Publication Date: May 1, 2026
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April 30, 2026UncategorizedApril 28th, 2026 by Bruce R. Kilgour
In the late ‘80s, a new musical and cultural scene dubbed “Madchester” emerged in the United Kingdom. Along with like-minded bands such as Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, The Charlatans were among the most famous and successful.
All of their albums reached the UK Top 40 Albums chart, with three making it to number one, and the band had almost two dozen top 40 singles across three decades.
Only founding member and bassist Martin Blunt is present from the original 1988 lineup, but vocalist Tim Burgess joined in 1989 and guitarist Mark Collins in 1991. With the addition of Tony Rogers in 1997, The Charlatans have maintained a stable lineup for almost 30 years.
Although the band has only visited the US seven times in the last 20 years, California fans were fortunate to get some great gigs from the Manchester legends in both 2023 and 2024. The band is currently on tour in the United Kingdom, promoting their 14th studio album, 2025’s “We Are Love.”
In addition to new music, The Charlatans UK are also celebrating the 35th anniversary of their chart-topping debut album “Some Friendly,” recently reissued in a deluxe 2CD/LP package featuring B-sides, remixes, alternate takes, and other rarities curated by Burgess.
This week, The Charlatans announced an ambitious 16-date North American tour that will begin on September 3rd with three Southern California shows and wrap up in Brooklyn on September 26th.
Lucky fans at the Santa Ana Observatory (September 3rd) and Hollywood Palladium (September 4th) shows will be treated to “very special guests” The Dandy Warhols, for what appears to be that band’s only scheduled concerts this year.
Tickets for all three Southern California shows (the band is also appearing at House of Blues San Diego on September 5th) are on sale now!
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April 29, 2026UncategorizedOpening Weekend is a Thriller
April 30th, 2026 Film review by Jimmy Alvarez
It is known as the decade of decadence; an era where everything over-the-top took on a life of its own. Of all the names that shined in the lights, there is none bigger than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was the diamond of the group that blew up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s known as the Jackson 5. The hits that made them household names were “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Notably, the band was a family affair, led by the band’s father and manager, Joseph Jackson. The band itself were brothers Tito, Jermaine, Jackie Marlon, and of course, Michael – the brothers Jackson.
We all know the story: Michael went his own way and became one of the biggest names in music history. But – yes, there’s a but – his legacy is entrenched in more than his epic catalog of music.
The biopic was released last week and did very well at the box office; it even blew past Straight Outta Compton numbers. The reviews are mixed, so it depends which side of the Michael Jackson fandom you are on. If you don’t like Mr. Jackson, this film will not change your viewpoint. But, if you are a fan, wow… this is the film for you.
The movie was written by John Logan, directed by Antonine Fuqua, and produced by Graham King, John Branca, John McClain, with contribution to scene development from the Jackson Family Estate. I think the film did a lot of things right, and fell short on a few as well.
The elephant in the room was never addressed; we all know what that is. Neverland was never addressed, and the subsequent issues related to his legacy’s controversy. Not addressing it is a criticism, and a fair one. What was addressed was the rise of the Jacksons, and the journey those boys were on that the public was not aware of, until now.
The early scenes of the family were very well done, and every good story always has a hero we root for and an evil villain. For this film, we were given both. Colman Domingo was an absolute despicable human being in this film; he was thoroughly hate-able as the patriarch of the family: Father of the Year, he certainly was not. How he treated the kids like a drill Sargeant versus a father explains a lot, and the PTSD they most likely had.
Michael, being a true lead singer, had his own thoughts and visions on how to perform, which did not align with father Joe. As a result, a few sad scenes of Michael being beat at the end of a belt by Joe while the family looked on.
Those scenes were truly hard to watch, living through that is something many people can relate to and that made Michael more like one of us instead of that larger-than-life character he played while he was with us.
Another heart-wrenching moment was a scene where young Michael was having breakfast with his mother Katherine (played by Nia Long). She said she wished he had more friends closer to his age versus having a chimp. Michael’s response was very sad; he said kids his age look at him weird and just want to take pictures with him. He was about 10 years old and that was his life – he was already an outcast. What was striking is that his sister Latoya was featured, but Janet was not. Apparently, she opted out and was not portrayed in the film.
Through the film as Michael got older, it referenced his skin disease. This dispelled many of the rumors about how he was taking treatment to change his skin color. No, he had a skin disease (vitiligo), which was chronicled throughout the film. This should put that rumor to rest. The film also introduced us to his long-time bodyguard Bill Bray (played by KeiLyn Durrel Jones) and it was an excellent casting move as he played a very important role in Michael’s life – kind of like a replacement or surrogate dad.
Photo courtesy of Lionsgate
As film Michael got older, the actors changed. Older Michael was played by his nephew, Jafar Jackson (Jermaine’s son). Wow, what a portrayal! His onstage performance of Michael was unreal and literally brought those legendary performances back to life.
The film chronicled the insanity of his inaugural solo album, “Off the Wall.” Songs off the album that were played upfront or in the background include “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” “Rock with You,” and “She’s Out of My Life.” The film took off with live concerts by Jafar Jackson and it was really something. It really felt as if it was Michael incarnate on that stage.
Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate
Then, they told the story of “Thriller” and how it came together and the process to bring that music to life. Smash hits, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “PYT,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean” were featured.
The segment of how the video for “Beat It” was filmed is simple fascinating. Another great scene was when Michael and his attorney meet with CBS record exec Walter Yetnikoff (played by Mike Meyers). How they got “Billie Jean” played on MTV was a jaw-dropping scene.
For “BAD,” that too had its moments; it was simply over-the-top kick-ass film making on an epic scale how they brought that performance back to life. In the end, it was the accident that nearly took his life that was a pivotal moment. The Jackson reunion tour was not a Michael idea, nor did he want to do it, but Papa Joe bullied him into it. As a result, he had an accident that left him with severe burns on the top of head that caused him to wear a toupee and left him in constant pain for the rest of his life.
He recovered and finished the Jacksons tour, and went on to kill it on the “BAD” tour, but that moment of innocence and flair for life was gone. Although, one area I think anyone who sees this film will appreciate is how Michael was very generous with his support of those who needed it and donated lots of money to great causes.
Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate
Not only would he talk to his fans but he was like a big kid and talked to all, and he did it outside of the cameras so his interactions with fans were sincere. Sure, it was a good call that the producers included those scene, but I personally know for a fact Michael did do things like that. He was a big kid at heart; the film did right by him portraying that.
The take way for me, the film stayed away from the controversial aspects of his life and death, and some will say it’s a revisionist story, and some will say it’s how they remember him. For me, I know the story, the good, the bad and the ugly. I honestly learned a little bit about his life that I didn’t know before, and the music, how that was done by Jafar Jackson reminded me why this guy was so loved worldwide. This film keeps you on the edge of your seat. For me, I give the film a very enthusiastic thumb up.
Others may have a different opinion, and that’s OK. I think when you have time to digest what you saw, you will have a different appreciation OF what he went through, and the film explains a lot of why he was the way he was. A rags to riches story for sure…. But, it is also a modern day tragedy.
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April 28, 2026UncategorizedPlay Inaugural Show
April 28th, 2026 Review by Joey Clark
It started out as a solo project that stewed in the back of Jack Antonoff’s mind for over decade as he was on tour with his former band, fun. Since then, Bleachers have made an indelible imprint on the music scene. Since the project’s first single, “I Wanna Get Better,” catapulted the band into the mainstream in 2014 they’ve held strong as a formidable force in the indie rock world.
With the boys in Bleachers having a storied career and being just weeks away from their next studio album, “everyone for ten minutes,” it’s clear to see why they made the perfect band to be the first to perform at the new and improved In-N-Out Burger Sound Space at KROQ. The two SoCal staples, In-N-Out Burger and the legendary alternative rock station KROQ have officially joined forces to continue the station’s incredible run of intimate, exclusive performances at the Sound Space.
Following a round of fresh Double-Doubles and Cokes provided by the Sound Space’s new namesake, Bleachers’ fans were buzzing outside the doors about the band. The air was frenetic. Then we were ushered into the room that had definitely been given a bit of facelift since we last saw it. Attendees packed the four walls to the gills in an instant. We were minutes away from the next chapter in Bleachers’ history.
Before being joined by the rest of his bandmates, frontman Jack Antonoff took the stage to be interviewed by KROQ’s own Kevin Klein and Ally Johnson of the Klein/Ally show.
Ally asked about the lyric, “Now only my people can see me” from one of their latest singles, “dirty wedding dress,” and how Antonoff finds his people within an industry that can be inauthentic. Antonoff responded, “To not follow anyone else. When the band first started, the first song I put out was ‘I Wanna Get Better.’ It was really intentional because I don’t want anyone to have any misgivings of who I am… It’s better to just come forward as who you are.”
Another highlight in the interview was when Ally asked for Antonoff’s thoughts on the recent ruling of the United States v. Live Nation Entertainment case that found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster were operating as an illegal monopoly.
Antonoff was quick to say sarcastically, “Oh, did they? There’s some real geniuses over there. The same company that are selling the tickets and promoting the show is a monopoly?” The comment made for a collective moment of gut-busting laughter.
What makes the Sound Space entirely unique outside of its intimate 200-person capacity is the audience never quite knows the type of performance they will receive from their favorite artists. Some artists have played a single song while others have crammed in as many as their hectic schedules have allowed. Bleachers gifted the audience a seven-song setlist that seemed to christen the newly-renamed venue and reintroduce the band to its diehard fanbase.
Los Angeles, California
April 21st, 2026
The group started off the set with “Chinatown,” a single from their third record, “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night,” that was met with instant admiration from those in attendance. But Bleachers didn’t hesitate to start performing cuts off their upcoming record and went into “the van” right afterwards. It was easy to recognize that you were in a room full of dedicated Bleachers fans because they sang along to the track as if it had been a staple in the band’s catalog for years. Similarly, new songs “dirty wedding dress” and “you and forever” were received by the audience with the same enthusiasm—no doubt a strong indicator for what’s to come.
“Rollercoaster” off the group’s debut album was the song to close the set. Collectively the band and the audience gave it their all when singing the final tune. No one in the room left anything on the table. As Bleachers exited the In-N-Out Burger Sound Space, the crowd let out an appreciative scream.
Be on the lookout for Bleachers’ “everyone for ten minutes” hitting shelves and streaming May 22 and make sure to grab your tickets for their Bleachers Forever Tour this summer available through Ticketmaster now. Their five nights (September 10th-15th) at the Troubadour in Los Angeles are sold out.
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April 27, 2026UncategorizedFINAL DAMNATION 50 TOUR
April 27th, 2026 by Bruce R. Kilgour
Legendary punk icons The Damned will return to Southern California in November as part of the recently announced Final Damnation 50 tour, adding a pair of theater shows to their previously announced appearance at the 2026 Darker Waves Festival in Huntington Beach.
The band declared, “We’re calling it Final Damnation because, bearing in mind the advanced years of the participants it’s fairly unlikely we’ll undertake anything quite like this again.” Loyal Damned fans will be very happy with the current lineup, featuring original members Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar, drummer Rat Scabies, and long-time bassist Paul Gray, who originally joined in 1980.
The Damned will spend the summer playing (mostly) festivals across Europe and the United Kingdom. The Final Damnation 50 tour will commence in September with the band playing four dates in New Zealand and Australia, then resume on October 16th in Boston for 20 US shows, wrapping up at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on November 17th. San Francisco garage rock legends Flamin’ Groovies will provide support, and (on a few shows) The Courettes will also perform.
The bands founding member and original guitarist Brian James passed away in March of last year, and the January 2026 LP “Not Like Everybody Else” paid tribute to James by consisting solely of cool covers of ‘60s and ‘70s songs that had inspired them as young musicians. James posthumously appears on a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” with him playing lead guitar on his final live performances with the band in 2022.
Hopefully, several of these covers will find their way onto the 2026 set lists. In their recent announcement, the band promised “an eclectic setlist chosen from right across the Damned’s career.”
Upon forming in 1976, The Damned released the UK’s first ever punk single, “New Rose,” and in the five decades since have released 13 studio albums and have toured the world every year (with the exception of 2020-2021).
Tickets for the November 13th House of Blues San Diego and November 17th Wiltern Theater shows are on sale now, as well as passes for the Darker Waves Festival on November 14th. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the true originators of British punk!
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April 27, 2026UncategorizedRemembering
CASSIE JALILIE
April 27th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Cassandra Nicole Jalilie, who we all knew as just “Cassie,” passed away Saturday evening, April 25th at 5:07 p.m., per her father, Peter Jalilie. He revealed that Cassie left this earth, “as she held the hand of her twin sister Candace, her best friend and family present, her cherished dog Chevy at her side.”
Cassie was best known as the drummer for Arizona’s punk trio, Venomous Pinks, but she was so much more than that. Through the past few days her father has tried to tell just a piece of her life story, memorializing her with pictures throughout her life.
Photo by Ben Trivett
Born in San Francisco, Jalilie first crossed paths with the Venomous Pinks in 2018 when they were playing a short tour with her band, Glam Skanks, Go Betty Go, and Bad Cop/Bad Cop. Just a year later the Pinks would change lineups and in March of 2019, Jalilie was announced as their new drummer. Her first official show with the band came in their hometown of Tempe at the Yucca Tap Room in May, and it was clear she was the missing piece that was needed. Jalilie is survived not only by her twin sister, but the sisterhood she formed with guitarist/vocalist Drea Doll and bassist/vocalist Gaby Kaos.
Jalilie once listed Travis Barker as her biggest influence and his style was apparent when you watched her play. Someone technically precise while playing at breakneck speed with reckless abandon and passion, giving every ounce of energy with very song. With this finalized lineup, the Venomous Pinks would head into the studio releasing their first full length album, “Vita Mors.”
After several EPs that put the Pinks on the map as one of the Arizona’s premiere punk bands, I think “Vita Mors” really shows their maturity and growth, as well as the chemistry that the three members exuberated. Showing complexity not just in music, but in lyric and theme, such as the emotionally powerful, “Hold On.”
Like any great punk band, the Pinks never shied away from expressing their political beliefs and dissatisfaction with the government (see “Todos Unidos”). Jalilie was no different. In the past year bands like Green Day and The Used have used their platform to speak out in support of Palestine. However, back in early 2024, when it was far less common Jalilie was one of the first I can recall to publicly take this stand.
I saw the Venomous Pinks play the Observatory in Santa Ana in January 2024 and Jalilie had taped a sign on her kick drum with the words “CEASEFIRE NOW!” A proud Palestinian herself, she told the crowd, “This is dedicated to the people in Palestine. Stop the genocide.”
In February of 2025, Jalilie had to miss a show, a rarity for her, as she checked into what would become a six-day hospital stay. Originally complaining of abdominal and backpains, she posted on Instagram that tests concluded that “my kidneys were functioning at a level consistent with stage 4/5 kidney disease.” She and doctors were stumped as there was no history of kidney disease in her family and no prior signs.
This would eventually lead to dialysis treatments three times a week, as she struggled to still practice and tour with the Pinks. What doctors did not realize at the time was that the kidney damage was due to undiagnosed stage three cervical cancer. When she was finally diagnosed in April of that year, Jalilie posted a six-minute video trying to raise awareness for women and stressing the importance of regular pap smears.
She stated part of the reason this went undiagnosed for so long is because she was a touring musician and did not have insurance. To help others in similar situations she mentioned that organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, offer free or low-cost pap smears that help lead to early detection. I can’t imagine how terrifying this news was, but as was her nature, she made it her mission to educate others and try to save lives, providing them opportunities she was not afforded.
Jalilie faced cancer with the same strength and courage as she tackled everything in her life. She continued to raise awareness, posting videos after her chemo sessions and detailing her ongoing battle. This past October she debuted her new bald look, simultaneously posting a video of her shaving her head in anticipation of the upcoming hair loss.
Two months ago Jalilie went through her toughest bout of chemo, leaving her unable to leave her bed for 10 days. Doll and Kaos came through setting up an Amazon Wishlist with groceries and gift cards, not just for Cassie but her dog, Chevy and cat, Remo. After just a few hours fans flooded the Wishlist checking off every last item. Jalilie posted the results, her living room absolutely inundated with care packages.
Photo by Angelea RoseRed
Despite a superhuman strength and a fight with every last ounce, Cassie passed away Saturday at age 36. As her father Peter wrote, “She now belongs to the eternity she was born into.” A loving aunt to twin sisters, she was passionate about surfing and the water. Along with her bandmates she helped speak out against injustice here and abroad. Tributes from family, friends, fans, and bands like Authority Zero and Bad Cop/Bad Cop have come pouring in through social media.
As you can imagine the medical bills, as well as not being able to work or tour, had taken a toll on Jalilie before her passing. As such, the Venomous Pinks have asked fans to help by pre-ordering a specially designed shirt featuring Jalilie behind her kit, drumstick in air. All proceeds will go to her family.
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April 26, 2026UncategorizedGor Gor Strikes Back Tour
Live at House of Blues San Diego
April 26th, 2026 Review by Greg Vitalich
I just attended my first GWAR show and am still struggling to process what I experienced. It was the most unusual concert experience of my life; repulsive, hilarious, silly, outlandish, violent, gross, gory, cartoonish, satirical, absurd, and most of all, fun and unforgettable.
GWAR’s Gor Gor Strikes Back tour drew a jam-packed capacity crowd at San Diego’s House of Blues, including a surprising percentage of fans under the age of 30. Clearly, GWAR has reached a new generation of fans who can’t get enough of the infamous thrash-metal-meets-low-budget horror movie craziness.
GWAR has risen to legendary status for their over-the-top outrageous live shows combining heavy metal, elaborate sci-fi costumes, and theatrical blood-soaked performance antics. The death of popular founder and frontman David Brockie in 2014 could have spelled the end of the band. Instead, GWAR pressed on, successfully evolving using a combination of both long-time and newer members.
Frontman Mike Bishop is a key factor for GWAR’s continued popularity. Bishop’s stage persona is the imposing Blöthar the Berserker, a menacing horned character delivering powerful gritty lead vocals while also acting as the conductor for the stage mayhem.
For over four decades now, GWAR shows have followed the same schtick: Unscrupulous character shows up on stage, crowd boos, GWAR kills them in the most outrageous comedic ways, crowd gets soaked with blood from the dismemberments, mutilations, disembowelments and stabbings, crowd goes nuts, do it again!
The musical soundtrack for all the ridiculous on-stage debauchery can be described as aggressive metal shock-rock, combining punk and thrash elements. The catchy opener, “Fuck This Place” inspired the audience to scream the chorus at the top of their lungs. The classic “Crack in the Egg” set the stage perfectly for the dramatic rebirth of Gor Gor, the legendary GWAR T-Rex dinosaur who hatches out of a giant egg and begins to wreak havoc on the band.
Early in the show, a pedophile priest engages in a sword fight using a large cross as the band blasts the double bass driven “Tormentor.” Eventually the priest loses the battle, is bent over to expose his (fake rubber extension) behind, and the crucifix is ceremoniously rammed up his back side. Certainly crude, but my reaction was still a subdued cringy giggle. But when the priest’s exposed rear end (thankfully fake) was aimed at the audience and began spewing liquid with firehose force over the delighted crowd, I quicky realized how over-the-top GWAR truly was.
One by one, more “bad guy” characters were introduced onstage in skit format; an ICE agent, a redneck trucker, former DHS Secretary Kristy Noem, and various politicians. Popular songs in the set included the thrashy “Lot Lizard,” the classic “Sadaam a Go-Go,” the catchy sing-along “Hail, Genocide,” and of course “El Presidente” where a cartoonish Donald Trump character meets a bloody demise.
The second encore took a wacky left turn with a rousing rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” The stylistic contrast couldn’t have been more dramatic as GWAR’s interpretation converted the power pop synth anthem into a distorted metal version that keenly retained the melody – somehow it worked perfectly. You wouldn’t expect anything less from GWAR – absurdly brilliant.
The GWAR experience felt less like a concert and more like being transported into a bizarre Thunderdome environment on a remote planet to witness a musical sci-fi horror movie performed by alien humanoids. It’s important to understand that all the violence and carnage is presented with a heavy theme of satire and humor. The audience was all smiles. Rarely have I witnessed a live audience so immersed and actively participating in the show – from constant crowd surfing, singing along, and getting drenched with “blood” treated as a badge of honor.
Prior to the show, I heard the saying, “You don’t watch a GWAR show – you survive it.” As I later wiped “blood” residue off my cameras and face, I could fully appreciate that sentiment. In the end, a GWAR show leaves you soaked, stunned, and grinning—proof that chaos, humor, and pure spectacle can still bring people together in the most unforgettable way imaginable.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Greg Vitalich Photography
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April 23, 2026UncategorizedComing to Observatory Santa Ana
April 23rd, 2026 by Christina Sanchez
The year was 1991, the place was Ukiah, California and that’s when a seismic shift in the reality of alternative rock fans worldwide and Davey Havok took the mic as A Fire Inside, most affectionately known to the enormous fanbase as AFI!
Immediately, the band blew up on alternative radio and they never looked back. They charted hits, “Miss Murder,” “The Last Kiss,” “Girls Not Grey,” “Medicate,” and “Silver and Cold.”
AFI fans recently got the news they have been waiting for, the band announced their 2026 North American Tour. Dubbed the Silver Bleeds Black Tour, Havok and company are now on the road, and they are headed for Southern California.
AFI will feature their classic catalog and songs from their latest album, “Silver Bleeds the Black Sun.”
The band’s live performance has been described as electric, volcanic and stunning. With cutting riffs on guitar and amplified vocals, their performance never falls short of being entertaining.
AFI will play Sick New World this weekend, but after that, they will trek a little bit of everywhere landing in Orange County September 19th.
For the uber-fans, they live for the crooner Davey Havok, but it’s that electrifying sound that really brings their music to life. Hunter Burgan slaps the bass, Jade Puget shreds on guitar, and Adam Carson pounds the skins. The band just sounds incredible when you put all the pieces together. AFI is a band you really have to see live to appreciate their sonic vision.
The OC show will take place at The Observatory Festival Grounds featuring supporting acts Areux, L.A. Witch and Kumo 99.
Tickets for this festival are now available. If you love your music loud with a splash of flare, get out to the Observatory in Santa Ana and check this one out!
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April 22, 2026UncategorizedThe King of Cool is Coming to Yaamava’
ALL RISE FOR
April 22nd, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
He was born Leonard Albert Kravitz, but we know him as Lenny and the current King of Cool is coming to Yaamava’ with his electric brand of kick-ass and soulful blend of rock, funk, R&B and reggae!
He still looks and sounds like he is a twenty-something year-old, and his legion of fans can attest that he remains a must-see performer. He literally has done it all, he’s conquered the stage, the small screen and the big one too.
Best known for his role in The Hunger Games, this actor also happens to sing and he does it well.
He has a string of epic songs to his credit. Songs that make the whole world sing, “It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over,” “Fly Away,” “American Woman,” “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” and “Let Love Rule.”
The New Yor City native isn’t done just yet, add in some newer tunes and the Frankestien-ish way he just lights up a room shows us the “Pleasure and the Pain” that is his music.
His fans are getting a taste of “Blue Electric Light,” and it appears he can do no wrong as fans scream for more and more no matter where he takes the stage.
This Grammy Award winner is set to hit the road again and pay us a visit on May 23rd when his traveling circus hits Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Theatre in Highland.
If you want to be thoroughly entertained, come out for this on, trust me you will be entertained.
Tickets for the man, the myth, the legend that is Lenny Kravitz are now on sale!
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April 22, 2026UncategorizedKROQ & In-N-Out
Two Icons Team Up
“SOUND SPACE”
April 22nd, 2026 by Traci Turner
Honestly, is there anything more Southern California than In-N-Out and KROQ? The two icons are recognizable across the country – and world – as original representatives of the California lifestyle. Now they are partnering to bring music fans the biggest names in the industry.
The Audacy-owned, Los Angeles radio station is giving its Wilshire Boulevard performance venue a new name: the In-N-Out Burger Sound Space at KROQ.
Kevin Weatherly, Senior Vice President of Programming at KROQ said, “For the last 15 years, The Sound Space at KROQ has been the original destination in LA and Orange County for intimate performances from the biggest bands in the world. We are excited to partner with In-N-Out Burger for the next and best phase. These two iconic, SoCal brands are joining forces with the sole purpose of delivering unforgettable live music moments!”
“In-N-Out Burger has a strong synergy with the Southern California experience, just like KROQ,” said Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, President and Owner of In-N-Out Burger. She went on, “Music is such a powerful way to connect with the people we care about, and I can’t wait to see this special space filled with live performances, community, and memorable experiences.”
The very first artist to take the newly minted stage is alt indie rockers, Bleachers. The band gave an exclusive performance at the In-N-Out Burger Sound Space at KROQ and lucky fans enjoyed the In-N-Out food truck giving away the tasty burgers and fries.
Since opening in 2011, the KROQ Sound Space has been home to some of the most sought-after, intimate shows, including Green Day, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Twenty One Pilots, Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons, and Fall Out Boy. Keep listening to KROQ for info on getting yourself into the next incredible show.
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April 21, 2026UncategorizedAnnounce New Album and Tour
“Born To Be”
April 21st, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Well, kids, it’s already April. You know what that means – it’s time to start announcing some 2027 concert dates. At least if you’re New Jersey’s The Bouncing Souls, it is. The boys don’t plan to stop by Southern California again until February 2027, a good 10 months from now. But to be fair they’ll be plenty busy touring all over North America.
Last week The Bouncing Souls announced their 13th studio album, “Born to Be,” dropping June 26th. This effort will be their follow-up to “Ten Stories High,” in my opinion one of the finer punk albums from 2023.
The Souls have had an incredible career, spanning nearly four decades, never waiting more than four years to release new material. While many bands with that longevity have released some duds and fillers, The Bouncing Souls have released absolute classics making them one of the most prolific and influential punk bands of the ‘90s and 2000s.
The Souls are celebrating a new album with the release of its first single, “The Light,” produced by Will Yip, who just won a Grammy for his work on Turnstile’s “Never Enough.” If “The Light” is any indication on “Born to Be,” The Souls have done it again with another smash album.
The Bouncing Souls also announced an upcoming tour in support of the new album, as well as the 30th anniversary of “Maniacal Laughter,” 25th anniversary of “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” and 20th anniversary of “The Gold Record.”
The tour will be a co-headlining one with Detroit’s ska-punk kings, The Suicide Machines. Legends in their own right, they will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic debut album, “Destruction by Definition.” The album introduced The Suicide Machines to the world, featuring songs like “No Face,” “S.O.S.,” and “New Girl,” and they will be playing the album in its entirety. Just seeing these two legendary bands celebrating these epic albums would be enough for anyone.
Still not convinced? How about these opening acts: The tour will kick off in July through the Northeast and Canada with support from Death by Stereo & The Drowns.
The tour resumes in September through the Southeast with Strike Anywhere and Human Issue. They’ll come back in December to the Midwest and through the Northeast again with The Flatliners and The Jack Knives.
The tour concludes in February of 2027 finally giving some love to the West Coast with support from The Aggrolites and Dead Bars. The tour will stop at the Observatory in Santa Ana on February 13th, and the Belasco in Los Angeles on February 16th.
It may be a long ways away, but you do not want to sleep on it – tickets are on sale now.
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SID 260422 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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April 20, 2026UncategorizedINTRODUCING
April 20th, 2026 by Traci Turner
As Coachella fades into the sunset, our eyes turn to the next festivals on the calendar for 2026. Yes, there are the usuals, but we also have some new ones that are ready to become permanent summer rituals.
Not many bands had a bigger 2025 than Sublime. With Jakob Nowell now behind the mic and founders Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh in place, they had a number one song, “Ensenada,” and have wrapped up their album, “Until the Sun Explodes,” which is due out June 12th.
But that was not enough for the Long Beach gents – they have created their own festival AND cruise. Basically, they are taking the Sublime experience everywhere they can.
Now, we all know Sublime can put on a show and host a fantastic party, but they are bringing along several friends to assist in the festivities. Many we already know: The Interrupters, Long Beach Dub Allstars, Codefendants, and Nowell’s previous incarnation – Jakobs Castle. But a name has popped up that we did not know yet… DIZZYISDEAD.
Hailing from the land above us, aka Canada, Blake Lounsbury is DIZZYISDEAD (sometimes stylized as dizzyisdxad). The alternative singer/songwriter may look like a tough guy with tattoos, but he shares his emotions and vulnerability in a way I was not expecting. I mean, I was not prepared to be called out while prepping for a chat.
It’s time to meet DIZZYISDEAD!
Traci: Hey there! Nice to meet you!
Dizzy: It’s nice to meet you!
Traci: Where are you today?
Dizzy: I’m in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Traci: Is that your home?
Dizzy: Yeah.
Traci: So let’s spend five hours getting to the deep heart of all your emotions…
Dizzy: We’re gonna figure out where everything comes from.
Traci: Right! I won’t torment you too much. I saw in your bio that you have loved music as long as you can remember. Do you know the first song that you fell in love with?
Dizzy: The first song that I probably fell in love with, um, trying to think back, I’m trying to jog the memory here. I listened to a lot of Pearl Jam when I was a kid. I think one of the first songs that ever really hit me and I still love to this day would be “Black” by Pearl Jam. I think that one’s just stuck with me.
Traci: You also said you started writing when you were a teenager. Do you remember the first song you wrote or what it was about?
Dizzy: I think it was probably mainly focused on mental health and stuff. I’ve had terrible mental health since I was in my teen years, so I think I’ve mainly focused a lot of what I do around mental health and the struggles I’ve had with it.
Traci: I was feeling a bit attacked by your lyrics in “I’ll Be Fine:” “I’m fucked up, but aren’t we all? And no one can reach me because I put up a wall.” Stop getting in my head!
Dizzy: Yeah, no, exactly! That’s why that song did so well; so many people resonated with it.
Traci: Do you have plans for an album or are you a single release type artist?
Dizzy: I’ve been releasing singles just because the way that society is right now and just retention with attention is so low that singles have kind of just been the most forward momentum. But I would love to be working on an album, and that is the plan, is to get working on an album.
Traci: I know it’s so hard now for artists, like content, content, content on social media. And “Oh, we gotta do this single, we gotta do that single because otherwise, our content and retention drops.” I mean, that’s gotta be so freaking hard and exhausting.
Dizzy: It is. It’s a big toll on just your workload because not only do you want to be in the studio all the time creating the art, but then you have to go out for days and film the content for it and stay up to date with all that. We’re a slave to the social media nowadays.
Traci: Do you just set aside a day, like a day a week, go film content and then release it gradually?
Dizzy: Sometimes, or most of the time it’s just the free time in between whatever else I’m working on. Then I’ll just be like, “Let’s go up for an hour or two hours and film as much as we can. For the longest time I was just filming everything on my phone and then editing everything and doing everything myself. It took up a lot of my time. Luckily I have a friend out here that moved from Calgary and now I got him shooting all my content. So it takes that workload off at least.
Traci: Mental wellness is important to you – as it should be to everyone. Besides writing, what are some other ways that you help keep yourself in check?
Dizzy: Just pushing myself to not stay in my house or my bed all day is mainly just keeping that in the back of my mind, where maybe you shouldn’t just bed rot and watch Netflix all day. Just get out of bed and do something. Pick your guitar up, write music, get out, shoot the content that I have to shoot, and it keeps my mind occupied.
Traci: I saw that you’re teaching yourself guitar.
Dizzy: I have been teaching myself guitar. It’s been fun. It’s something I wish I picked up a lot earlier.
Traci: Well, you’re doing awesome so far! While I said I was feeling attacked by some of your lyrics, you have some lighter songs. For instance, I laughed all through “Wish You Worse:” “Hope your favourite artist finally has a show in your town, but when you go to buy admission, they’re already sold out.”
Dizzy: Yeah, yeah, there’s a little bit of that. You’ve got to have fun with it.
Traci: Exactly. A very nice balance. Now you’re going to do these shows with Sublime. Have you met them before?
Dizzy: I haven’t. I grew up listening to Sublime, but I haven’t met them. And these are going to be my first shows in America too, so I’m super excited for it.
Traci: Well, first of all, Jakob does not sit still. (laughing) But they sound amazing live, and the fans are really into it. I think you’re gonna have some awesome crowds.
Dizzy: I’m really excited!
Traci: Have you been to the US at all?
Dizzy: Yeah, when I was younger, I went to Disneyland with my mom a couple of times. And then just other random stuff like crossing the border to go grocery shopping because that was something. I grew up in a really small town, like farm town in Ontario, and it was always that cool thing. It’s just like, “Oh, we’re going to go across the border and go get groceries” or something. And that was like the highlight of the week when we got to do that because there’s nothing else to do in the town I grew up in.
Traci: Is there anything you’re looking forward to when you come back?
Dizzy: Probably the fast food! I’m not gonna lie, you guys got so much cooler food out there than we have in Canada. (laughing)
Traci: Well I always vote for In-N-Out Burger!
Dizzy: Yeah, I’m for sure trying that when I come.
Traci: What else have you been working on that you’re allowed to share info about?
Dizzy: I have a new song coming out, but I’m not quite sure the release date yet. It’s called “Spiderwebs” and I’m really excited.
Traci: I think being on with the Sublime folks, you’re definitely going to get a lot of attention because the excitement for these shows is insane.
Dizzy: So I’ve seen!
Traci: Sorry, is that going to make you nervous? (laughing)
Dizzy: No, no, it’s all good. It’s always good to have that little bit of like anxiety, pre-show anxiety, because that’s what we do it for. That’s the feeling we want to have. And then when you get up there, all those nerves go away and it’s like the coolest feeling ever. Just being in front of that crowd doing what you’ve always dreamed of doing.
Love it. That’s what it is all about! Catch DIZZYISDEAD playing the Sublime Festival June 27th in Portland, OR and the Sublime Reef Madness Cruise in November. Show this Canadian some love from the rowdy neighbors below!
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SID 260419 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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April 19, 2026UncategorizedLive at The Glass House
April 19th, 2026 Review by Kevin Gomez
Johnny Quest thinks Less Than Jake are sellouts. Well, if he meant selling out The Glass House in Pomona, then he was correct. The Gainesville, Florida band stopped by to play a show (one of only a handful of West Coast dates for this year) in between their weekend sets at Coachella.
Omnigone took the stage as spoken word played over the PA. Out of nowhere the band launched into “Regress,” a ska-punk featuring a screaming chorus. With their sound, it’s not surprising that lead singer Adam Davis was previously the guitarist for Link 80, featuring many of the same sounds and themes as the former band.
Davis introduced the band to the audience by saying, “We’re from the East Bay. It cost $230 worth of gasoline to get here.”
More spoken word played over the PA from “The Dutchman” signaling the heavy “Debt Past Due.” Drummer Brent Friedman switched seamlessly from metal, double-bass drumming of “Violence” to slowed down ska beat of “Grief.”
Half Past Two bassist Eric Whitt filled in on guitar for Omnigone’s set and led the stabbing riff of “Modern Medicine,” which saw Davis jump down to the barricade to finish the song.
I really enjoyed the upbeat “Her Story,” featuring a nice solo from Whitt. Davis called for “an old-school circle pit” for “Destroy Hymn” that the crowd was happy to provide. They closed with “Obituary” as Davis sang the wise words, “Don’t let you obituary describe you as ordinary; let no one tell you how to live your life.”
Orange County’s ska sweethearts Half Past Two took the stage and opened with “Talk is Killing Me.” The band is always a lot of fun, and they’ve rightfully built up a solid fan base that comes out to support them whenever they play.
“Curse The Universe” started with a righteous drum intro from Savannah Tweedt, with a great trombone solo from Luis Gracia-Alonso. Singer Tara Hahn threw on some badass white shades for “Never Saw Me,” which ended in an absolute headbanging finale.
Hahn explained to the crowd that her first ska show was at Chain Reaction when she was 12. “I saw a band, they were still going by the Pharmaceutical Bandits (who would later just go by RX Bandits and switch to prog rock).” She explained that it changed her whole world view. “Ska is a huge community; it’s a scene, and we need our community more than ever, especially right now.” They went on to play the song inspired by that story, “Heather,” about the girl who “changed my life immediately.”
Half Past Two brought out Davis from Omnigone, who immediately jumped into the crowd. With his coaxing Hahn then climbed onto his shoulders as Davis led them through the crowd and they sang the duet “Turn Back the Hands.” They played the fantastic “Shine” and then closed with my favorite song of the night, “Dominoes,” while Hahn belted out, “I’m paper torn in half, broken by the whiplash” followed by a dual horn solo from Gracia-Alonso and Patrick Holder.
Less Than Jake took the stage to a huge ovation as singer Chris DeMakes began the opening guitar riff to “Automatic,” which opened an immediate skanking pit and dual smoke machines set up on the drum riser. DeMakes mentioned, “We haven’t played here in a hot minute.” The crowd helped him sing back the “whoa”s for “History of a Boring Town” as the crowd jumped along for the chorus.
DeMakes told the crowd that the band had just played their first Coachella this past weekend. He mentioned seeing Katy Perry and Tom DeLonge backstage. He joked about trying to get the latter’s attention, “Hey Tom! We toured together back in ‘97!” I was fortunate enough to catch that tour as my third concert ever.
The magnificent Buddy Schaub kicked off the iconic trombone intro for “Nervous in the Alley.” DeMakes announced they were playing three songs off “Hello Rockview,” which just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023.
If the crowd seemed a bit timid before, they erupted into their full potential for bassist Roger Lima’s vocals on “Help Save the Youth of America from Exploding,” and especially when the band kicked into “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads.”
DeMakes brought up his aunt and uncle from the crowd before the band played the fan favorite, “Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts.” DeMakes announced that 4/7 of Reel Big Fish was in the crowd tonight as well as Eddie Casillas from Voodoo Glow Skulls. Before playing “1989,” Lima remarked, “Let’s make some noise for Justin Bieber’s laptop,” a reference to the pop singer’s performance at Coachella Saturday night.
For the Lima-sung, “Science of Selling Yourself Short,” Johnny “Christmas” Christianson of Reel Big Fish came out to play trumpet. Lima kicked off the sweet bass intro for “Plastic Cup Politics,” the final song of their set, featuring fantastic horns from Schaub and saxophonist “JR” Wasilewski.
For the encore DeMakes came out solo with his guitar and began the “The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out,” before the rest of the band joined him on stage and exploded into the “Screws Fall Out.” DeMakes sang the verses and Lima gave great vocals on the chorus for “Look What Happened,” an anthem about trying to make it out of your dead-end town.
DeMakes introduced the last song of the night by saying, “If you ever make it to Florida, be sure to check out Gainesville Rock City!” The song starts with the sweet horns of Schaub and Wasilewski before DeMakes jokingly said, “These guys only let me have one solo per night, and this is it,” then proceeded to rip a sweet guitar intro. After the song’s closing, Lima bid farewell with a “Catch you later, Bill & Ted!”
However you might feel about Coachella, it’s nice to know a band like Less Than Jake is there representing all the ska-punk kids.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
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260417 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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