Publication Date: February 18, 2026
OTHER GREAT STORIES
February 18, 2026UncategorizedNO KINGS Land of Hope & Dreams
AMERICAN TOUR
February 18th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
The year was 1984 and music was life. MTV was blowing up and bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Eurythmics and Culture Club were everywhere. For me, I was fascinated by a band out of Ireland called U2. Needless to say, I was elated when the word got out that they would be playing a few shows in Los Angeles later in the year.
What I loved most about that band was how their lyrics represented a theme of fairness to all people and how they stood up to the powers that be. My friends and I pooled our money together and when tickets were available, one of our friends went down at midnight, stood in line and bought them. Little did I know at that time that this show was going to be bigger than seeing one cool band who spoke truth to power.
It was now October 25th, 1984 and we were ready for U2. I was surprised to find out they were playing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. I was even more surprised to find out they were the opener.
As we arrived, we were all amazed by the gigantic banner as you walked into the enormous edifice that is the Coliseum. The oversized banner said, “Born in the U.S.A. Tour.” I was like what?! Turns out the headliner was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Still at that point I didn’t realize what a monumental moment this would be for me. The show started and U2 was U2, Bono was fantastic, the band was everything I hoped they would be. I loved them so much I would go on later in life to see them a half dozen times.
But it was the headliner that changed my perspective on what music could be and what it could mean to the masses.
I recall seeing the MTV videos, “Hungry Heart,” “Thunder Road,” and “Born to Run,” and songs from the album, “Glory Days,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and the title song, “Born in the U.S.A.”
As soon as they took to the stage, the drumbeat from Max Weinberg and the sax from Clarence Clemons had the crowd in awe. Then, The Boss came out: the crowd lost its mind. What stood out to me wasn’t just the music, it was the connection Springsteen had with all in attendance. I was enthralled by the stories he told between songs – how much distain he had for war and violence that was happening worldwide.
What impressed me most was how Springsteen delivered a sermon. Nothing over the top, just simply put that there is nothing heroic about watching a person die and how governments worldwide should represent the will of the people. Those words never left me and his passion for humanity left me believing that day that music could move mountains when needed.
Flash forward to 2026 and Springsteen is still Springsteen and he remains a powerhouse behind speaking truth to power. With all the issues we see on the evening news each and every day, Springsteen has not toned down his belief in power to the people and that government should always represent the interest of the people and not their own, or any one person. Hard to believe that after decades of championing causes, he has found another reason to admire his legacy. The Boss is making a point with his latest effort, “Streets of Minneapolis.”
So why be excited about another song? Because Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Gang is taking their message on the road. The tour is simply titled NO KINGS, Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour.
About the tour, Springsteen said, “We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times, but do not despair — the cavalry is coming! Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be taking the stage this spring from Minneapolis to California to Texas to Washington, D.C. for the Land of Hope And Dreams American Tour. We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America — American democracy, American freedom, our American Constitution and our sacred American dream — all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C. Everyone, regardless of where you stand or what you believe in, is welcome — so come on out and join the United Free Republic of E Street Nation for an American spring of Rock ‘n’ Rebellion! I’ll see you there!”
The tour launches March 31st in Minneapolis, the 21-show run traverses the country landing in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum April 7th and 9th.
If you want to see living history, get tickets wherever he plays. Tickets go on sale this Friday at Noon (local time).
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February 16, 2026UncategorizedREMAINS UNSTOPPABLE
February 16th, 2026 by Traci Turner
The one band that I insist will put you in a celebratory mood every single time is returning to North America this year! Grammy nominated reggae-pop legends, UB40 announced their 2026 U.S. and Canadian trek,
The Unstoppable Tour, which will kick off in September. Launching in Canada and then bouncing between the two countries, the jaunt runs through November and includes several SoCal stops. In addition to the tour news, the band also confirmed plans to release a new album in summer 2026.
Anaheim, California
October 28th, 2026
The “Red Red Wine” icons remain one of the most successful and influential British groups of all time. With more than 100 million albums sold, our lives would not be complete without their classic hits “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You,” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do.”
The official UB40 band features founding members James Brown (drums), Robin Campbell (guitar/vocals), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), and Norman Hassan (percussion/vocals), along with Martin Meredith (keyboards/WX7/saxophone), Jahred Gordon (keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet/flugel/trombone), Ian Thompson (saxophone), Gilly G (MC vocals), Matt Campbell (backing vocals), and lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Doyle.
Robin Campbell is excited to head our way, saying, “We can’t wait to embark on ‘The Unstoppable Tour,’ as the tour title says that’s how we are feeling! New music, more shows than our last visit, and a more extensive tour of Canada. This will be our fifth consecutive year back in North America and we couldn’t be happier to be coming back. We are currently in the studio working on our new album which will be out before we arrive, and we can’t wait for the fans to hear what we have been cooking up!”
Jimmy Brown added, “Really looking forward to this year’s USA tour. It’s always fun getting on the road. We could fly on the longer journeys, but we prefer to go by road. You get to see the changing landscape and meet ordinary people along the way. I think this is the fifth year in a row now that we have toured the States, and it just keeps getting better. More gigs, bigger venues, bigger production. American audiences are the loudest in the world, and the crowd has become more and more diverse over the years. Can’t wait to get there.”
The 2026 tour takes the band through 40 markets at major amphitheaters and performing arts centers including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, and closes out in Florida. Southern California receives four dates: October 24th in Cabazon at the Morongo Casino; October 25th in Thousand Oaks at Kavil Theatre; October 28th in Anaheim at House of Blues; and October 31st in San Diego at Open Air Theatre.
Tickets and fan experiences with VIP Meet & Greet packages are on sale now. While you are getting that squared away, you can go ahead and preorder the upcoming album too!
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February 13, 2026UncategorizedLive at the Wiltern
February 13th, 2026 by Amber Meyer
The mood for State Champs’ Celebrating 10 years of Around The World and Back at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles was… pure, unadulterated excitement!
This Albany five-piece pounded out energetic bubblegum pop-punk tunes with sing-along choruses. The band’s over-the-top, dedicated fans came out in full force to celebrate with them.
Derek DiScanio’s vocals have tons of melodic pop sensibility. Add in Tyler Szalkowski’s overarching guitar and break stops, Evan Ambrosio’s fast-paced drums, and Ryan Scott Graham’s solid bass lines, and this album is true to the pop punk formula: a quick three minutes that packs a huge punch!
Just Friends from Dublin, California, started the night with pop-punk, emo, and funk colliding to create their unique sound.
Washington, D.C.’s indie pop-punk band Origami Angel did a solid job of getting the crowd warmed up with songs like the melodic anthem, “666 Flags.”
They were super tight and so much fun!
Next on the list was LA’s own Honey Revenge. Dressed to impress, donning matching purple and black attire, topped off with a matching pink guitar and bass.
They looked great and sounded even better. Songs like “Risk,” with its dance and rock elements, make them unique.
Devin Papadol is a fabulous front woman with equal measures of skill, attitude, and sugar. Her vocal style is killer. Their fans in the audience were plentiful and definitely impressed.
Their song “Habitual” had the venue in an uproar, dancing and singing as crowd participation was encouraged and happily obliged.
When headliner State Champs took the stage with octane-level energy, starting with songs from the band’s most popular album, “All Around the World and Back,” a 2015 release, they opened with the first four singles in quick succession. “Eyes Closed” got the crowd hyped, and the hit song “Secrets” had fans going ballistic!
By the third song in the set, “Losing Myself,” the floor was literally shaking. I had never experienced that at the Wilturn, but sure enough, all the jumping and pogo-ing in place did the job, all while hands held high in the air.
It was infectious, and if you knew the words, you were definitely singing along! If you didn’t, you were jumping around like everyone else!
Playing the album in its entirety, the single “All You Are is History” was met with fan fervor…again!
Moving through the set, they slowed it down with the ballad “Around the World and Back,” featuring Devin Papadol of Honey Revenge on stage for this duet. A powerful performance, this love song was probably my favorite song in the set.
Fans were beyond stoked that songs from all five of their albums were performed, including the love lorne “Light Blue” and the anethematic “Clueless” from the 2024 self-titled release.
Also performing two new singles, “(For The) Hell Of It” and “Common Sense,” released in November 2025, fans were over-the-top receptive, and I’d say there’s a good chance we will see another album from the band, which would be a great thing!
Up next is Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Berach. A big stage for sure for a band that will bring their larger-than-life performance to the masses!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Red Hare Images
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February 11, 2026UncategorizedCOMING TO GARDEN AMP
February 11th, 2026 by Amberlee Meyer
March 28th, Cool Cats Big Bad Voodoo Daddy bring their swing revival sound to the Garden Amphitheater in Garden Grove. It’s their only Southern California show, and it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
Formed in the sleepy surf town of Ventura, the band delivers their take on the music of the bygone era of the 1940s and ‘50s, and these big band swingers have been performing in concert halls around the globe since the release of their 1994 self-titled album.
The name? Frontman Scotty Morris had a chance meeting with the legendary blues artist and band leader Albert Collins, and he received a poster signed “To Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy.” Morris thought it was a perfect name for his band and never looked back.
Besides being the band leader, Scotty Morris handles the vocals and guitar. Kurt Sodergren on the drum kit; double bass is handled by Dirk Shumaker; Andy Rowley heads up the brass section on saxophone; Glen “The Kid” Marhevka takes the trumpet. At the same time, Karl Hunter does double duty with saxophones and clarinet, and Joshua Levy is the man on the piano.
Rising to popularity in the ‘90s, Big Bad Voodoo blends big band, swing, and jump back blues. Hits include “Mr. Pinstripe Suit,” “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby),” and “King of Swing.”
They’ve done some iconic covers as well, including their version of “I Wanna Be Like You” (based off the original in Disney’s “The Jungle Book”). Their cover album “How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway,” released in 2009, is beyond compare, and their cover of “Minnie the Moocher” is incredible… as is the rest of the album!
Of course, with the Super Bowl on everyone’s mind right now, Big Bad is also a part of that history having performed in the halftime show in 1999. Titled “A Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and Gloria Estefan. Not too shabby!
Mark your calendars, get dressed to the nines, and put on your dancing shoes!
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Header Photo Credit Andy Rowley
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February 10, 2026Uncategorized25 Years of “Bleed American”
February 10th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Jimmy Eat World will honor the 25th anniversary of their iconic album “Bleed America” with a North American tour.
The 2001 album cemented to band in our musical history thanks to the title track, “A Praise Chorus,” “Sweetness,” and the monster hit, “The Middle.”
You could not escape those songs if a radio was nearby – although why would you?
Frontman and guitarist Jim Adkins discussed the celebratory tour, “I feel like at this time in our lives, especially for me, it’s important to get back to a place that you can savor.” He went on, “This tour is designed to be an elevated version of our show, a heightened experience with production that reflects 25 years of learning how to stretch artistically in the live environment.”
Adkins is joined by additional founding members Tom Linton on guitar and Zach Lind on drums. Longtime member – who might as well have been a founder – Rick Burch remains on bass.
The guys will have a rotating crew of acts lending support, including Rise Against, Hot Mulligan, Sunny Day Real Estate, Thrice, Motion City Soundtrack, Mom Jeans, Minus the Bear, Thursday, The Get Up Kids, PUP, Sparta, Hey Mercedes, Girls Against Boys, Illuminati Hotties, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and Jay Som.
The trek kicks off in Denver at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 9th, travels along the Midwest and East Coast, then closes out November 14th in Tampa.
Jimmy Eat World is also part of the Vans Warped Tour’s 30-ish days of Warped, and will perform at all five dates of the festival including July 25th-26th in Long Beach.
Visit the band’s site to hop on the presale action, or get tickets Friday during the general onsale.
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February 9, 2026UncategorizedAnnounces Concert to Celebrate 3rd Anniversary
February 9th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
It seems just like yesterday the Punk Rock Museum was opening its doors for the first time.
The punk community can often be some of the harshest and skeptical critics, and some saw this as a commercialization of a genre that often rebels against such acts. But, any skepticism was quickly squashed when you actually got to visit and witness the museum in all its glory for the first time.
I went for the first time shortly after their grand opening during Punk Rock Bowling weekend in 2023. It can be overwhelming; two stories filled wall-to-wall with memorabilia telling our history for the last five decades. From setlists to flyers, from photographs to a wall of leather jackets, to the very instruments from all your favorite bands (that you’re encouraged to pick up and play) it’s a pretty impressive experience.
There is also the Three Star Punk Bar (enjoy a Fletcher: a rum and Coke served in a Pringles can), a tattoo bar, and even a wedding chapel. The museum also offers guided tours throughout the year from some of your favorite punk rock icons.
I was fortunate enough to attend the first anniversary concert held in the museum’s parking lot in 2024. An all-star lineup that included The Vandals, Get Dead, The Last Gang, Soldiers of Destruction, Sakura, and Suburban Resistance. Last year’s second anniversary show featured T.S.O.L., Voodoo Glow Skulls, Playboy Manbaby, Knuckleheadz, and The Dollheads.
The Punk Rock Museum just announced they will be holding another parking lot show to celebrate their third anniversary.
The show will be held Easter Weekend, on April 4th, and will be headlined by the magnificent Spike and the Gimme Gimmes.
Spike is joined by CJ Ramone on bass, Andrew Pinching on drums, John Reis on guitar, and Strung Out’s Jake Riley on guitar. The museum will be announcing additional performers as the show grows closer.
This will be another incredible celebration of all things punk and the amazing museum itself. Tickets are on sale now.
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February 8, 2026UncategorizedSet to Play Amoeba Music with New Album
February 8th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Hardcore music and mariachi both have a long, deep-rooted history in Los Angeles. It’s not very often that the two genres collide, especially within the same band and fanbase, but that’s exactly what makes Los Angeles’ Mariachi El Bronx so unique and special.
Their story began in 2002 when vocalist Matt Caughthran joined guitarist Joby J. Ford to form The Bronx, a hardcore punk band.
They’ve undergone few lineup changes over the years before settling on second guitarist Ken Horne, bassist Brad Magers, and the exceptionally talented Joey Castillo on drums. Castillo has become something of a session drummer having played with icons like Circle Jerks and Queens of the Stone Age.
The band has put out six studio albums over the years, including 2021’s “The Bronx VI.” They’ve played countless festivals over the years, including Warped Tour, Riot Fest, Camp Punksylvania, and Punk in the Park.
However, in 2007 Caughthran began expressing an interest in recording a mariachi album in interviews. The result was 2009’s “Mariachi El Bronx” (much like The Bronx, all of their albums are self-titled). If critics thought they were initially joking or even skeptical, all doubts were put to rest after a single listen.
For their records, the band takes on additional members including guitarrón Mexicano (Mexican guitar) players, violinists, and horns. Mariachi El Bronx take this side of their music very seriously, showing up in full mariachi ensemble for their live performances.
Caughthran has said that Mariachi El Bronx “was something that was a part of us that we didn’t really realize. I mean, being from Los Angeles and, you know, growing up and surrounded by Mexican culture, it just kind of happened.” He was also quoted as saying this was the easiest and most fun they’ve ever had recording an album.
Their newest album, “Mariachi El Bronx IV,” will drop February 13th and the band says it will capture “warriors, and lovers – characters that channel the specific weight of being alive right now.” A recent press release from the band says they continue to “honor the rich Hispanic music and culture woven into the fabric of Los Angeles.”
Fans will get a special opportunity to catch Mariachi El Bronx on February 17th for an in-store performance and signing at the world-famous Amoeba Music in Los Angeles.
Before that, they have two local-ish dates: February 13th at M-Theory Music in San Diego, and in Tijuana at the famed Black Box on February 14th. So, grab your señorita and your passport and head for the border for a romantic Valentine’s evening.
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February 5, 2026UncategorizedJOHNNY MARR
The California Calling Tour
February 5th, 2026 by Amberlee Meyer
For those of you with inquiring minds, it can be argued that the ’80s and ’90s delivered some of the greatest guitarists of all time. Truth is, there are a few still touring, and one of them is coming to Southern California. It’s been a minute since we saw him last, but the legend that is Johnny Marr will be back to entertain us next month.
The UK-born son of Irish immigrants would become the singer-songwriter man behind the jangle-pop guitar of the unforgettable band, The Smiths. Marr was paired with Steven Patrick Morrissey, together they put out their signature sound as The Smiths.
Morrissey’s haunting vocals along Marr’s signature guitar riffs electrified the world. Songs that became an era-defining moment in time included “Ask,” “This Charming Man,” “Panic,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” “London,” “Sheila Takea Bow,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “What Difference Does It Make?,” “Is It Really So Strange,” “Girlfriend in a Coma,” and perhaps a top five song of the decade, “How Soon Is Now?”
Unfortunately, growing tension between Morrissey and Marr ultimately led to the band’s breakup in 1987. Both went their own way and found success in their solo careers.
LOS DARKS FESTIVAL
Santa Ana Stadium
March 28th, 2026
After disbanding The Smiths, Marr had a short stint in The Pretenders, formed supergroup Electronic with New Order frontman Bernard Sumner, produced albums, worked as a session musician, and of course, toured as a solo artist.
His solo work has created a new fanbase, songs like “Hi Hello,” “Armatopia,” “Spirit Power and Soul,” “Walk into the Sea,” and more recently, “Somewhere” has created a buzz that is uniquely Johnny Marr.
Marr’s latest release, “Look Out Live!,” includes original songs by Marr, a host of Smiths songs that he co-wrote, and a variety of covers including David Bowie’s hit “Rebel Rebel,” and Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger.” It’s a fantastic live album worth listening to!
No matter where Marr plays, he gives it his all and delivers on that mastery of his guitars in a manner you just have to see and hear to believe.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see him on the California Calling Tour! These SoCal dates will be shows to remember!
Catch Marr at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown on March 26th, Los Angeles on the 27th at the Lodge Room, and in Santa Ana on March 28th as part of the Los Darks Festival at the Santa Ana Stadium (also featuring Caifanes, The Growlers, Twin Tribes, The Adicts, and more!).
If you want to see living history, then get your tickets now!
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February 5, 2026UncategorizedJOHN 5 & LIVING COLOUR
Live at NAMM JAM
The Observatory Santa Ana
February 5th, 2026 Review by Bruce R Kilgour
The annual John 5 NAMM Jam returned to The Observatory in Santa Ana and this year, the addition of the legendary Grammy-award winning Living Colour as headliner resulted in an incredible sold-out show during the busy NAMM Show weekend.
Opening the evening was The Violent Hour, a hard-rocking female quintet fronted by former Butcher Babies vocalist Carla Harvey.
Their intense and fun six-song set was comprised of tracks from their self-titled EP, with the addition of a cool cover of the Rose Tattoo classic “Nice Boys,” which the band has modified to “Nice Girls.” The Violent Hour certainly primed the crowd for the rock pyrotechnics that were to follow.
John 5 hit the stage and he and new drummer Joey Aguirre launched into the customary show openers “First Victim / Season of the Witch.” Next up was “The Ghost,” the first of seven songs that 5 is performing from his latest album, followed by fan favorite, “Six Hundred and Sixty-Six Pickers in Hell, CA.”
An extended three-song segment from the “Ghost” LP was next, with 5 donning a cool mask for the shred-heavy “Fiend.” Another new song, “LA Express,” featured 5 playing his mandolin style “mini guitar.”
“Crank It – Living with Ghosts” and the jazz standard “How High the Moon” were next, the latter showing off 5’s Les Paul inspired picking skills. It should be noted that John 5 performs these days as a duo, and Aguirre was a powerful force on drums throughout the set.
John 5 rarely says much during his shows, and when he stepped up to the mic he jokingly said his voice sounded funny, and that is why he doesn’t sing. He instead turned the microphone toward the audience and asked them to sing along to the next song, Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
“I Am John 5” featured an appearance by a dancing roadie sporting an oversized John 5 head, complete with a crazy blonde wig. Two more songs from “Ghost” followed, “You Me and the Devil Makes Three” and “Deviant.” “Que Pasa” – from the popular 2021 album “Sinner” – was next, followed by “The Black Grass Plague,” a track that Guitar World magazine once called “country-metal thunder.”
Prior to performing the final song of the main set, “Moon Glow,” 5 told the audience that he had made a special gift for them.
He then paid tribute to his late friend, the legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, and his guitar tech David Vela passed out dozens of custom guitar picks adorned with Frehley’s likeness while 5 played.
The set closed with 5 joined by Vela on bass for a medley of snippets from 10 Mötley Crüe songs (5 is the current guitarist for that band, having replaced Mick Mars a few years back).
He asked the audience during the “Home Sweet Home” segment to illuminate their phones, as he would be sending the video to Crüe drummer Tommy Lee as a prank. John 5 continues to push boundaries on the guitar, and the audience clearly approved of this incredibly exceptional performance.
New York City-based hard rock legends Living Colour are currently preparing for their South American Best of 40 Years tour.
The band spent the latter part of 2025 appearing at a few festivals after a short run celebrating 35 years of “Time’s Up” (their second LP, released in 1990).
Having not played Southern California since supporting Extreme in 2024, anticipation was high for some funky, politically charged, Living Colour anthems.
Taking the stage to a recording of (Darth Vader’s Theme) “The Imperial March,” the band started with “Leave It Alone” and “Ignorance Is Bliss.”
Next up was what seemed like an impromptu cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” in which vocalist Corey Glover read lyrics from his phone.
“Pride” and “Funny Vibe” followed, and then we were treated to a song they’ve been performing since 2023, “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The Prince song was dedicated to “the people of Minneapolis.” Next up was their (still timely) classic from their debut LP “Vivid,”“Open Letter (To a Landlord),” which highlighted the brilliant riffs of guitarist Vernon Reid.
The medley that followed showcased songs that bassist Doug Wimbish recorded in his pre-Living Colour days with Sugarhill Gang, “White Lines,” “Apache,” and “The Message.” After a brief drum solo from Will Calhoun, “Type” morphed into a cover of “Police and Thieves,” the reggae staple popularized by The Clash in 1977.
The song “Time’s Up” was next, and this became a prelude to their cover of the Funkadelic classic “Get Off Your Ass and Jam.” However, on this evening Glover replaced the lyric “shit, goddamn” with “fuck ICE,” much to the delight of (most of) the audience.
Next was the band’s signature Grammy and MTV award-winning 1988 hit, “Cult of Personality,” another song that certainly resonates with many these days. This was the last song on the band’s printed set list, but the crowd wanted more and were rewarded with a rousing cover of The Clash’s hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go” followed by a snippet of “What’s Your Favorite Color? (Theme Song).”
Living Colour remains one of the most important and dynamic rock bands of the last four decades, and this Orange County performance during NAMM weekend proved that their loyal fans still adore them. The band has no North American dates currently scheduled but tentatively plans to tour later in 2026.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photography
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February 5, 2026UncategorizedAnnounce New Album “LIFERS”
February 5, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
One of the most unique and groundbreaking bands right now, Codefendants blend together elements of punk, hip-hop, and overall hooliganism.
The band came about as the friendship between three very different personalities: Sam King, the colorful lead singer of Bay Area’s Get Dead, folk-rapper, singer-songwriter Ceschi Ramos, and former NOFX frontman “Fat Mike” Burkett.
Bad Cop/Bad Cop’s Stacey Dee once confessed that King was “just a hip-hop boy” when she met him and introduced him to punk music. His influences are not surprisingly still very grounded in underground rap. I first saw Ramos open for Get Dead and he blew the audience away.
Often hard to pigeon-hole, his music is part folk, part hip-hop, part punk rock, brilliantly weaving together multiple genres. His high-energy live shows from solo acoustic to full band are equally engaging. Fat Mike has mostly contributed to behind the scenes and producing, providing his insight from over four decades of making records. He played bass on a few songs for the band’s debut, “This is Crimewave,” and for the first time ever sang lead vocals for the follow-up album’s debut single, “Right Wrong Man.”
Last week the band announced details on the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2023’s “This Is Crime Wave.” The title of the new album will be, “LIFERS,” which fans of OC Music News read here first last October.
I caught up with King and Ramos backstage at October’s Punk in the Park where they spilled the beans on some of the upcoming details for the album that went public this week. At the time they had no definite release date but now we know the album will be dropping April 3rd.
Last week Codefendants also dropped their latest single, “Rivals,” their second time collaborating with hip-hop legend, The D.O.C. Best known for his collaborations with N.W.A. (having co-written most of their lyrics along with Ice Cube and MC Ren), Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, The D.O.C. first did guest vocals on Codefendants hit single, “Fast Ones.” As he did on “Fast Ones,” The D.O.C. brings a dark, heavy theme to the record lending equal parts street and music cred.
Fat Mike said D.O.C. was telling him about gangs he grew up with in Compton and Mike told him about the punk gangs of the ‘80s. Not believing him, “ told him about FFF and LADS and Suicidals… then he wrote his verses to ‘Rivals.’”
D.O.C.’s vocals got noticeably raspier following a 1989 car crash, in which he was ejected from his car and required 21 hours of surgery. Speaking to that effect he said, “Being a Codefendant is one of the best parts of making music today. They don’t give a shit what my voice sounds like as long as it’s on beat.”
To support the new album Codefendants are taking their show on the long road to Australia, as well as a date supporting Sublime at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. California patiently awaits their return.
Stay tuned for tour details coming very soon, I am sure.
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February 5, 2026UncategorizedINDUSTRY REPORT # 56
Catching Up with Marci Wiser
February 5th, 2026 by Traci Turner
While we do not hear her beautiful voice on the LA airwaves daily anymore, we thankfully can hear the amazing Marci Wiser online, sharing her wealth of rock knowledge and interviewing our favorite artists.
When we last spoke, Wiser had exited KLOS, moved up north to San Francisco to join Live 105 for mornings, and was launching a podcast with fellow KLOS alums, Kevin Ryder and Doug “Sluggo” Roberts. Since then, Ryder and Roberts returned to their old KROQ stomping grounds, and schedules became ridiculous. Wiser has since departed the podcast’s regular schedule but will return as a visitor when time allows.
Despite handling the demanding life of a morning show host (seriously – those hours!) on Live 105, Wiser is also keeping busy catching up with our favorite rock stars and sharing new rock on Marci’s Playground. We figured we should catch up with the one and only Wiser ourselves.
Traci: Marci! It’s been a while! I think you’ve been in San Francisco a year, year and a half now?
Marci: Yeah, I got here in October, so a year and three months?
Traci: How does it compare to Los Angeles?
Marci: Well, I mean, it’s beautiful! Where I’m living is a little less city because I was in it in Los Angeles, but I’m in North Bay. Then I just drive into the city every day. It’s beautiful; it’s very green and very lush. A lot of rain. I’ve seen a ton of rain!
Traci: I’m glad you’re doing well up there. I miss you on the podcast, but at the same time, I understand life is crazy.
Marci: Those guys are awesome. I love those guys.
Traci: They still talk highly of you all the time.
Marci: They’re sweethearts. They’re very understanding.
Traci: How long were you at KLOS? I know it was quite a while.
Marci: Yeah, 10 years.
Traci: Was is hard going from the classic rock station to the alt rock? Or is it pretty much the same thing, you just dropped some of the old songs?
Marci: Not really for me. I mean, my sweet spot, what I gravitate toward is a really healthy mix of rock, classic rock, new wave, ‘80s. All of that mixed in. I think it’s really cool what we play here at Live 105 because we do a lot of new music, and it’s stuff that becomes popular, and it’s like, “I knew that before it was cool.” (laughing) It’s important to keep that going, I think.
Traci: What are some of those new bands or new songs that you think, “This is going to be something?”
Marci: Well, sombr is huge right now. He’s on a roll. You got Lola Young, I appreciate her. I mean, she puts it out there. Her song, “Messy,” she’s telling a story. You don’t get a lot of it where you’re telling a story, old-school Johnny Cash stuff. But I think she’s pretty cool. She’s just raw. Very raw.
Marci paused and then went on: Geese is an interesting one. “Cobra,” that’s the song we’re spinning, and I think that one’s a really unique song. You got to love Yungblud. He’s not super new on the scene, but he’s great. I think he’s gaining steam for sure. And I definitely love putting on my favorites, Depeche Mode and The Cure, Ramones pop up.
Traci: Live 105 is being honored by the Bay Area Radio Museum Hall of Fame as the 2026 Legendary Station of the Year. In their words, “The station launched in 1986 and pioneered a modern rock format that built a loyal audience and left an indelible mark on the music and broadcasting industries.” That’s incredible to not only influence a genre, but to still be here as a radio station.
Marci: Yeah, 40 years. It’s pretty cool.
Traci: I know they veered off format for a bit, but went back….
Marci: When we signed back on as Live, everybody in the Bay Area embraced it… it’s palpable. It’s cool. Everybody’s so excited. It’s comforting. It’s that comfort and familiarity that people especially need now, today.
Traci: So true. Now, at this awards show, do you get a tiara or anything? Because I think you should!
Marci: I don’t know. (laughing)
Traci: I’m voting for that. Maybe bring that up. Now back in the old days, new bands got to have that amazing moment of their song being on the radio for the first time. I feel like bands now don’t get that so much, thanks to so many platforms. What is your opinion on that?
Marci: It’s just really hard because there’s so much out there. It’s actually great to get the radio play, so that’s why local radio shows are important. Like Aaron Axelsen on Live 105, he has Soundcheck on Sundays with all the new music.
Traci: Do you remember the first song you fell in love with?
Marci: Yes. Cliff Richard. “Devil Woman.” I had that on repeat so hard. It wasn’t even funny. I loved that. My dad loved Johnny Cash and Jimmy Dean, and that flavor of music, so I grew up on that. I loved that. Those are some early memories. Who was it who sang, “Tammy?” Was it Debbie Reynolds?
Traci: Oh, I think so, because wasn’t that her character, Tammy?
Marci: I think so. I remember that one at a really, really early age. I loved that song. “Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell.
Traci: Well, I know Foo Fighters are somebody you love. Are you excited about seeing them at BottleRock?
Marci: I am excited! I’m glad that the Foo Fighters are getting out there a lot. Their new album is complete, I just heard, so I’m looking forward to hearing that. Just glad to see that they’re putting dates on the calendar for 2026; going to be a good year for them.
Traci: Who else is playing BottleRock besides Foo that you’re excited to see?
Marci: Lorde is great. Papa Roach will be there. I love Papa Roach. I love Men at Work and Backstreet Boys are going to be there. I think it’s so great that they’re bringing so many, it’s like a boy band time warp. Backstreet Boys are back, baby! So that’ll be fun. The lineup is so good. I’m really excited. That’s my birthday weekend, too.
Traci: They should make it Marci’s Birthday Weekend Festival!
Marci: That’s why the Foo Fighters are playing!
Traci: I’m glad they organized that for you.
Marci: Yeah. Dave is really good that way.
Traci: On Marci’s Playground, you’ve had some good guests lately with Matt Pinfield and John Corabi. Where can people watch those?
Here’s a small taste of the Playground. In this segment Marci catches up with Matt Pinfield.
Marci: They are on my YouTube channel, so subscribe, subscribe away!
Get your Marci fix on her YouTube channel and Live 105, which you can of course listen to via the magic of the interwebs.
FOLLOW THE PLAYGROUND on YouTube
As always, thank you to the badass that is Marci Wiser! For your daily Marci fix, catch her mornings at Live 105 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
TO FOLLOW
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Marci Wiser on Instagram
SID 260205 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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February 4, 2026UncategorizedNOTE: For quicker search results, use the search function at the bottom of each page and enter the band name or event.
ARTICLES 2026
FEBRUARY
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DURAN DURAN LIVE at VIEJAS ARENA
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MERCY! Billy F Gibbons
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NEVER MIND THE ANARCHY
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MADE IN ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA [...]
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