Publication Date October 22, 2026
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October 21, 2026UncategorizedRELEASES NEW MUSIC
October 21st, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
While the “rockstar” tag may have launched in the 1950s with artists like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry, the late ‘70s and ‘80s – often called the “golden age” of rock – featured a band that exemplified all of those rockstars rolled into one… Blondie.
Blondie became icons of the new wave genre with songs like “Dreaming,” “Sunday Girl,” “Pretty Baby,” “Call Me,” “Atomic,” “One Way or Another,” “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture,” “Hanging on the Telephone,” “and “The Tide Is High.”
But the legends – Debbie Harry (vocals), Chris Stein (guitar), Leigh Foxx (bass), Matt Katz-Bohen (keyboards), and Tommy Kessler (guitar) – are not stuck in the past.
Blondie is bringing new music history to fans by releasing a new album February 26th, 2027, called “High Noon.”
The band also released the first single, “Spectral Eyes,” filled with themes of escapism and self-destruction.
The song’s composition and lyrics were written by another rock n’ roll icon, Johnny Marr, guitarist of The Smiths. Of course, the majority of the track is sung by the “Queen of New Wave” herself, Debbie Harry.
Blondie fans are still mourning the loss of long-time drummer, Clem Burke. While he is no longer with us, his legacy with Blondie lives on. Burke’s drum sections will exist throughout the upcoming album, reflecting his importance and legacy to the band’s fandom.
The group has not announced a tour or show dates… yet. But with this being their first album release since 2017’s “Pollinator,” we hope to see them back out on the road showing it off!
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October 20, 2026UncategorizedSKA SMACKDOWN III
Returns to Garden Amp
October 20th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Mustard Plug’s highly-anticipated annual January show will be returning for the third time to the Garden Amp in Garden Grove. In fact, this show is far from the only date on Mustard Plug’s calendar.
The ska punk pioneers out of Grand Rapids will embark on a West Coast tour to kick off 2027, hitting Seattle, Mesa, Oregon, and several stops in California, all supported by The Planet Smashers and Venomous Pinks.
SKA SMACKDOWN III | GARDEN AMP
The tour concludes on January 16th in Denver, this time supported by The Toasters, Catbite, and First Time Caller.
For Ska Smackdown III, the band will take over the entire venue playing both the outdoor main stage and the intimate, indoor Locker Room. As they did two years ago,
Mustard Plug will be joined by San Diego’s Buck-o-Nine. Much like Mustard Plug they are always down to get a party started the crowd skanking.
The two will be joined by co-headliner, Montreal’s ska punk legends, The Planet Smashers.
The band is currently touring in support of 2025’s “On the Dancefloor.”
I believe Orange County’s The Goodwin Club is the only band to be asked back for their third consecutive year.
They have crushed it each year, and I look forward to them opening for Reel Big Fish at the Wiltern in December.
Returning from last year are the uber popular Chudson, and I know their growing fanbase is eager to catch these guys play again.
There’s no doubt Arizona’s Venomous Pinks will absolutely annihilate the stage as they always do.
I love seeing that they are going to kick off 2027 in support of Mustard Plug spreading punk goodness along the West Coast. Undisputed World Champions from South Central Los Angeles are known for their high-energy shows.
Odd Advantage’s versatility really caught my attention at the Summer Ska Classic, so I’m looking forward to catching them again.
I’m also looking forward to catching opening act, Natlia Inez. From her online videos she seems to lead with powerful vocals and a talented backing band. Tickets are on sale now. Start the new year off right, skanking under the California sky.
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October 20, 2026UncategorizedNorth American Tour Comes to SoCal
October 20th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
When an artist steps onto the stage for the first time, it’s not very common that their music ends up creating a new genre, even creating new definitions of music.
When that same artist becomes more than just a musician, rather an icon, their sound becomes influential for many creative minds that follow.
When I think of someone who’s not only set the framework for instilling creativity and passion into his music but is also still increasing their iconic legacy to this day, no one comes to mind more than Gary Numan.
Just as the fall season is gearing up, so is Numan on his North American fall tour. The goth rock legend plans to visit iconic places on the western side of the US including Las Vegas, Portland, Arizona, and of course, California.
While he’s planned a couple shows across the Golden State from Sacramento to San Francisco, he will also hit our neck of the woods with a November 16th stop at the Fonda Theatre. He will be at the Observatory North Park on November 25th.
I between all that, Numan will make a special appearance in Huntington Beach at the Darker Waves Festival. This will be one of the biggest events of the year brining a large number of legends to oner show!
Concertgoers can expect to hear the Numan-classics, including tracks from his iconic album “The Pleasure Principle” like his monster-hit “Cars.” With his extensive catalog, there is no shortage of classics for fans to enjoy: “Down in the Park,” “I Am Dust,” “Mercy,” “Metal,” “My Name Is Ruin,” “When the World Comes Apart,” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
Since the ‘70s, Numan has put together some of the most influential synth-pop rock albums we’ve ever seen so watching him play them live is an experience unlike any other. The venue is sort of like Numan in that way – they both have a rich history of music, they both currently call Los Angeles home, and they both know how to put on a great show.
Expect nothing less than an incredible night filled with smash-hit tracks, a never-ending feeling of wanting to sing-along, and the inevitable great memories that will come along with seeing him at the Walk of Fame-adjacent theatre.
Snatch those tickets now to see one of the U.K.’s finest next month, because the theater only seats 1,200 and they’re selling out fast.
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedLONG LIVE THE BLACK PARADE TOUR
October 19th, 2026 by Traci Turner
There are two major things to look forward to this week: the highly anticipated release of “The Black Parade (20th Anniversary)” expanded reissue, and the band’s five-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl.
“The Black Parade” is not only deemed MCR’s greatest album, but THE greatest emo album, defining the genre and giving a soundtrack to a generation. The concept album has sold more than four million copies in the US and I dare you to not get pumped when that intro starts…
In anticipation of the anniversary edition release on October 23rd, the band has dropped the bonus track and video “Someone Out There Loves You (Live from Hoboken).” The recording dates back to 2007 during the original tour promoting the album, performed at the band’s hometown club, Maxwell’s in New Jersey. The song has never been released before and truly captures the era.
Photo by Bryce Hall
My Chemical Romance announced, “Twenty years ago, we wrote what would become The Black Parade, our third record and the follow up to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. At the time, we could never have imagined what the record would mean for the band. All we knew is that we had made something crazy, and something we couldn’t wait to get it out into the world… For the first time, we have included everything we finished during those sessions in a single collection.”
“The Black Parade (20th Anniversary)” includes the full album plus six bonus tracks – two more from the NJ show (also unreleased on LP, CD, or streaming), and three fan-favorite B-sides.
The band also joined forces with original “The Black Parade” cover artist James Jean to reimagine the imagery and create limited vinyl colorways and autographed physical formats.
To celebrate the anniversary release, My Chemical Romance is closing out the US leg of The Black Parade 2026 Tour with five nights at the Hollywood Bowl. The series begins Wednesday and ends on Halloween night.
As if that wasn’t enough, MCR and Hot Topic have been celebrating with a monthlong Black Parade 20th Anniversary Takeover that includes exclusive merch, giveaways, and rare photo ops, plus a global all-store listening party when the album is released.
The Hollywood Hot Topic has been completely transformed into an immersive experience and will stay open until 1 a.m. on Hollywood Bowl nights.
Get your band uniform and sweep those bangs across your face and join us at “The Black Parade!”
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SID 261021 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedBrings Its Run for Your Lives Tour to SoCal
October 19th, 2026 Story by Shane Pase
Iron Maiden just isn’t ready to call it a day after an incredibly successful run of their Run for Your Lives World Tour. Following an enthusiastic response from fans across North America, the band has decided to keep things rolling with one final leg of its world tour.
Southern California fans have another reason to celebrate – Iron Maiden will bring the tour to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on April 22nd, then to Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino on April 24th, 2027, both with special guests Bullet for My Valentine and The Raven Age.
The newly announced 16-date North American run kicks off April 14th in Tacoma before making its way through Vancouver, Portland, and three California stops. From there, the tour heads across the country, wrapping up with headlining appearances at Ohio’s Sonic Temple Festival and Maryland’s Boardwalk Rock Festival in May.
For anyone who has followed Iron Maiden over the years, the band’s decision to extend the tour probably isn’t much of a surprise. Few metal acts have maintained this kind of loyal following for this long, and even fewer continue filling arenas and amphitheaters more than 50 years after getting started.
Iron Maiden Promotional Photo
Founded in London in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement and helped reshape the genre. Albums like ”The Number of the Beast,” ”Piece of Mind,” ”Powerslave,” and ”Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” became essential listening for generations of metal fans. Along the way, the band developed a signature sound built around galloping bass lines, twin-guitar harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson’s unmistakable vocals.
The Run for Your Lives Tour focuses on material from the band’s first nine studio albums, giving longtime fans plenty of the music that made Maiden a household name in heavy metal. Songs like “The Trooper,” “Run to the Hills,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and “The Number of the Beast” have remained concert favorites for decades.
Of course, an Iron Maiden concert has always been about more than simply playing the songs. The band’s elaborate stage productions, massive backdrops, and ever-present mascot Eddie have become as much a part of the experience as the music itself. The current tour brings that tradition together with a production designed to celebrate the band’s earliest and most influential years.
Joining Maiden at Glen Helen will be fellow British metal acts Bullet for My Valentine, who have a new album, “Social Apocalypse,” arriving in March 2027, and The Raven Age. The three-band lineup also marks the first time since 1983 that Maiden has assembled an entirely British touring bill.
With Glen Helen’s outdoor setting and the band’s full production coming to San Bernardino, the April show should be a fitting way for Southern California metal fans to take part in Maiden’s anniversary celebration.
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10 a.m., with fan club and other presales beginning earlier in the week.
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October 19, 2026UncategorizedANNOUNCE LINEUP FOR
October 19th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
The beginning of the end is always where we seem to find ourselves when we hear the news about an upcoming larger-than-life and grandioso event. In the here and now, so is the case – This morning we received the news we have all been waiting got from KROQ # 1 rated Klein.Ally. Show. What better way to celebrate the holidays and say goodbye to the year that was 2026 than getting the lineup for this year’s KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas.
I remember how this all got started. It was 1989 and I was there for the station’s holiday show that was dubbed the KROQ Xmas Bash. The inaugural event was held at Universal Amphitheatre and featured The Call, Mary’s Danish, Food for Feet and Camper Van Beethoven. What a night it was; it just launched an idea that would forever positively impact us all who call SoCal home!
Since then, the event has grown in size and popularity. Bands like U2, Bad Religion, blink-182, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Social Distortion, 311, Sublime, Green Day, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Oasis, Garbage, Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down, Simple Minds, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Violent Femmes… you get the idea: The who’s who of alternative music have played this iconic event
“Almost Acoustic Christmas has always been about the bands and their connection with our listeners,” said Kevin Weatherly, Senior Vice President of Programming, KROQ. “That’s what makes this show so special, and we’re incredibly grateful to the artists who take the time to be part of it. Celebrating 35 years of this together is pretty amazing. And to be able to give back to two great organizations supporting local youth makes it that much more meaningful.”
Just before the announcement morning show host Kevin Klein said this event is the holiday tradition brings us all together. That being said, here is the 2026 edition of Almost Acoustic Christmas: Foo Fighters, Sublime, Joyce Manor, Julia Wolf, Almost Monday, The Linda Lindas, Interpol and Weezer,
Tickets go on sale October 30th at noon. If you haven’t seen this spectacle before, get out and see this bucket list event. If you have seen it before, you know the drill. Ready, set, go… get your tickets for KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas 2026 and make memories!
Proceeds from the show will benefit Para Los Niños and Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center.
In the end, it is said that big life events change us… so like our friends from Boingo say… “WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?!” I say be the person we see at this show.
Get your tickets and see you at Acoustic!
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October 15, 2026UncategorizedDrops New Music & Announces
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH WORLD TOUR
October 15th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Just last month we told you U2 was back with “Carnaval De Luz,” their 16th studio album and first album of new material in nine years. In fact, the story ended with “Now… will we see a tour in 2027?” The answer is… YES!
“Carnaval De Luz” will drop November 13th and the band described it: “Carnival, a celebration of the flesh, ‘carne,’ before the denial that is Lent, a period of reflection, and the rebirth of Easter. The song connecting the album and two EPs is the final track on the new album, ‘Torn,’ a duet between Bono and the late, great Dolly Parton, in what has sadly turned out to be her last recorded vocal performance.”
With the release date approaching, we were also bound to get another single. Last month we got “Silencio” and they have just delivered “The Greatest Show on Earth” – which is also the tour name.
The Irish lads will play stadiums around the globe next year as part of Carnaval De Luz Presents: The Greatest Show on Earth. The trek kicks off February 23rd in Mexico City with plans to continue through 2027 “and beyond.”
A band for 50 years now, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. only revealed six dates so far, and all of them are in Latin America. They state additional dates will be revealed in the coming weeks, and it includes North America and Europe.
As for the dates announced so far: Mexico City, Mexico on February 23rd and 26th; Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 10th and 12th; and Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 23rd and 25th.
Their opener for these first shows is a gentleman you may have heard of… some Beck guy!
As for the album’s second single, “The Greatest Show on Earth” was released with a video directed by the legendary Anton Corbijn. Filmed in the California desert, it features the gents masked, bearded, and perhaps as cult leaders…
Bono described the song as: “The Greatest Show on Earth? Now that’s a throwdown. It’s a dare, to ourselves as much as anyone, to try and have the best night of anybody’s life. A bit of showman, a bit of shaman, a riot of color, unreasonable guitar, bass and drums, and tunes you can hold onto. Because if people are gonna show up, we certainly are.”
To make sure you show up when they do, the first ticket drop will be via the band’s site. A subscriber presale for the six dates begins October 19th at 10 a.m. local time, and then the remaining tickets go on sale October 22nd on the band’s site.
“Carnaval De Luz” will be available in multiple formats including limited edition sets and “Coloured & Bespoke Vinyl,” plus the standards.
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SID 261018 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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October 15, 2026UncategorizedCELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF
October 15th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
It is said the music is a gateway to the soul, a cosmic highway, a time machine so-to-speak that will take you to wherever you were, whoever you were with, the good and the not so good when you first hear a certain song. And for those who love to relive the best moments in their lives through music: there are music festivals. What better way to celebrate a new year than with the return of one of the most epic festivals to ever come out of Sin City, Extreme Thing Fest!
The organizer says “For 25 years, Extreme Thing Sports & Music Festival has been part of the soundtrack of Las Vegas. What started in 2001, quickly grew into one of Southern Nevada’s most anticipated annual music and action sports festivals – a place where punk, rock, hardcore, metal, music and action sports collided for one unforgettable day.”
The promoter also said “Over the years, Extreme Thing brought together some of the biggest names in music alongside emerging artists, local bands, BMX, skateboarding, extreme sports, lifestyle brands and thousands of fans who came to be part of something that was uniquely Vegas.”“This isn’t just about looking back. It’s about bringing the energy of Extreme Thing to an entirely new generation while welcoming back the fans who grew up with us. Multiple stages. national and local artists. Action sports. Lifestyle brands. Food, vendors and nonstop entertainment, all packed into one massive day.”
The lineup for the festival is beyond epic. Headliner is fourth wave Ska-Punk juggernauts The Interrupters. There’s also third wave ska-core legends Voodoo Glow Skulls and industry favorites The Aquabats!
Other bands that will entertain you all day long include The Ghost Inside, Aurorawave, The Doll Heads, The Causalities and more!
Twenty-five years in one day! Extreme Thing returns Saturday, March 20th, 2027, at the Desert Breeze Event Center! Get your tickets because this will definitely be the event to be at in Vegas in 2027!
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October 14, 2026UncategorizedSet to Connect Across Generations
October 14th, 2026 by Randi Lavik
When I was assigned to write this article, I was happy to see it was on the Newport Beach Film Festival. I was also happy to discover that the topic of 3D printing is one of the featured films.
My son, a newly graduated electrical engineer, is literally on his fifth 3D printer. The subject is one we have all been impacted in some way which resulted in an exciting new documentary.
The 8 days of music excellence will bring over 100 films from around the world to The OC. In its 27th iteration, the NBFF brings filmmakers, speakers and cultural programming along with the who’s who of the movie industry. Screenings will take place at venues around the greater Newport Beach area. Venues include Fashion Island, The Lot, Regal Edwards Big Newport, Regal University, Starlight Cinemas and the Lido Theater (Check NBFF Website for exact location of each film).
Opening night features a film of Peter Frampton. Anyone who lived through “Frampton Comes Alive,” will appreciate this one. There will also be some Irish shorts sure to entertain.
There will also be a nice feature called “Smooth World,” that introduces us to the world of smooth jazz. For those who like to dance, there’s “Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart.”
For those who love a good music documentary, there’s “Unleashed Spirits: The Rise of The Hollywood Vampires.” And for those who love punk rock, check out “And Out Comes the Wolf.” And if you like animated and foreign films, there are plenty to pick from.
For a full list of films being featured:
The film / documentary that stood out to me and my son (the engineer), is “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing.” It is a new film on a very timely topic.
This inspiring story is one of perseverance and true love. Smart people always bet on the quietest, most thoughtful guy in the boardroom. Mrs. Hull believed in Chuck, while others dismissed his innovative ideas.
Chuck Hull’s 3D printers have created bigger and more meaningful treasures over the years.
3D printing is wonderful and useful in the areas of science (3D-printed replacement vertebrae for example), building (via beautiful and economic housing structures), space exploration, and the arts.
The possibilities for this technology are limitless. Printers are evolving into more user-friendly and affordable units and hopefully will be attainable for future generations to utilize in their households. 3D items are environmentally beneficial as well. Plastic can be recycled, then extruded into innovative new designs. Chuck Hull’s determination has been beneficial to the planet. What a wonderful legacy!
The documentary has been created by expert hands and several of those experts will hold a live Q&A following the screening. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Chuck Hull, director Brent Wilson, producer Ray Marchant, and executive producer Mark Ciardi following the premiere screening.
Each member of the production team is experienced in the art of storytelling.
Brent Wilson has directed several music videos, is an Emmy nominee, and is noted for his acclaimed documentary “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.”
The Newport Beach Film Festival
October 15th-22nd, 2026
According to the filmmakers, “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing” will be an inspirational event. “Shot in 8K anamorphic and scored by a 40-piece live orchestra, it is a hopeful portrait of what technology can be when its purpose is to improve the world.”
To check out this film, you can catch it this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Regal University Town Center, Screen 6.
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SID 261015 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
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October 13, 2026UncategorizedSt. Patrick’s Day Tour Comes to Anaheim
October 13th,2026 by Shane Pase
For nearly three decades, the Dropkick Murphys have made St. Patrick’s Day one of the best times of the year to be a punk rock fan, and in 2027, they’re bringing that celebration to Anaheim.
The Boston Celtic punk legends are bringing their St. Patrick’s Day 2027 Tour to House of Blues Anaheim on February 9th, and if there’s one band that knows how to turn an Irish holiday into a full-blown punk rock celebration, it’s these guys.
Formed in Massachusetts in 1996 on a bar bet, the Dropkick Murphys built their reputation on a rowdy combination of traditional Irish folk music, working-class punk rock, and the kind of songs that practically demand an entire room sing along.
Along the way, they’ve become one of the most recognizable names in punk, bringing their music to audiences around the world without losing the blue-collar attitude that got them started.
And then there are the St. Patrick’s Day shows. What began as an annual hometown tradition in Boston has grown into something of an institution. Every March, fans descend on the city for several days of music, celebration, and enough Irish pride to make you forget that half the people in the room probably aren’t Irish.
For the Dropkick Murphys, these shows have become a defining part of their identity. And rather than keeping the celebration confined to Boston, they’ve spent several years taking the party on the road, giving fans across the country a chance to join in.
Their 2027 tour continues that tradition, with the Anaheim stop arriving early in a run that eventually heads back east toward New England. Of course, the music is what makes it all work.
From the instantly recognizable opening of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” to the crowd favorite “Rose Tattoo,” “The State of Massachusetts,” “The Walking Dead,” and “The Boys Are Back,” the band’s catalog is packed with songs made for singing at the top of your lungs, preferably with a few thousand other people doing exactly the same thing.
And while the Murphys have never been shy about their political opinions or their support for working people, their concerts have always been about something bigger than any single message. There’s a sense of community running through their music, and it’s a big reason fans keep coming back.
Joining the band in Anaheim are Canadian post-punk outfit Home Front and San Francisco’s Spiritual Cramp, making this a particularly interesting three-band bill. Home Front brings a mix of punk aggression and ‘80s-inspired new wave, while Spiritual Cramp delivers a danceable blend of punk, garage rock, and post-punk attitude.
Dropkick features a solid lineup that should appeal to old-school punk fans and newer audiences alike. And with the relatively intimate House of Blues Anaheim hosting the festivities, fans can expect a much closer experience than the larger festival stages and arenas the Murphys frequently play.
Dig out something green, grab a few friends, and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early. After all, when the Dropkick Murphys come to town, February is as good a time as any to be Irish.
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October 13, 2026UncategorizediHeartRadio & ALT987
Announce ALTerEGO’27
October 13th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Once again some of the brightest stars in the music industry will gather for one of the biggest nights in music this January as iHeartRadio’s ALTer EGO ’27 returns to the Kia Forum on January 16th.
Social media was abuzz as iHeartRadio dropped the lineup for the highly anticipated music festival, once again showcasing an eclectic mix of today’s biggest stars in alternative music. As they were last year the night’s festivities will again be hosted by ALT 98.7’s hit morning show, The Woody Show.
Evanescence is riding on the wave of their sixth studio album, “Sanctuary,” released this past June. Its first two singles have already reached the top of the hard rock and mainstream rock airplay charts. Currently in the midst of a world tour, they will stop to headline ALTer EGO, before hitting Australia and Germany in March of next year.
The Offspring are still touring off of 2024’s “Supercharged,” which really seemed to revitalize their popularity and cement their legacy as alt-punk legends.
To us Orange County natives who still remember them as the young, indie-label garage band ALTer EGO will be a hometown show of sorts for The Offspring. Fans will not want to miss this show as it’s currently the only show listed for the band for 2027 so far.
Smashing Pumpkins are currently out on The Rats In A Cage Tour, supporting 30 years of their groundbreaking “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.” ALTer EGO will get to catch a rare solo performance from Pumpkins front man, Billy Corgan. Before then fans can catch the full band at the Forum on November 12, as well as a headlining set at the Darker Waves festival two days later.
Death Cab for Cutie released concluded their summer tour in support of their 11th album, “I Built You a Tower.” They will finish off the year with stops in Japan and Australia. The band’s only January 2027 performance will be at ALTer EGO before returning in March to hit the road on a national tour once again.
As they usually do Slightly Stoopid embarked on a summer tour, this year’s entitled Road Trippin Summer 2026. Their first stop was right here in California at Petco Park in San Diego with Sublime, Stephen Marley and Pepper.
Modest Mouse returned this year with “An Eraser and a Maze,” their first studio album in five years. The band is slated to return this October with dates in Los Angeles and Anaheim. For those who miss those, or just can’t get enough fans can eagerly anticipate their return at ALTer EGO in January.
It seems crazy to think it’s been 16 years since Young the Giant blew up radio stations with their debut single, “My Body.” The band has continued to be indie darlings with their latest release, “Victory Garden,” released earlier this year. The band is no stranger to the Kia Forum, having sold out the venue this past July.
Monterey’s The Warning have been around for over a decade but 2026 has been their breakout year. Their single “Kerosene” topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart earlier this year. They were the first all-female band and the first Mexican band to reach number one in the chart’s 45-year history.
Temper City is the newest act on the bill. An Israeli alternative rock band, their first single, “Self Aware” already burned up the charts earlier this year. The song reached #51 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
iHeartRadio’s ALTer EGO never fails to impress and blow away fans year after year. With this star-studded lineup fans wait in anticipation for a night they will not forget next January.
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October 12, 2026UncategorizedLive from Morongo Casino
October 12th, 2026 Review by Shane Pase
I have a confession to make, and I’m not particularly proud of it, especially now. Until Thursday night, I had never seen Dirty Heads live.
I know. Clearly, I’ve been missing out. When I got the call to cover KROQ’s private Dirty Heads show at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, I was happy to take the assignment. I’m an old-head punk guy at heart, but I also grew up on a steady diet of ‘80s alternative music courtesy of KROQ and personalities like Richard Blade, Jed the Fish, Swedish Egil, and of course Kevin and Bean.
While punk remains my first love, I’ve always enjoyed reggae and bands like Sublime and 311, so Dirty Heads weren’t outside my musical wheelhouse – I just hadn’t gotten around to seeing them, but that was about to change. KROQ put together one hell of an evening, and I was about to discover what makes Dirty Heads so special.
The show took place in Morongo’s ballroom, a terrific setting for a private concert. Plenty of space, good sightlines, and all the advantages of being inside a casino. Food, drinks, gambling, and a great concert? Works for me. When doors opened at 7:45 p.m., something immediately caught my attention.
Damn near everyone was wearing Dirty Heads merchandise. This wasn’t a room full of casual radio listeners who happened to score tickets. These people were serious fans. And then there was the dude dressed as Sloth from “The Goonies.” More on him shortly.
As I chatted with people around me, something strange kept happening. Almost everyone somehow figured out this was my first Dirty Heads show. Nobody could explain how they knew. The response was usually some variation of, “We can just tell.”
The fans were incredibly welcoming. Several were genuinely excited to share my first Dirty Heads experience with me. They told me about the band, their favorite shows, and what I could expect.
Then, out came KROQ’s Postmaster Johnny to introduce the band and the crowd lost its mind!
Once Dirty Heads hit the stage, I understood. Holy shit! What a show! I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best live performances I’ve attended in a very long time.
The music was fantastic. The band was tight, energetic, and clearly having a blast. Their blend of reggae, hip-hop, alternative rock, and Southern California attitude translated beautifully to the stage.
But what really made the night special was the relationship between the band and its audience. These fans are something else. I’ve attended more concerts than I could possibly count, from tiny punk clubs to massive stadium productions, and Dirty Heads have cultivated one of the most enthusiastic audiences I’ve encountered.
They sang every word. LOUDLY. They screamed, danced, raised their hands, and responded to practically everything happening onstage. And the band gave it right back.
From “Burn Slow” and “Heavy Water” through “Rescue Me,” “My Sweet Summer,” and “Lay Me Down,” the energy never dipped. “Life’s Been Good,” “That’s All I Need,” and “Vacation” kept the ballroom moving, while the band’s easygoing stage presence made the evening feel more like a gathering of friends than a conventional concert.
Which brings me back to Sloth (AKA Mathew). The fan dressed as the lovable “Goonies” character who drove from Lemoore, near Fresno, and arrived at 9 a.m. to be first in line.
Having seen Dirty Heads 17 times, he was determined to claim his usual spot up front.
He explained that the band recognized him from previous shows and would jokingly give him a hard time whenever he appeared in costume. Well, Thursday night, he hit the jackpot.
The band brought him onstage and let him sing part of a song!
Watching someone who had spent the entire day waiting to see his favorite band suddenly standing up there performing with them was priceless. He was absolutely over the moon.
And that moment probably tells you more about Dirty Heads and their fans than anything else I could write. There was another wonderfully ridiculous interruption when someone tossed a pack of football trading cards onto the stage.
Dustin “Duddy B” Bushnell eagerly tore into the pack and started inspecting his new acquisitions.
For a moment, he thought he’d scored a rare insert card, only to discover it was a blank card with a security tag. His disappointment was hilarious.
Jared “Dirty J” Watson eventually teased him about returning to the music, then offered his own request: he’d be perfectly happy if someone brought him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Just another spontaneous moment that showed how comfortable these guys are with their audience.
By the encore, featuring “Soundboy Killa” and “Medusa,” the crowd was still going full throttle. Even after the band left the stage, a recorded remix kept pumping through the ballroom. Security eventually had the unenviable task of clearing the room.
Nobody wanted to leave. Not because they expected another encore. They were simply enjoying themselves, talking, laughing, and sharing the experience with people who clearly loved being there. And did I mention how loud these fans were? My ears were ringing afterward, and it wasn’t just from the PA.
Dirty Heads are a terrific live band, but they’ve also built something that goes well beyond the music. Their fans genuinely feel like part of a community, and after spending an evening among them, I understand why.
KROQ deserves tremendous credit for bringing this experience to its listeners. I’ve been a fan of the station for decades, and nights like this are a reminder of what radio can accomplish when it brings musicians and audiences together. And to the Dirty Heads fans who welcomed the clueless old punk guy at the front of the stage, thanks for making the evening even better.
I was right. I had no idea what I was walking into. I do now. The next time Dirty Heads come through Southern California, I’ll be there. Press credentials or not. Consider me a convert.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photography
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SID 261013 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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