Publication Date: March 6, 2026
March 5, 2026UncategorizedNorth American Mountain Tour
March 5th, 2026 by Traci Turner
The English band like no other, Gorillaz are launching a North American tour for their latest release, “The Mountain.” In February, Gorillaz delivered their ninth album, propped up by previously released single, “The Happy Dictator.” The track features legendary alt pop punkers, Sparks (brothers Ron and Russell Mael).
The “virtual” band has been giving a lot of love to the Los Angeles area lately. Last month, they shared the album by playing it in full with two sold-out shows at the Hollywood Palladium.
Also a big deal for SoCal Gorillaz fans, their exhibition, “House of Kong,” is currently on display in Los Angeles.
As for the tour, we will get two spots on the 22-date tour. Damon Albarn, Mike Smith, Karl Vanden Bossche, Jeff Wootton, Seye Adelekan, Jaega Mckenna-Gordon, and Ruth O’Mahony-Brady are across the pond for the European leg of The Mountain Tour.
US tour leg kicks off September 17th in Orlando, makes it over to SoCal for an October 24th show in LA at the Kia Forum, down to San Diego and Pechanga Arena on October 25th, before closing out on Halloween in Seattle.
Little Simz will assist on some dates, but Deltron 3030 will open all shows. We’re guessing 2-D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals, and Russel Hobbs will join them as well.
Tickets are on presales now, including a Citi presale currently and an artist presale starting today. The general onsale begins March 9th at 10:00 a.m. local time.
If you need Gorillaz now, check out “SNL” this weekend when they are the musical guest.
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March 5, 2026UncategorizedComing to The Novo
March 5th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
When you think of the biggest punk rock anthems of the ‘90s, certainly one of those has to be Face to Face’s “Disconnected,” which became a staple of 106.7 KROQ’s lineup, and is still in regular rotation these days.
The song was originally released on their debut album, “Don’t Turn Away,” but it was the re-recorded version that went on their follow-up, “Big Choice,” and the soundtrack to the comic book adaptation of “Tank Girl” that would eventually blow the band up.
After a slew of albums, a steady fanbase, and over two decades as a band, Face to Face decided to call it quits in 2004 with a farewell tour that featured support from future mega stars, My Chemical Romance. With a few years off and fans pleading for a comeback, the band reunited in 2008 to sold-out crowds across the country.
Bigger and more beloved than ever the band even returned to the studio to release 2011’s “Laugh Now, Laugh Later” to rave reviews. Since then, the band has continued to play shows and festivals across the world, and released “No Way Out but Through” in 2021.
To celebrate their 35th birthday they are giving back to the fans and throwing the mother of all concerts at the Novo Theater in Los Angeles on April 24th with a star-studded lineup of punk rock artists.
Longtime friends, Poway’s Unwritten Law will be joining in on the celebration. A band that’s definitely earned their stripes and been around just as long, Unwritten Law just played L.A. at the Teragram Ballroom to a sold-out crowd.
No strangers to punk rock anthems with hits like “Seein’ Red,” “Cailin,’” and “Up All Night,” the band is known for their exceptional live shows and this will be no different.
Also joining the party will be the recently reunited Home Grown. A pop punk band in the ‘90s, Home Grown played many a show with Unwritten Law and blink-182 before calling it quits in 2005. After a near-20-year hiatus the band got together for an opening slot with The Starting Line in 2024. They’ve kept plenty busy since then playing several shows and even announcing work on a new album. They were one of the final bands to play the now defunct Chain Reaction in Anaheim this past October.
Kicking things off will be the melodic hardcore super group known as Ways Away. Formed just before COVID in 2019, the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jesse Barnett (Stick to Your Guns), guitarist Sergie Loobkoff (Samiam, Knapsack), drummer Jared Shavelson (Paint It Black, BoySetsFire), and bassist Ian Smith (Racquet Club). Based in Los Angeles, Ways Away will keep this a completely Southern California punk show.
Celebrate 35 years of Face to Face by snagging your tickets now!
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March 4, 2026UncategorizedTHE RETURN OF
Lost 80’s Live
March 4th, 2026 by Traci Turner
One of the most beloved nights of ‘80s music returns to the Greek for 2026 and the lineup is sure to please!
Lost 80’s Live is back in 2026 and you must attend!
You can get your “Safety Dance” on with Men Without Hats, celebrate a “Dead Man’s Party” with Oingo Boingo Former Members (and their new frontman, Jose Maldonado), visit a “Big Country” with… Big Country, dance along to “Turning Japanese” with The Vapors, experience “Walking in L.A.” courtesy of Missing Persons, and do some “Wishful Thinking” thanks to China Crisis.
Do you need more incentive? You could find that “Nowhere Girl” with B-Movie, turn a “Whisper to a Scream” with Icicle Works, go “Walking on Sunshine” next to Katrina, give “Anything, Anything” to Dramarama, “Pass the Dutchie” to Musical Youth, or even be a “Wild Child” with The Untouchables.
Of course, the best host for the evening is the one and only Richard Blade. He will take a break from his 1st Wave SiriusXM shifts to entertain everyone throughout the night.
This event is always a fantastic party, so make sure you are part of it. Tickets are on sale for this August 30th show.
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March 3, 2026UncategorizedNEVER MIND THE DELAY
Here’s
March 2nd, 2026 by James Keith
The Anarchy in the U.K. tour is officially back on — and punk fans have every reason to celebrate.
After last year’s disappointment, when Steve Jones suffered a broken wrist that forced the tour to be canceled, the legendary guitarist is healed up and ready to hit the stage again.
The setback may have paused the chaos, but it certainly didn’t stop it. Now the band is gearing up with their new lead singer Frank Carter to bring that raw, unapologetic energy back to audiences where it belongs — loud and live.
Southern California fans, circle October 18th on your calendar. The Los Angeles date lands at the iconic Hollywood Palladium, a venue perfectly suited for a night of sweat, volume, and punk rock history.
The lineup is stacked: Frank Carter on vocals alongside Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook. This combination promises a fierce celebration marking 50 years of one of the most influential bands in rock history. Expect classics, attitude, and the kind of electricity only true punk pioneers can deliver.
Songs their fans live and die for, “Pretty Vacant,” “Holidays in the Sun,” “God Save the Queen,” “Sub-Mission,” “EMI,” “My Way,” and “Anarchy in the U.K.,” are just a few of the era-defining songs we will hear at the Palladium.
Unless you opted for a refund, your tickets from last year should be honored, but definitely confirm with the venue to be safe.
If you don’t have tickets yet, now’s the time. Grab them before this one sells out.
HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
October 18th, 2026
This was one of the shows I was most excited about last year, and I’m fired up that it’s finally happening. Never Mind the Bollocks — here’s the Sex Pistols. Fifty years later, and they’re still charging. Let’s go!
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March 2, 2026UncategorizedHeaded to the West Coasts
March 2nd, 2026 by Traci Turner
The Prodigy were responsible for one of the greatest music videos of all time – in my humble opinion – with 1997’s “Smack My Bitch Up.” The English electronic rockers were all over alt and rock radio (and my CD player) that year thanks to their album, “The Fat of the Land.” In addition to “Smack My Bitch Up,” “Firestarter,” and “Breathe” made them a mainstream success in the US.
Through the decades they have continued to release rave worthy dance electronica and last year’s Coachella proved they are still beloved in the US. With dates on our side of the pond being rare, it is extremely exciting that they will have TWO shows at The Nova in Los Angeles, May 13th and 14th, with support from Nitepunk.
The Prodigy has stated they will release a new album in 2026 with founding member Liam Howlett saying there is “fuckin’ evil rave” music on the horizon.
Liam Howlett is joined by other longtime member, Maxim, along with Rob Holliday, Leo Crabtree. Longtime fans should recall the passing of frontman Keith Flint in 2019.
The Los Angeles shows are sold out, but hey,,. don’t give up hope yet! More dates are possible, or you can jet on over to Sin City where they will play the Electric Daisey Festival May 15th.
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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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SID 260223 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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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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SID 260221 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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