Publication Date: March 1, 2026
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February 26, 2026UncategorizedINDUSTRY REPORT # 56
Catching Up with Codefendants
February 26th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Since their debut album, “This is Crime Wave” dropped, Codefendants have been a can’t-miss band immediately catching people’s attention. Not just singing about, but having lived that outlaw lifestyle, the band combines elements of hip-hop and punk with themes of criminality in their lyrics. Codefendants is the cumulating efforts Get Dead’s Sam King, folk rapper Ceschi Ramos, and former NOFX frontman, Fat Mike.
They’ve gained fans that traverse musical genres building a steady army of loyal followers. I caught up with King and Ramos to discuss first and foremost their upcoming follow-up album, “Lifers,” collaborating again with the legendary D.O.C. and the recent backlash about being on the bill for Punk in the Park.
The band released their latest single, “Lonely Life,” which features former child actress Lisa Foiles on vocals (a friend of Fat Mike’s) and the video features Jakob Nowell of Sublime.
Ramos told me last they started working with Regime Music Group, who also manage Sublime, Everlast, and Dilated Peoples, which is how they crossed paths with Nowell.
They said they could not be more impressed with Nowell’s humility, not only flying down from the Bay with a torn tibia but braving a 12-hour workday.
The two bands must have really hit it off because Ramos told me, “We’ll pretty much be touring with them for the rest of the year.” The first show on the calendar being the two-night “420 on the Rocks” show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado this April, which Ramos describes as “a bucket list.” Next up, Codefendants will play the newly announced Sublime Me Gusta Festival coming to Fort Worth, Portland, and Salt Lake City this summer.
D.O.C. is a legend in the hip-hop community, from being one of the main writers for N.W.A., to his collaborations with Dr. Dre and Snoop.
To have him sing on “Fast Ones” from their first album was a dream come true but now having him as a fan and featured on “Rivals” from their follow-up is incredible. “I’m honored,” King confessed and even revealed D.O.C. was the one who approached Codefendants to be on another song. “He likes us! He likes us!” King laughed. Ramos said for fans to keep an eye out because D.O.C. was going to come out and guest on a few of their shows this year.
“Lifers,” which will be dropping April 3rd, also features a previously released single, “Bad Business,” featuring guest vocals from friend N8NOFACE. For the title track, Codefendants recruited former Sum 41 drummer “Stevo” Jocz. Fat Mike was much more involved with the making of “Lifers” than their first album, with Ramos telling me, “He did most of the music.” The first single off the album, “Right Wrong Man,” was the first time Fat Mike provided lead vocals for the band.
With a new album and partnership with Sublime, as well as several upcoming shows this year, things seem like they couldn’t get better. And yet, the band famous for singing about bad luck and hard times can’t escape some bad news of their own.
The boys were supposed to play a full tour of Australia this month and had to cancel, literally hours before they were to fly over. “The reason we’re even here talking to you right now is because we had to cancel the tour,” Ramos said regretfully. When I asked if there were any details other than what they posted online, King chimed in, “Yeah – me,” referring to his past indiscretions. “With the current administration they wanted us to jump through hoops to even apply for a work visa,” Ramos revealed, even going so far as being fingerprinted in three different states. But when the deadline came, the band was told they needed additional documentation and their request would still not be granted. Just know for their part Codefendants did everything they possibly could and are just as heartbroken as their fans in Australia, but they hope to play there in the future.
Punk in the Park (PITP) recently released their festival lineups for their upcoming road show dates and Codefendants will be playing Orlando and Vallejo, CA. This has led to some backlash from fans online after last year’s discovery that PITP founder Cameron Collins had donated to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Many bands have been vocal speaking out about the festival, none more than Dropkick Murphys who at the 2025 PITP announced they would no longer be playing the festival and that, “Punk rock and Donald Trump just don’t belong together.”
As such, many of Codefendants’ recent posts on social media have received comments calling out the band for playing the festival. King and Ramos told me they want to officially make a public post about this stance on this, but for the time being (as anyone who follows them should already know), “We are anti-I.C.E., anti-M.A.G.A., the last people on Earth to support a president… ANY president.” Ramos told me, “The reality is there are other promoters who donated far more to his campaign that no one really talks about, or that people stop attending their shows and festivals.”
King pointed out the irony that these same people leaving comments on social media like Meta, which donated $1 million to Trump’s 2025 inauguration, on their iPhones, while Apple’s Tim Cook donated another $1 million.
Collins has since come out and released a statement, “I think we all probably have common ground on a lot of big issues like being anti-racism, anti-war, and the belief in human rights for EVERYONE, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity.” King and Ramos also said that the festival continues to book bands like Dead Kennedys and The Exploited, who criticize the government and police states, while speaking out against racism and hatred. For their part, if anyone still feels a certain way, the band has an open invitation to come meet them at their shows beforehand and have a discussion with them, which they welcome.
Despite some setbacks the future looks bright for Codefendants. “This is Crime Wave,” wasn’t just a clever album title, it was an introduction to the band’s record label and artist collective. King told me, “We’re working on a quarterly mixtape where guest DJs will do Side A and Side B with a mini magazine featuring various artwork and street art called ‘Cassette Magazine’” that will be released by the This is Crime Wave label.
Ramos said that they are continuing to stay independent releasing “Lifers” on their own label, while Regime manages the group and distributes the album. When I last spoke with them, they told me about an upcoming collaboration with underground rapper Myles Bullen which they will be releasing on the This is Crime Wave label. Finally, they are currently working on a hip-hop project with Factor Chandelier that will be “Codefendants and friends.”
The year is just getting started and it already looks like 2026 will be the year Codefendants build upon their initial momentum and fully blow up.
I’ve heard the new album, and I think fans are going to be in for a real treat, picking up where “This is Crime Wave” left off and continuing that momentum. The journey continues, keep tabs on this band and pick their music!
POSTSCRIPT: Since this interview Punk in the Park has been canceled due to a number of bands withdrawing from the festival.
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February 25, 2026UncategorizedINDUSTRY REPORT # 55
Catching Up With
February 26th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
For most people there is a saying that hits close to home, “Music is Life.” For me, I’ve always liked my music loud with over-the-top guitar licks and vocals had to move me. If there was a great message in the song, cool… but it’s always been the sound of music that makes my day. Being a child of the ‘80s, I have a soft spot for anything new wave. Recently, I came across a band that has a Blur-like champagne supernova vibe about them. They are loud and electric; they are Frankie and the Studs.
The quartet appropriately hails from Hollywood, and their music is part of the next evolution of punk rock. Like The Struts and blink, they maneuver between the lines hanging out in the crevices of straight up punk and their pop-punk persona; and they do it effortlessly delivering a volcanic eruption of sonic youth and delight.
Photo by Brian Bowen Smith
Recently I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with the band’s lead singer Frankie Clarke. As she entered the room, she was exactly like a lead singer from a ‘70s glam band. She had a confidence about her that resonates and a style that screams punk.
Immediately I could tell she was more about music and results than appearances. I could see that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree being the daughter of a very successful musician in his own right; we’ll circle back to that.
Photo by Brian Bowen Smith
We discussed her early days and the bands that shaped her musical vision. She loved everything about Joan Jett and her time with The Runaways. Jett’s music was foundational in her approach to her own music. She believes that proving that there is nothing wrong with being yourself, regardless of who or what is the in thing at any point in time, that’s the power of music.
We identified bands we both loved that had such an influence in our lives, The Clash, Ramones, Blondie and Bowie. Frankie loves Paramore and we both love and respect Green Day.
We considered a fact that is often overlooked when it comes to how being in music you can create a platform, like Green Day has done. We discussed how they have always stood by their beliefs no matter what people think; all while wrapped in kick-ass music.
I then asked about the band’s origin story, at least their name. She rolled her eyes and with a devilish smile – she giggled and explained that she had the band name in her head before she had a band. She explained that she always loved the look of rockers, black leather studded jackets – there’s nothing better she said.
She went on to say that she came up with the name and thought to herself that one day when she puts together a kick-ass band she can say “I’ve got the name ready to go.” Truth be told the name fits the band perfectly; a band that doesn’t take themselves to seriously, only their music.
We segued into the band’s music. She laughed and had the biggest smile. She loves everyone in her band and is so proud of the music they put out. The band today features Clarke on guitar and busting out the vocals, Frank Salazar or Frankie # 2 is lead guitar, Lizi Gionangeli slaps a mean bass, and Nick Rossi pounds the skins. Needless to say, this band can bring it!
In viewing their concert footage one thing stood out – their onstage persona is simply electrifying. I asked her how important it is to her to make sure their fans get their money’s worth at their show. Again, she smiled and said it’s very-very important. She said she wants to make sure they are entertained.
I mentioned her onstage persona is like she is someone else; I asked her where that comes from. She said she really doesn’t know, it’s a little bit of everything and everyone who has inspired her over her lifetime. She can’t really explain it, but in being herself she can see bits and pieces of the people she has always turned to for inspiration and it just comes out; and the results speak for themself.
I asked her that in every band’s tenure, there’s a moment that makes the journey real and solidifies that what they are doing matters. I asked, have you had a moment like that? She said that when she was on tour with Billie Joe Armstrong’s band (Longshot) a young girl approached her and told her that she could relate to their music. It was right then and there she knew that’s why she got into the biz, to touch people through music; to help them in any way they needed.
We shifted the conversation to the band’s new release “Life’s a Glitch.” We first touched on the icons that worked with them to put this album together. Industry legends like Macy Gray, Billie Joe Armstrong and Gilby Clarke… yes, that Gilby Clarke.
She went on to say that it is unreal that she has been fortunate enough to be around the industry to be around gifted people who took interest in her and her music and she still can’t believe they got to work with Macy and Billie. As for Gilby, she said “I’m his daughter and he has always supported me, how lucky am I!”
As for their single, it has a few elements that appeal not only to me, but soon, to countless others. Frankie merged her love for The Runaways, The Struts and Green Day and wrapped them all together in the cover of an iconic female band from the ‘80s. The band is Bananarama, the single is their massive hit “Venus.” And those guitar riffs, yeah – that’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
Needless to say, this single is very-very good.
“Life’s A Glitch” is a compilation album so to speak. It is opus; they overcame a ton of challenges to put this out and her smile could light up any venue – she is that proud of it. She said everything you can imagine would get thrown at you, they did. Everything from being signed as COVID hit. To a failed crowdfunding venture, the rotating door of bandmates and heartbreak. The fact they made this album is a testament to the spirit of their music. And more music is coming, no exact date, but it is coming.
They are working on a summer tour, so be ready to see them on the road soon. In the meantime, here is a band doing what they love for all the right reasons. “Life’s a Glitch” is available now everywhere you get your music.
The future is now for Frankie and The Studs, so go out and pick this album up, it’s a sonic indulgence you can’t pass up.
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February 24, 2026Uncategorizedwith Descendents Coming to The Palladium
February 24th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
The music world is absolutely blowing up this week with Social Distortion news. Monday the band posted a video showing founding member and lead singer Mike Ness clad in leather jacket and black shades walking down the street kicking a can. He then turns to look at a mural on a wall revealing the band’s iconic skeleton logo, a colorful tiger and the words, “Born to Kill.” Ness then shrugs as if to say, “why not?”
The last image on screen reveals that “Born to Kill,” presumably the first single from their long-awaited album will drop this Wednesday, February 25th.
Fans have been waiting 15 years for a follow-up to 2011’s “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.” Then again, so many are relieved to just have the legendary Ness still around to tell his story. The band’s story starts nearly five decades ago when Ness and future D.I. lead singer and Adolescents drummer Casey Royer would form Social Distortion.
The band would develop some of the earliest punk music in Southern California and establish the blueprint for Orange County punk rock, inspiring countless bands. Ness himself would help foster and mentor younger homeless kids at his apartment, which would become known as “The Black Hole.”
In 2023 Ness revealed he had been diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. Fortunately, the illness was detected early and with surgery, he went into remission. In September of that year, he posted a video playing acoustic guitar and singing the band’s hit “Story of My Life,” showing not only that his voice was still here, but so was he. The last two years have seen full tours resuming for the band, and now with a new album finally looming in sight, fans are overjoyed.
Today Social Distortion announced a full U.S. tour kicking off August 25th in Phoenix and concluding in San Diego on October 3rd. The supporting lineup is absolutely insane.
Social D will be joined by fellow punk legends from the South Bay, Descendents.
Descendents are currently on tour with Frank Turner and scheduled to play two shows at the House of Blues next week. Also joining the lineup will be Australia’s bratty punks, The Chats. The band last graced California in October, playing a ripping set at Ohana Fest.
Social D, Descendents, and The Chats will play two shows at the Palladium October 1st and 2nd.
General onsale for the entire tour starts Friday. Presale starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. local time with password borntokill.
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February 23, 2026UncategorizedAnnounces West Coast Tour
February 23rd, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
Punk rock had been a big-big part of our culture since its humble beginnings in the mid ’70s. Bands like Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Clash, Buzzcocks, New York Dolls and Ramones led the way on their high-energy road to ruin.
Since then, bands like Social Distortion, Dropkick, The Paradox and Lambrini Girls are making it cool to be punk again. That said, there is one mainstay of the punk fray who is still delivering on their message of organized mayhem – the band is Pennywise.
As 2026 is taking off fans who like their music loud and in your face, received some long-awaited news, Pennywise is hitting the road for a West Coast swing.
Like any legit legacy band, it’s the fame and infamy that are synonymous with each other. So much so, Pennywise even has its own exhibit at the Punk Rock Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. So, who is responsible for the sonic journey that is Pennywise? The culprits are founding members Jim Lundberg on vocals and Fletcher Dragge on guitar. The band rounds out with Randy Bradbury bass and Byron McMackin on drums. Collectively, they put on a dynamite live performance, and the music is simply best described as electricity personified.
Pennywise is best known for “Victim of Reality,” “Stand by Me,” “Fuck Authority,” “Alien,” and “Bro Hymn.” These punkers from Hermosa will hit the road in May with their pals The Circle Jerks, H2O and DFL.
For the punk rock purest, it doesn’t get better than Pennywise with former Black Flag crooner Keith Morris behind the mic, and he will make shit hit the fan for sure!
Their first stop will take place May 6th at the Filmore in San Fracisco and moving down the coast.
The tour will hit SoCal at SOMA in San Diego on May 15th, then two dates at the House of Blues in Anaheim on May 16th and 17th.
Get your tickets for this one; they go on sale this Friday, at 10 a.m. local time.
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February 23, 2026UncategorizedComing to Hollywood Bowl
February 23rd, 2026 by Amberlee Meyer
The Hollywood Bowl will host an evening of American rock icons with the legendary Texas blues-rock band ZZ Top, and the formidable Midwest pop-rock group Cheap Trick, for one night only, August 5th.
Both giants will tour independently of one another this spring and summer. ZZ Top crosses the States and then heads to Europe with The Big One tour, while also touring jointly with Dwight Yoakam on the Dos Amigos Tour. The two tours keep them on the road from March 21st through July 25th.
The 2026 ZZ Top lineup features founding members Billy F. Gibbons (lead vocals and guitar) and Frank Beard (drums). They are rounded out by Elwood Francis (bass), Dusty Hill’s long-time guitar tech, who replaced Hill upon his death – and per his request – in 2021.
We can expect the ZZ songs that made them famous and made us love them like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin,’” “Tush,” “Legs,” “I Gotsta Get Paid,” “Got Me Under Pressure,” and “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers.”
As for the other legends of rock, Cheap Trick take their All Washed Up tour across the country through April in support of their 2025 album of the same name. They will also spend some stage time with another iconic rock band by joining Styx May 16th-24th.
Members include Rick Nielsen (guitar), Tom Petersson (bass), and Robin Zander (vocals and guitar), with Nielsen’s son, Daxx Neilson (drums), and Zander’s son, Robin Taylor Zander (guitar).
Earlier hits “Surrender” and “I Want You to Want Me” are two of my favorite tunes, and having sold 20 million records as a band, I’m sure I’m not the only one who loves them! They will also have you singing along to “The Flame,” “Mighty Wings,” “Ghost Town,” “If You Want My Love,” and “Dream Police,” I’m sure!
This show in Hollywood is sure to be a musical buffet for Texas blues, rock, and pop-rock fans alike! Tickets are on sale now to Bowl subscribers, so get ‘em before you can’t!
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February 20, 2026UncategorizedLive at The Observatory Santa Ana
February 20th, 2026 Review by Todd Markel
The Observatory in Santa Ana hosted what promised to be a stacked night of old-school punk. That promise took a small hit just days before the show when The Dickies quietly bowed out for unknown reasons. Disappointing, sure, but once the lights went down and the amps came alive, it was clear the night didn’t need rescuing.
Opening duties went to Angry Samoan, officially minus the “s” these days. Led by the only original member, drummer Bill Vockeroth, the band wasted no time, launching straight into classics like “Right Side of My Mind” and immediately locking into familiar territory.
Handling vocals duties was Manny Espindola, a well-known figure on the local punk circuit and frontman for the band Jack Tripper. Espindola stepped confidently into the role, tearing through staples like “Gimme Sopor” and “Gas Chamber” as the crowd readily responded.
Their set leaned heavily into the band’s enduring legacy, with songs like “You Stupid Asshole,” and its companion, “You Stupid Jerk.” They took a detour into their punk cover of the Chambers Brothers’ “Time Has Come Today.”
And, of course, no Angry Samoan set would feel complete without “Get Off the Air,” their once-infamous swipe at L.A. DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. Purists may scoff at the idea of a band with only one original member still carrying the name, but when a group has been around for nearly 50 years, lineup changes aren’t just likely, they’re inevitable. As the night would soon prove, Angry Samoan wasn’t alone in that reality.
It was then time for Black Flag. Every new incarnation of the band arrives with certain curiosity and controversy, and this lineup was no exception.
Change has always been part of the band’s DNA, with guitarist and primary songwriter Greg Ginn as the lone constant. Fans often fixate on Henry Rollins or Keith Morris, forgetting that the microphone has passed through several hands over the decades.
Few band logos go beyond music the way Black Flag’s four bars have. It’s not just a logo – it’s a symbol, instantly recognizable and permanently etched into punk’s visual language.
Following the departure of Mike Vallely after nearly 11 years of fronting the band, Ginn unveiled this new “Gen Z” lineup in April 2025, made up of mostly unknown Texas musicians, but featuring Max Zanelly, handpicked by Ginn, as the band’s first female vocalist, along with bassist David Rodriguez and drummer Bryce Weston.
The band opened with “Can’t Decide” from the “My War” album, followed by the classic “Nervous Breakdown” off their 1979 debut EP. From the first notes, they sounded tight and assured, as Zanelly’s vocals slid into the catalog with surprising ease.
Black Flag played two full sets, digging deep into their catalog with songs like “No Values,” “Black Coffee,” “My War,” and “Gimme Gimme Gimme.” They all hit with confidence and conviction.
The night wrapped up with a chaotic, crowd-pleasing cover of “Louie Louie.” More than anything, the performance underscored how durable these songs still are, alive, confrontational, and fully capable of thriving in the hands of a younger generation.
In the end, the show delivered what a hard-core punk night should: sweat, volume, history, and just enough controversy to keep things interesting. Not bad for bands that refuse to be frozen in time.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
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February 20, 2026UncategorizedTo Invade Hollywood Bowl
with The English Beat & Adam Ant
February 20th, 2026 by Traci Turner
One of the best live acts around is headed our way this year, and they are bringing two incredible acts with them AND doing it all at the legendary Bowl!
The British “Cool Cats” known as Squeeze do not disappoint with their shows – their precision, talent level, and charming attitudes guarantee a night of fantastic music. Every time I have seen them perform, it has been incredible – my love for British gents does not even factor in, I promise.
Of course, you do not need my flattery because you probably adore their catalog already: “Take Me I’m Yours,” “If I Didn’t Love You,” “Another Nail in My Heart,” “Goodbye Girl,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell),” “Tempted,” “Cool for Cats,” and “Black Coffee in Bed” are classic staples.
Squeeze also has a brand new album on the way titled “Trixies” which will drop on March 6th. You can get a taste of what is ahead with the new single, “You Get the Feeling.”
Squeeze founders Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook decided to bring some friends along and make the night an even bigger party. The English Beat and Adam Ant will join them for an evening of the best ‘80s hits – and more!
The English Beat’s Dave Wakeling turned 70 this week, but that man does not slow down! We can expect classics from The English Beat and General Public like “I Confess,” “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save It for Later,” “Hands Off… She’s Mine,” “Tears of a Clown,” “Tenderness,” “Never You Done That,” “Hot You’re Cool,” and “Ranking Full Stop.”
Another British gent that ruled the ‘80s and beyond, Adam Ant will be onstage giving us the anthems we danced along to on MTV: “Antmusic,” “Goody Two Shoes,” “Desperate but Not Serious,” “Stand and Deliver,” “Strip,” “Vive le Rock,” “Puss ’n Boots,” and “Friend or Foe.”
Squeeze, Adam Ant, and The English Beat? Sign me up! Get your tickets now for the Hollywood Bowl show happening September 19th. Do not miss out on these three iconic acts on one stage!
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February 20, 2026UncategorizedPresents Inaugural Field of Dreamz Fest
February 19th, 2026 by Joey Clark
Petco Park, the home of the Padres, will play host to Slightly Stoopid’s latest venture, the Field of Dreamz Festival. The festival is undoubtedly rooted in reggae and rock with the lineup and is the first festival for the band to craft.
With roots cemented in Ocean Beach, a San Diego neighborhood, the band thought it was the perfect fit. Slightly Stoopid expressed, “The Padres and Petco Park have always been special to us. From growing up watching the games to headlining shows here, and even throwing out the first pitch, partnering with the Padres and creating our own festival on that field in our hometown is truly a dream come true.”
Slightly Stoopid has brought Sublime in on the fun as they have a long-standing friendship with the group. Their storied relationship spawned from the late Bradley Nowell mentoring the group’s founding members, Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, in their salad days.
Alongside Sublime, Stephen Marley, Pepper, Denm, Z-Trip, Band of Gringos, and Boostive are set to perform at the festival.
The band is enthused about this lineup as they describe the roster as being, “really special, especially with so many of our musical friends and heroes joining us.”
This era for the band is particularly exciting as not only are Slightly Stoopid putting on this festival, but they are slated to release their 10th studio album this year. With the singles “Shine for You” (feat. G. Love), “Step Into the Sun,” and “The Upside Down” (feat. B-Real & Chali 2na) making splashes, it seems we are all in for a real treat.
Don’t miss out on the action on June 13th! Tickets and VIP packages are available February 21st.
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February 18, 2026UncategorizedJOE JACKSON
New Music and Tour
HOPE AND FURY
February 18th, 2026 by Amberlee Myer
Legendary British singer songwriter Joe Jackson is at it again! His forthcoming album, “Hope and Fury,” is set to drop April 10th, and promises a compilation of a thoughtful, provocative blend of rock, jazz, and funk with heavily Latin influences.
Many of us fell in love with the Grammy-winning artist thanks to his classics “Is She Really Going Out with Him?,” “Got the Time,” “Breaking Us in Two,” “I’m the Man,” and his mega hit, “Steppin’ Out.”
While he originally gained fame as part of the second British invasion in the early ‘80s, Jackson has released 21 studio albums across multiple genres, proving he can do it all. From the start of new wave, to rock, jazz, swing, blues, and classical, he’s conquered them all with style and grace.
As for the new material, he has already teased us with the single “Welcome to Burning-By-Sea,” inspired by his hometown of Portsmouth and the seaside resort town of Brighton.
Jackson laid the groundwork for “Hope and Fury” in Berlin, then returned to New York to record with his usual cohorts: bassist Graham Maby, guitarist Teddy Kumpel, and drummer Doug Yowell. The tracks were given the Latin flair thanks to the percussion work of Peruvian native Paulo Stagnaro.
Of course, a massive tour is the best way to share new music, and Jackson will be making plenty of stops in North America and Europe. The North American leg kicks off May 11th in New York, then hits the West Coast at the end of May.
SoCal has two dates: May 31st at San Diego’s Balboa Theater, and June 2nd at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. The trek will then continue its journey and close out back in New York on July 18th. After that, Jackson will head to Europe for the remainder of 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to see this living legend live. Tickets are on sale now!
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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 Saturday at Noon (local time).
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SID 260217 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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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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SID 260215 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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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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SID 260214 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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