Publication Date October 16, 2026
MORE GREAT STORIES
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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SID 261017 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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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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SID 261015 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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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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SID 261014 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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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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October 12, 2026UncategorizedComing to Kia Forum
October 12th, 2026 by Amaris Becker
Gorillaz are nearly the end of their Mountain Tour, but they still have to make stops in Southern California before the closer in Seattle. Starting at the Kia Forum in Inglewood on October 24th, the band will move south to Pechanga Arena in San Diego on October 25th, then head up the coast for the Halloween finale.
Damon Albarn gained fame with Blur, but he was tired of being the manufactured heartthrob of a frontman who helped lead the Britpop craze. He created Gorillaz as a side project – built off spite – with the comic artist Jamie Hewlett, hiding himself and expressing his creativity behind four cartoon characters. To this day, the fact that he was the lead singer of Blur surprises many.
Albarn may be the musical genius behind the sound, but Hewlett is the one who created its legacy. Originally viewed as a gimmick, the animated band now has lore and a fanbase of its own.
The line up consists of 2-D, aka Stuart Harold Pot, on lead vocals and keyboard, Murdoc Niccals on bass, Noodle on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Russel Hobbs on drums and percussion.
I suspect we will hear some of my favorites at the shows, including “Clint Eastwood,” “Tomorrow Comes Today,” “19-2000,” “Rock the House,” “Feel Good Inc.,” “DARE,” and “Dirty Harry.” “Rhinestone Eyes” and “She’s My Collar” are also constantly in my rotation.
This is their first extensive North American run since 2022, and it comes behind “The Mountain,” their ninth studio album, released in February of this year. The album digs into some deep topics – Albarn and Hewlett both lost their fathers during production, fled to India to process it, and “The Mountain” is the result.
What Albarn did with all of that grief is something of a genius. He built the album around unreleased takes from collaborators and friends who have since died, including Tony Allen, Bobby Womack, Dennis Hopper, Mark E. Smith, and De La Soul’s David Jolicoeur.
Albarn told Rolling Stone, “I need some people who are dead to help me talk about it.”
Deltron 3030 opens both California nights. I would describe them as Gorillaz’s cousins. Their self-titled 2000 album, a sci-fi rap opera/concept album was doing something close to what Gorillaz was starting to do in their earlier work and I believe will morph together perfectly.
The North London rapper Little Smiz is also joining the tour and has been in the Gorillaz orbit since 2017, when she featured on their single “Garage Palace” and has toured as a guest artist for the virtual band.
This is not a new band, but one with a 28-year legacy and 28 years of accumulated fans, which means the room will hold people who have been there since the beginning standing next to people who found them when “On Melancholy Hill” blew up on TikTok.
It will be an incredible show no matter who is in the crowd because Gorillaz always delivers!
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SID 261012 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 11, 2026UncategorizedLive from Gallagher Square at Petco Park
October 10th, 2026 Review by Shane Pase
There are some concert bills that really don’t require much of a sales pitch. Social Distortion. Descendents. The Chats.
Put those three bands together on a Saturday night in San Diego, add nearly 10,000 people, a giant outdoor stage and just enough humidity to remind everyone they were still technically in Southern California in October, and you’ve got a damned solid way to spend an evening with punk rock icons.
Gallagher Square at Petco Park turned out to be a great setting for it. The stage was massive, closer to what you would expect at a festival than a typical outdoor concert, with a huge floor area in front and a grassy slope rising behind it.
As someone who has been going to punk shows for a very long time, I was perfectly happy to embrace my status as an old head and watch much of the night from that grass rather than cramming myself into the mass of bodies on the floor when I wasn’t in the photo pit. I’ve done my time down there. The old body ain’t what it used to be. It was warm and surprisingly humid, but otherwise about as good a night as you could ask for to see three punk bands outside in downtown San Diego.
The Chats had the unenviable job of going first, but apparently nobody told them they were supposed to ease the crowd into the evening. This was my first time seeing the Australian three-piece live, and they were ridiculously fun.
There’s nothing particularly complicated about what The Chats do, which is part of why it works. Fast songs. Big energy. Bass, guitar, drums and a healthy amount of Australian attitude. They came out swinging and stayed there for the entire set.
What impressed me most was how genuine they felt. There wasn’t any effort to manufacture a punk-rock persona or convince anyone how dangerous they were. They were fun, engaging and looked like they were having a blast.
The crowd picked up on it immediately. Songs like “Smoko” and “Pub Feed” already have that shout-along quality, but live they become something else. Even on a stage that big, The Chats managed to make their set feel like the kind of sweaty club show where everyone is in on it. They were one of those opening bands that leave you wondering, “How the hell have I not seen these guys before?”
Then came the Descendents. OMFG, the Descendents.
There are certain bands where objectivity becomes a little difficult, and I’m perfectly comfortable admitting the Descendents are one of those bands for me.
I’ve seen them many times over the decades, but Saturday night was the first time I had the chance to photograph them. That alone would have made the set special. Then they went out and absolutely crushed it.
More than four decades into this thing, Milo Aukerman, Bill Stevenson, Karl Alvarez, and Stephen Egerton still make Descendents songs sound exactly like Descendents songs are supposed to sound: fast, loud, funny, occasionally ridiculous, and incredibly tight.
Maybe even better is how much fun they still seem to have doing it. Aukerman was constantly smiling. The rest of the band was smiling. They laughed with one another throughout the performance. Nothing about it felt like four guys dutifully reproducing songs they’ve played thousands of times because that’s what the audience paid to hear. They looked genuinely happy to be there.
One of the coolest moments happened almost immediately. As Aukerman walked onto the stage, he spotted a young girl along the rail holding a sign saying it was her birthday. He stopped and wished her a happy birthday. She started crying.
Not disappointed crying. The kind of uncontrollable happy crying that happens when you’re young and someone from one of your favorite bands suddenly acknowledges that you exist.
Aukerman smiled, the crowd loved it, and then the Descendents went to work.
The set was loaded with “Everything Sux,” “Hope,” “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” “Myage,” “Clean Sheets,” “‘Merican,” “Coffee Mug,” “Good Good Things,” “Suburban Home,” “Bikeage,” and plenty more.
And yes, thousands of adults enthusiastically yelling along to songs about coffee, food, girls, parents, and refusing to grow up remains one of the great things about a Descendents show. Particularly since a decent percentage of us yelling “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” have now very clearly grown up. Physically, anyway. Guilty as charged.
Aukerman still delivers these songs with the personality that made them work in the first place, and the band behind him remains ridiculously good. Stevenson is still a monster behind the drums, and the entire set moves with almost no wasted time. When they finished, my immediate thought was simple: that was one of my favorite sets I’ve seen in 2026.
Then it was time for Social Distortion. There really isn’t much mystery about what people want from a Social D show at this point. They want Mike Ness. They want Jonny “Two Bags.” They want those guitar tones. They want the songs they’ve been listening to in cars, bars, bedrooms and garages for decades. And Social Distortion still delivers.
Ness was upfront about not being at 100 percent. He was recovering from a respiratory infection and occasionally needed a little extra time between songs. That led to several extended conversations with the crowd, although anybody who has seen Ness over the years knows talking between songs is hardly unusual for him. If anything, it made the show feel a little more personal.
He talked about his appreciation for the fans who have supported Social Distortion for decades and about the support he received during his cancer treatment. There was obvious gratitude there after everything he has been through over the past few years. But this was still Mike Ness, so things never got overly sentimental.
Before “Lude Boy” came the obligatory public-service announcement: Don’t do drugs, kids.
At another point, Ness played a riff from a song he said he loves and is still working on. It was a cool little unscripted moment, the kind of thing you don’t necessarily get every night. Then there’s Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham.
Dapper as always and seemingly incapable of not looking cool while playing guitar, Wickersham remains the perfect counterpart to Ness. The two have played together long enough that nothing feels forced. Wickersham just locks in and does what he does. And what he does is very, very good.
The set pulled from throughout Social Distortion’s history, including “The Creeps,” “Mommy’s Little Monster,” “Prison Bound” and, of course, “Story of My Life.” There are certain songs where the audience takes over almost automatically, and “Story of My Life” is one of them. Ness barely needs to invite anyone to sing. The opening guitar hits and thousands of people already know their assignment.
That’s the thing about Social Distortion. They came out of that first wave of Southern California punk alongside bands like the Descendents, but eventually carved out a sound completely their own. Punk was always the foundation, but Ness mixed in rock and roll, country and blues until Social D stopped sounding quite like anybody else. More than four decades later, you can hear a few seconds of one of their songs and know exactly who it is.
The Chats may have been the young guys on this bill, but there was no need for some forced “passing of the torch” storyline Saturday night. Nobody was passing anything. The Chats showed why a younger generation is still finding ways to make simple, loud punk rock incredibly fun. The Descendents reminded everyone why they remain one of the best punk bands ever to come out of Southern California.
And Social Distortion closed the night doing what Social Distortion has been doing for more than 40 years – playing songs people still give a shit about. No grand statement was necessary.
It was three really good punk bands playing to nearly 10,000 people on a warm Saturday night in San Diego. And on this night, it was more than enough.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photography
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SID 261011 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 11, 2026UncategorizedLUCAS MUSEUM
Of Narrative Art Comes to L.A.
October 10th, 2026 by Randi Lavik
Well, aren’t we lucky? I love L.A. We love it!
After negotiating with San Francisco and Chicago, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson invested a decade of their lives and a billion dollars-plus, to build their dream, right in the middle of Exposition Park, in downtown Los Angeles.
Dreamers achieve glorious results.
The museum is a marvel. The building resembles the workplace of George Jetson. Literally. Its massive white structure hovers like a tarantula, with an observation window smack dab in the middle.
Glass elevators in the sweeping lobby, staffed by friendly attendants, resemble the postmodern bays in the nearby Bonaventure, and they move just as quickly. I defy anyone to find an angle in the building. Curved glass, curved walls, and stark white smooth paneling is all around.
The inside features something for everyone. A museum of storytelling and storytellers. Much of the collection is housed on the fourth floor and visitors are given a three-hour window to see everything.
I confess I had to skip the massive archives of Normal Rockwells (His) in favor of the Maxfield Parrish gallery (Hers). The art spans from the turn-of-the-century to today.
If you are a Star Wars fan, come on down. Everything is there and I mean everything. Original costumes, vehicles, set pieces and artistic renderings.
I especially enjoyed seeing vintage comic book art, including Kelly Freas from MAD Magazine, Howard the Duck #1, and Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor comic. Keep on Truckin’!
The manga and Japanese illustrations are extraordinary. A treasure trove of African-American and Latin-American pieces are represented as well. I recognized many commercial artists (that one might not see in a traditional gallery), and they hold an astonishing children’s book illustration collection as well.
Galleries and galleries, 1,500 pieces are on display. Interestingly, the art is categorized by theme rather than artist or a specific time period.
On the fifth floor, Banksy. Just Banksy. That’s pretty great, it just is.
A museum docent informed me that the Lucases hold 40,000 works, so it’s a safe bet to expect revolving exhibits.
The Lucas Museum includes an attached research library, a futuristic Starbucks, a cafe and a hot-ticket restaurant, The Skywalker Grill, that I’m still trying to get into.
The gift shop has a lot of Star Wars collectibles, a fab book collection, good prints, and interesting clothing and accessories featuring the collection. A Swarovski Darth Vader necklace, a lovely Frazetta tote – for the fashionista who has everything, it’s a great place to browse.
The park and grounds feature sculptures of Rosie the Riveter and a wonderful Henry Moore in the center of the garden, alongside Star Wars creatures.
Outdoor spaces are open to the public during operating hours and worth visiting as well. I noted many plants and trees that are native to Northern California; a homage to Skywalker Ranch up north, indeed.
Tickets for the general public are available, however, you need to become a supporting member of the museum to purchase tickets currently.
Thank you Lucas family for the gift of imaginative, user-friendly art and a fantastic space to enjoy it in.
MUSEUM PHOTO GALLERY
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SIPHOTOD 261010 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 9, 2026UncategorizedAnnounces CALIFORNIA DREAM ON
October 9th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
As there are an endless amount of incredibly talented musicians these days, it makes it almost impossible for anyone to not have a favorite artist. But there will always be those with a veteran presence in the game. While it is almost entirely customary to see these seasoned talents perform alongside other artists within their genre, we don’t often get to see shows where the headliner joins together with the best of the best.
From Boston and formed in 1970, and the five founding members of Aerosmith are reuniting to perform this special show. Aerosmith is still led by vocalist Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Their sonic vision was transcendent and to the masses it became music personified and led Aerosmith to the musical promised land: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band has done it all in the five decades – record breaking albums, sold out stadium tours, movies, commercials and they have played the biggest stages on the planet. Their music is literally the soundtrack of our lives.
They feature era defining songs, “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” which they later reprised with RUN DMC, “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Dream On,” “Cryin’,” “Come Together,” “Love in an Elevator,” and a slew of other songs that mean everything to a whole lot of humans.
Dubbed California Dream On, Aerosmith ‘& Friends is heading to the top of the Hollywood Bowl marquee along with Guns N’ Roses, Billy Idol, RUN DMC, Billy Idol, The Black Crowes, Heart and friends who are more than ready to make this event the talk of the town October 29th and November 1st.
From Aerosmith’s decades of legendary albums like their self-named record, Toys in the Attic, Get a Grip and Just Push play to name a few, to the astounding catalog of the artists who plan to share their stage including Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses, Little Queen by Heart, Rebel Yell by Billy Idol and Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes.
Concertgoers can expect nothing less than timeless tracks in a setting that is a picture-perfect stage for rock music. The venue has seen over a century of Hall of Famer’s and is one of the most notable landmarks in all of Los Angeles. Aerosmith and company couldn’t ask for a better time and place to be at the front and center of the SoCal spotlight.
Whatever it is that you need to do to get that time off from work, whether that means using some PTO, calling out of work sick, or maybe you just have a day off already—— an even better reason that you should get your tickets ASAP.
Other artists listed so far are Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Eric Church, Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell and bassist Mike Inez, Train singer Pat Monahan, Sammy Hagar, Rage’s Tom Morello, Marcus King, Godsmack’s Sully Erna, Adam Wakeman, Steve Stevens, Audley Freed, Don Was, Kenny Aronoff, and Nuno Bettencourt.
Tickets go on sale October 10th at 10 a.m. local time. Make sure to get yours quickly because they are going to sell out quick, but I promise no matter what day you end up choosing to go, it’ll be sure to be worth every bit of your while.
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SID 261012 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 9, 2026UncategorizedComing to Observatory Santa Ana
October 9th, 2026 by Christina Sanchez
The Ramones remain a symbol of American punk rock, decades after their 1974 start in NYC.
While honors like induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys may not seem punk enough for them, they indeed well deserved.
Sadly, with the four original members now gone, young punk fans will never catch a Ramones show, but they can come close to experiencing the punk rock legends live.
Ramones X is the best tribute band you may have never heard of. Fronted by AFI lead singer, Davey Havok, this little super group packs a punch performing Ramones classics.
Along with Havok, Josh James (Eighteen Visions, Stick to Your Guns) is on guitar, Brian McGee (Kill Your Idols) handles bass, and drummer Valeriano Saucedo (Loma Prieta) play blistering renditions of “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Teenage Lobotomy,” “Judy Is a Punk,” “The KKK Took My Baby Away,” “Pet Sematary,” and “We’re a Happy Family.”
The band already has a cult following that anxiously awaits the yearly announcement of their handful of shows. Each holiday timed show features the band belting out your favorite Ramones tunes in an intimate venue.
For 2026, the gents are invading Casbah in San Diego on December 12th, and Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles on December 11th and 18th. They will also hit San Francisco on December 19th and 20th at The Chapel. As of now, all shows are sold out, so hopefully they will add some more because we demand more Ramones X!
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SID 261011 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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October 8, 2026UncategorizedIt’s a Nice Day to… Have a Billy Idol Day!
October 8th, 2026 by Traci Turner
The sneering punk we all love and adore will have a day dedicated to him and his longtime collaborator next month. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 inductees Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens will be honored by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and the City of Los Angeles on November 13th, which will be known as Billy Idol Day.
After a City Council session with a presentation, Los Angeles City Hall will host a free acoustic performance by Idol and Stevens on the steps of City Hall Park in Downtown Los Angeles.
Of course, Idol and Stevens will have some special surprise guests appearing – I suspect our favorite ‘80s icon, Richard Blade, will be there.
Fans are welcome to attend the free City Hall performance, and tickets are still available for the pair’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction the following day.
Whether acoustic or plugged in, we can’t wait to hear “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” “Dancing With Myself,” “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Cradle of Love” live.
The gents have had a busy year – wrapping up Idol’s It’s a Nice Day To… Tour Again! trek in support of 2025’s “Dream Into It,” receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Music Awards, and they will join Aerosmith at the latter’s Hollywood Bowl show on October 29th.
There is also a new documentary about Idol, “Billy Idol Should Be Dead,” which covers his life and career extensively. And there was an electrifying performance at this year’s Ohana Fest!
It sure seems like 2026 is the year of Idol, and quite frankly, we are ok with that!
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SID 261010 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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