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Are Hot for Christmas | Coming to Anaheim
November 3rd, 2025 by Kevin Gomez
You better not shout. You better not cry. You better not pout, and here’s why: Spike Slawson is coming to town and he’s bringing his merry gang of Gimmes with him. “Thee” premiere punk rock cover band will be playing a slew of shows as they do every winter and if you’re lucky enough to live in California you’ll have a bunch of opportunities.
Spike & the Gimme Gimmes are still touring in support of last year’s live album, “Blow it… at Madison’s Quinceañera!,” which you may have guessed was actually recorded live at a quinceañera for the guest of honor’s family.
Although a live recording, it’s actually an album full of new cover songs. The band did something similar with 2004’s “Ruin Jonny’s Bar Mitzvah.”
December 5th, 2025
For those not familiar with the Gimmes, they take popular music from various genres and turn them into fast punk rock song, often incorporating classic punk rock tunes. Each album typically is dedicated to a different genre of music (“Are a Drag” was their tribute to musicals, “Blow in the Wind” featured songs of the ‘60s).
There has been an ever-changing lineup, which was sort of the band’s original intention. The latest incarnation has been together for a few years now and always led by Spike himself on vocals, and occasionally ukulele.
Rounding out the lineup is the legend, CJ Ramone on bass, John “Swami” Reis (of Rocket from the Crypt) on guitar, Andrew “Pinch” Pinching (The Damned) on drums, and Jake Kiley (Strung Out) on guitar.
Their winter tour affectionately called “Hot for Christmas” kicks off at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz with various stops in California, including shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas. The tour concludes December 5th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, and finally at the Observatory North Park in San Diego on December 6th.
The Gimmes are bringing along some heavy-hitters to support on this tour. This includes the mighty ska sounds of The Aggrolites. The laid back ska-reggae band is always down to bring the party. But, watch your wallets and catalytic converters because Manic Hispanic will also be there to steal your heina.
The fly Latinos just rocked the house at Punk in the Park a few weeks ago and will have you shaking your nalgas in no time. Also joining the party will be Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets. The band is celebrating the release of their latest LP, “Bastards & Broken Hearts.” Their latest single, “Monster (It’s All So Wrong),” featuring Linh Le of Bad Cop/Bad Cop was just released last month.
Tickets for all shows to the Hot for Christmas tour are on sale now.
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SID 251102 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
