Jason Larson has the long hair and rock-star moves, falling to his knees at the end of a scorching rendition of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.”

He attacks the hard-partying lyrics with gusto, though he probably doesn’t quite understand them just yet. After all, Jason’s only 10 years old. “I just like to rock,” he said.

So does his band Lockdown, which composed of: Jason’s towheaded twin brother, Jacob, on guitar; Andre Lopez, 13, of Saugus, on bass; Cole Smith, 8, of Newhall, on drums; and Jason’s and Jacob’s older brother Josh, 15, who is the unofficial lead guitarist who helps the young band keep the beat. 

Josh also came up with the band’s name.

“It was just a random two-syllable word that sounded cool,” he said. “I’ve been in several bands since I started playing, 15 in all. It’s ironic, because none have gone as far as my little brother’s band.”

This March, Lockdown performed at the Southern California Youth State Wrestling Championship’s half-time show in Fresno in front of a crowd of 1,500. Its six-song set so impressed the audience, Lockdown was asked to play at the city of Rosemead’s Concerts in the Park.

“I was so proud. I’m such a rock-star mom,” said Cindy Smith, Cole’s mother.

The group formed about seven months ago at Hubbadaddy’s Rehearsal Studios, which offers private music lessons from instructors, such as guitarist Christy Calabro of The Bret Michaels Band, as well as the After School Rock program.

Hubbadaddy’s owner and drum instructor Kevin Cloud, who’s played with musicians ranging from Chaka Khan to Gladys Knight, is impressed with what he sees so far in Lockdown.

“Jacob and Jason have only been playing here for seven months. That’s amazing that they can play in a band in such a short period of time,” Cloud said. “I don’t recall seeing kids with the amount of experience they have.”

Cloud was referring to drummer Cole, who as the youngest member of Lockdown, has been playing the longest.

According to Cindy Smith, her son started with a toy drum kit at the age of 1. When he was 3, Cole asked Santa for a big, black drum kit and sticks, which he received from his grandmother.

At 5, he started lessons with Cloud at Hubbadaddy’s. “We had to wait until he was old enough to read music,” Smith explained.

As they run through a rousing rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Living Loving Maid,” Cole, whose drumsticks are almost as big as he is, wails away at the kit with the intensity of a young John Bonham.

Filling out the rhythm section is Andre, who looks like a tween member of The Ramones with his shaggy, dark hair, skinny jeans, black leather jacket and silver skull ring.

He started lessons at Hubbadaddy’s two years ago after picking up his mom’s old bass at home.
Andre now plays both guitar and bass, but was happy to contribute wherever his skills were needed most at the After School Rock program.

“I was told Kevin needed bass players, so I asked him to hook me up,” Andre said.

Thumping away on his bass with authority as Lockdown performed Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” Andre regularly makes eye contact with Cole, often sending silent cues and encouragement.

A self-professed classic-rock lover, Andre currently plays in four bands, but he likes rocking with Lockdown best.

“It begins with the song choices, but most kids my age don’t play nearly as good as these kids. They’ve picked up five new songs in a month,” he said.

One is Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” After Josh leads in with the ominous guitar hook, Jason affects a James Hetfield stance and manages to come off slightly menacing in the process.

Jason doesn’t study lyrics in the traditional sense.

“I just like a song so much it sticks in my head,” he said.

Jacob is similar in his approach to guitar.

“I don’t play along to an actual song, I just time it out,” he said.

The strategy seems to be working. Aside from the occasional feedback screech or missed lick, Lockdown acts as professionals would while  they practice in the Hubbadaddy’s rehearsal studio.

Daveda Larson, of Saugus, watches proudly from the sidelines, standing on top of a chair for the best view of her three sons.

With a pair of pink-and-black Converse high-tops on her feet, she sings along to every song.

“My husband played trumpet for years, and I used to sing. From the time they were in my tummy, the boys listened to music, mostly classic rock,” Larson said. “They got guitars in Christmas of 2009, and now they always have their guitars in hand.”

Ailyn Lopez is decked out in a black Lockdown T-shirt as she watches Andre and his bandmates with pride.

“It’s so exciting. I’m such a rocker mom — we all are,” Lopez said. “It’s the coolest thing; we’re not just band moms, we’re all good friends now, too. So are the boys.”

If Andre has his way, he and his friends will eventually become rock stars.

He’s currently writing some original tunes for Lockdown.

“Fresno was different than the After School Rock concerts we usually play. To have someone you’ve never seen before compliment you, it just motivates you to play more,” he said. “I would love for us to get huge and go all way the way, get a record deal and become a real band.”

To watch videos of Lockdown, visit www.youtube.com/rockermom7.

For more information or to book Lockdown, contact DavedaLarson@yahoo.com.  Lockdown will play live at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24504 1/2 Lyons Ave, Newhall on Saturday, April 16. Call for time. (661) 259-6733.