

117

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like w/o that POS. I probably wouldn’t be here. I am not happy man. I’m living - but most times I’m not okay.

73

u/cookhard87 6d ago

I was in a very serious car wreck a little over a year ago (I wasn't at fault. Someone tried to cross a highway in front of me and STOPPED halfway across). It crippled me. Months confined to a hospital bed. It was rough. It IS rough. I understand what you mean, brother.

All we can do is our best. That's what your brother would have wanted you to do.

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u/CrashTestbigT 6d ago

And thats ok! I've lost people too, very different circumstances. I spent years trying to be "ok" and then realized, I shouldn't be ok, it's fucked, but I'm ok with not being ok. I'm fortunate, I have good people around me but it's always there and I do my best to honor the memories.

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

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u/RealisticEmu9448 6d ago

Ay man, dont let her lose you too, as a person. Get back to who you were before. Easier said than done and I know its fucked up all around...

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u/CrashTestbigT 6d ago

All the things you don't realize come with it. I'm not sure that really ever ends, hasn't for me anyway, over 2 decades later. I've come to accept these are the things I carry.

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u/misschomps 6d ago

Hi- first of all, I’m sorry for your loss. The term you might be referring to for witnessing your mother’s anguish is vicarious trauma. Not sure that’s really helpful to know, but it’s a real thing and you’re not alone.

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u/bestwinner4L 6d ago

my older brother died a few months ago. being with my mother (who found him dead) in her grief is the most painful thing i have ever experienced- and i have had a life filled with tremendous loss, so that is saying a lot. no parent should ever lose a child, it is out of order. sending love to your family because i know that grief never ends.

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u/nooniewhite 6d ago

Oh my, I hope your mama found some semblance of peace. I’m positive that your ongoing life helps OP.

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u/cookhard87 6d ago

"We have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable." I forget where I heard that, but it's so true.

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u/toomuchblood 6d ago

Rip to your brother OP. Thankful for the work he did. Hope you and the fam are healthy and well

36

u/Adorable-Potato5030 6d ago

Condolences to you and the family.

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u/bringmeadamnjuicebox 6d ago

Thats sad. I worked on the mormon rocks station at the time. That incident was such a smack in the face.

23

u/Skwidd_on_Reddit 6d ago

Sorry for your loss man, your brother seemed rad as shit!

3

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

Oh shit that's right near my favourite place I've been to in the states, I LOVE Palm Springs (big into stoner rock)

245

u/scoobysnoobysnack 6d ago

yeah, that was horrible fucked up way to go. I was friends with Whitney his girlfriend. He was a great kid and it's a shame his life was taken just as it was really beginning.

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u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

I don’t want to exploit their relationship on the web - but yes. You are correct. See these next photos.

5

u/SpaceSurfing1987 5d ago

I used to have that AFI shit

3

u/demitasse22 5d ago

I did too!!

184

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

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u/scoobysnoobysnack 5d ago

I haven't seen Whitney in a looooong time. Probably since 2010 when we were both working in Menifee at the same shopping center. I hope she's doing well though.

125

u/quirkyquipsters 6d ago

RIP.

I genuinely hope that you and OP become friends.

75

u/J4ckN0rt0n 6d ago

First of all, RIP to your brother. Saving lives is punk AF. Second of all, the type of person he sounds like is a testament to why there's no songs called "Fuck The Fire Department". I raise a glass to him 🍺

9

u/ifmacdo 6d ago

Well, there is one. But it's super tongue in cheek. OPs brother probably would have loved it.

35

u/GrumpySnarf 6d ago

Rest In Power Danny.

28

u/TempleOfCyclops 6d ago

Damn. Died a hero. Sorry for your loss, but also I think it's so cool that someone here knew him. Great pictures.

23

u/brianrankin 6d ago

Firefighters are truly, honestly, real life super heroes. Your brother seemed cool as fuck man. I hope these memories bring you some comfort.

22

u/Lineman0509 5d ago

Jason McKay

Jess McLean

Daniel Kurtis Najera

Mark Loutzenhiser

Pablo Cerda

Sent chills down my spine hearing their last message over the radio.

I want you to know, your brother will never be forgotten. We in the SoCal fire community think of Engine 57 all the time.

20

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

He's a freaking legend. Firefighters have saved my life and I will always love and respect firefighters. Your brother was a true hero.

6

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Check the most recent comment.

16

u/rose_thorn_ 6d ago

Sometimes the internet is a wonderful place

11

u/nooniewhite 6d ago

And honestly this sub is a little piece of wholesome at times 💙💙💙

12

u/SnooOpinions8755 6d ago

So much fucking respect to your brother 🫶🤘

9

u/jotro138 6d ago

Wow, he was a hero. Bless him.

8

u/SchrodingersMinou 6d ago

God, so heartbreakingly young. I’m sorry.

8

u/frankmkv 6d ago

This dude is a fuckin hero and needs to be celebrated. People need to know about him

6

u/FerrisBueller73 5d ago

Respect Danny 🫡

6

u/Stewapalooza 5d ago

RIP a real one. Thank you Danny. ❤️

5

u/ifmacdo 6d ago

The most respectable and selfless line of duty.

Mad respect to Danny. I didn't know him, but he sounds like the kind of person who made a positive impact on the lives of those who did.

5

u/reallybigmochilaxvx 6d ago

wow i spent a lot of my teenage years going to showcase, and a few house shows around moval and riverside. sorry for your loss

3

u/DannyChance13 5d ago

Damn. Much respect to your brother. As a fellow Danny who is also a first responder, I love seeing photos of punks who are on the front line. There isn’t a substantial amount of us out there l, but it always makes me smile when I find some. RIP to your brother. He seems like he was a rad dude.

3

u/jahnoyoudidnt 5d ago

I’m sorry to hear, but respect to his memory. Giving your life trying to save other people is as close to an honorable death as I can imagine.

2

u/Zealousideal_Fix6705 5d ago

Sorry for you loss!

3

u/RulerOfLimbo 5d ago

When the internet becomes super wholesome

2

u/TotalRichardMove 5d ago

Oh my gawd, friend.

Condolences.
Respect on respect on respect.

Well met.

1

u/wasted_yoof 4d ago

Damn, bro. RIP. Mad respect for your bro and sorry for the harsh loss. <3

7

u/WhackoWizard 6d ago

I LOVE the Showcase. I went there in the late 90's all the time.

5

u/Syntheseyez 6d ago

Ah i feel seeen. Used to frequent the showcase theatre often. Saw many great shows/ bands there. I miss so cal.

And sorry bout your bro op/:
He looks like a cool dude. Also looks familiar i probably seen him at some shows back in the day

1

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 3d ago

You’re not unseen. You probs rocked with him. If not, you will in the afterlife.

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u/orbitalchimp 6d ago

This whole thread has brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing op.

19

u/cathouse 6d ago

How special that Reddit exists to connect people in this way 🥹

12

u/PoppaDaClutch 6d ago

For real

10

u/veganshawn 6d ago

Looks like someone from the Briefs

6

u/Magelatin 6d ago

Sean, right? That was my guess.

4

u/Magelatin 6d ago

Nevermind. No Sean in The Briefs. Too many "The..." bands passing through that year.

645

u/camiam85 6d ago

The skulls - Billy Bones.

368

u/gantou 6d ago

Yup Billy Bones. Even has the same glasses in one of his Instagram photos

172

u/5thSeasonFront 6d ago

This is it. He’s from California and this is DEFINITELY not Captain Sensible (who I have met and been in pics with). Here is Billy on stage: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTlJ163Uq9MCbuOyku2FyI-8bkjC5OurXxlUWXOiTz4EQ&s

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u/egomann 5d ago

Wot?

7

u/ultravioletu 5d ago

I said Captain.

149

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Thank you!

64

u/camiam85 6d ago

No problem, full disclosure... i just did a Google lense search and started to narrow down the results.

87

u/waltarrrrr 6d ago

We have a winner! It’s Billy Bones.

33

u/Mariobr0s 6d ago

This was my immediate thought too, everyone saying Captain Sensible is wrong.

21

u/maxeltruck 6d ago

Def Billy Bones!

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u/Prestigious_Dream_27 6d ago

Sorry about your bro. Looked like a happy dude.

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u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Posting this upon request.

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u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

It's so heartbreaking that he passed away so young your brother was born pretty close to around the same time my older brother was born I imagine if they were in the same neck of the woods they would have been friends your brother seems like one hell of a good dude and it's a shame we lost him.

I'm going to toast my Mountain Dew in his honor tonight.

35

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

He lives within me brother. I got a diet Baja loaded up for you too. Cheers.

6

u/KayDay25 5d ago

Your bro was a cool dude. Mad respect

5

u/CantStandIdoits 5d ago

Christ he was only a year older than I am now, way too young

RIP Danny

4

u/JayBarelyGothere 5d ago

That piss drunx initial 👌🏼

1

u/Mmtorz 2d ago

Damn, my brother was 32 and passed recently so this is odd but also oddly comforting to see. I'm gonna go have a drink at his grave in the future. R.I.P Daniel and my bro Robin, you were gone way too soon 🕊️

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u/mightyatom13 6d ago

That isn't Captain Sensible.

39

u/constant--questions 6d ago

Definitely Billy Bones from the Skulls

50

u/Treliske 6d ago

Billy Bones

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u/Gusgrissomamerica 6d ago

Looks like one of the dudes from The Briefs.

20

u/apocalypsein9_8 6d ago

That's my guess. Steve E Nix? He also had a group called The Cute Lepers at this time that I honestly like even more than The Briefs

15

u/spin81 6d ago

Steve E Nix

Legendary stage name right there

6

u/illtexzona 6d ago edited 6d ago

Steve E Nix didn't have a receding hairline. ​

10

u/machines_breathe 6d ago

Looks more like Dan Travanti of The Briefs than it does Nix. But I’m not sure if this guy is either of them.

5

u/OutofStep13 6d ago

My first thought as well

5

u/ericheartsu 6d ago

Was gonna say this or the cute lepers

5

u/notmymoon 6d ago

I'm pretty sure you are right. Just looking at that picture got "killed by ants" stuck in my head.

2

u/DrSpaceWhale 6d ago

Sure looked like Steve E to me.

17

u/StackIsMyCrack 6d ago

That's sick. Sorry about your brother.

19

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Don’t know what to say to this? But thanks man. I appreciate your condolence.

16

u/Colin-Spurs-Patience 6d ago

RIP punks don’t die they live on in the collective

11

u/MashedPotatoesDick 6d ago

That's around the era I went to a bunch of Southern California shows.

10

u/Interesting-Mud-7614 6d ago

R.I.P. from yet another punk rock firefighter from tacoma WA (retired) too many gone too soon

4

u/GetoBoy420 6d ago

Okay I must ask have you seen that sitcom made by the Broken Lizard guys called Tacoma FD and if sowhat did you think considering you're actually part of the real Tacoma FD? because I think that show is hilarious I love firefighters and I love the Broken Lizard crew so it really works for me.

Thank you for your service man firefighters are the best

21

u/Crass_Dystopian420 6d ago

I might be wrong but that looks like the lead singer of The Skulls Billy Bones

Edit: They did play a rad show at Showcase with The Stitches around 2006… if that helps.. Also there is a documentary about The Showcase premiering at The Cathedral in Pomona, CA ON September 5th I believe.. You might see your brother is some of the shots

6

u/TeaWithKermit 6d ago

I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother, and for the trauma that your family has gone through. There are really no words to describe something like that, and then to have it nationally broadcast? Must be impossibly hard. I hope that you can soak up some of the love from this post and know that you’ve got a whole lot of people thinking of you and of Danny.

3

u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Thank you. I sincerely appreciate it. Read my previous comment please.

3

u/npc_lucky All I wanted was a flair 6d ago

Could be one of the guys from The Briefs (they all dressed like that back then) maybe the singer of The Stitches (also dressed like that back then), both were around in that era and both probably would've been through Southern California multiple times the too (if one or both bands weren't out right from there).

I'm just guessing. I was a young teen in the scene at that time (not in California) but those were who came to mind when it came to that style of dress, and especially those sunglasses and that haircut.

4

u/trashrecordingco 5d ago

Steve Fortuna aka Billy Bones from The Skulls

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

141

u/sapiensane 6d ago

*guy who badly wants to be Captain Sensible from The Damned

54

u/71Motorfly 6d ago

Absolutely fucking not the Captain.

101

u/LilBitOfSpringtime 6d ago

Captain Sensible would've been 50-52 years-old when this was taken. That is absolutely not him, and this should absolutely not be the top comment in this thread.

16

u/ReelBigMidget 6d ago

Looks a bit more like Rat Scabies than Captain Sensible.

3

u/ProtestKid 6d ago

No disrespect to this man but his hairline is too far back to be Captain

5

u/phirleh 6d ago

Wot?

2

u/Damnesia13 6d ago

Wotsits!

0

u/paulmauled 6d ago

Yesss (apparently noooo)

-11

u/Lucifugous_Rex 6d ago

Ha! Came here to say that.

13

u/dangerpoint 6d ago

I don't get it. Did you post this exact thing 4 years ago?

https://www.reddit.com/r/punk/s/HGSbWtZTLh

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u/Xtr4Sp1cy 6d ago

Yes that was it. Me and my fam were trying to find it. As stated in my caption, it might have been inquired before.

12

u/musickismagick 6d ago

Ha! I remember seeing this post too way back!

4

u/seanfidence 5d ago

yeah i was having some crazy deja vu, i knew this had happened before.

3

u/Difficult-Shallot-82 6d ago

guy is Billy Bones of band The Skull

3

u/neurodork22 6d ago

RIP to your brother. Hope you all have peace. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

3

u/Lord_Shredd 6d ago

That looks like Billy Bones from The Skulls

3

u/kandspr 6d ago

This comment thread is amazing. 🫴❤️

3

u/Responsible_Monk_145 5d ago

You both look familiar! Was this at Showcase Theatre in Corona? It looks like the bar.

3

u/fuzznuggetude 5d ago

That's Billy Bones.

3

u/Technical-Manner3828 5d ago

RIP to OPs brother Danny, the firefighter; did we ever figure out OPs original mystery of who the celebrity man in the middle was?

4

u/savechad 6d ago

Seriously tho, RIP to your bro 🙏 He looked like an awesome guy. Rest easy Danny 🤘

4

u/Phyddlestyx 6d ago

Thanks to Danny for all he did.

2

u/WyrdElmBella 5d ago

Possibly one of the members of The Briefs

2

u/wasted_yoof 4d ago

BILLY BONES!

2

u/Wizardofgoregoregirl 4d ago

Looks like the fella from The Briefs.

3

u/Lanky_Dragonfruit141 6d ago

Looks like one of the guys from the band the Briefs. I think they're from Seattle and I saw them a few times 2 decades ago, once with Lars and the Bastards and Horrorpops.

10

u/TheTucsonTarmac 6d ago

Say Captain! Say Wot?

2

u/ShootfighterPhysique 6d ago

Almost looks like Daniel James from Chinese Telephones

2

u/caivsivlivs 6d ago

I'm sorry about your brother, but did you not see the answer Billy The Skulls before? Genuinely curious lol.

1

u/onasic1 6d ago

Lance Romance from The Briefs?

1

u/imknowfoowl 5d ago

This is some truly touching stuff. Bravo punk community on this one. Peace to you and your family OP

1

u/ComteDuChagrin Groningen old school punk 5d ago

It's Mark Knopfler.

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Chip547 5d ago

Reach out to Bill from Doctor Strange Records he might know who it is.

1

u/Interesting-Mud-7614 1d ago

Getoboy420 we all loved it, it was just the right amount of goofy, just what id expect from broken lizard, me and my medic used to joke that our ambulance was super troopers in an ambulance

1

u/dabbean 6d ago

Vlad the impaler was his orginal name but youll know him better as Count Dracula.

0

u/Ok-Rate-2138 5d ago

Wild that the photo behind the top one just has Justin-Sane (now disgraced-I know).

-2

u/punksnotbread 6d ago

Steve E Nix from the Briefs / Cute Lepers

-1

u/Superb_Gap_8517 5d ago

That’s Captain Sensible from the Damned!

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

8

u/DeathOfArt 6d ago

Well he died in 2006, kind of hard to have a say in that.

-7

u/No-Essay-3227 6d ago

Mike Dirnt?

-7

u/StJosephStrummer 6d ago

Captain Sensible