Bill Ross’ perfect prescription

PHOTO by JENNIE WARREN

Bill Ross totes his own portable transmaniacon—dream machine, oil pan, Ride LPs—to the Prospector (and occasional alternate environs) to present the psychedelic rock shows that earned him the name Billgazer.

Fingerprints “I’ve been going there since the early ’90s, when it was a lot smaller. I’m always ordering stuff there—any special orders get 10 percent off, too. Everyone is really helpful and they have a really good selection, and they still have vinyl! That’s totally the measure of a good town—it definitely has to have a good record store.”

4612 E Second St | Long Beach 90803 | 562.433.4996 | fingerprintsmusic.com

The Prospector “I couldn’t do what I do without the Prospector. Drinks are cheap and I can do whatever I want and everyone’s easy-going, and everyone who plays gets free drinks all night. I’ve been doing shows there for a little over a year now—Dead Meadow is gonna happen soon.”

2400 E Seventh St | Long Beach 90804 | 562.438.3839 | myspace.com/theprospectorlongbeach

Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market “It’s like going to 300 garage sales in one day. You never know what you’re gonna find: old knick-knacky stuff, toys, and really good vintage clothes dealers. It’s hit-and-miss—there have been times I walked through that whole place and didn’t get anything, but that’s rare. And you can actually get beer there, too. Totally a plus—drunk shopping!”

Veterans Stadium | 5000 E Lew Davis St | Long Beach 90899 | 562.938.4018 | longbeachantiquemarket.com | Every third Saturday

Amazing Comics and Cards “It’s just a really good comic store. They stock a bunch of stuff and a lot of toys—you can buy sets there, so if you want a really rare figure, you can just get the whole set. And they have really good sales—there’s always a Christmas sale and a lot of the comic books are 50 percent off. I like to just go in, pick up the comics and see what new toys are out.”

5555 E Stearns St | Ste 103 | Long Beach 90815 | 562.493.4427 | amazingcomics.com

All my friends in Long Beach “They totally make it worthwhile!”

Tags: best of, bill ross, billgazer, Long Beach