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34th Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas
Energizes The Kia Forum
December 18th, 2025 Review by Jimmy Alvarez
In a year that we experienced every form of weird, we were also given moments that defined why music is the great communicator. On December 13th, Audacy gave us the 34th annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. Despite the caption of the year of weird, this show delivered and brought smiles to faces of everyone at the Kia Forum. This edition of this Christmas festival benefited two local organizations, Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center.
As in years past, the show was sold out, and fans came early – I mean as soon as doors opened, the masses were ready to go. As the crowd made its way to the Forum parking lot, the morning show was already set to do a live broadcast, and it was a testament of just how much success the station had in 2025, and the morning show as well.
Being dubbed the number one morning show in Los Angeles in the last ratings book, fans showed their love for the staff, and the crew was hyped to see so many people at their broadcast and engaged with fans like rock stars.
It didn’t take long for the show to start, and throughout the night all of the on-air personalities took turns introducing the bands. Leading off was Atlanta’s The Paradox. I had a chance to speak with them before they took the stage, and they were pumped to be there and so gracious in the reception the SoCal fans have given them over the past year.
The band from the ATL came out strong, opening with their massive hit, “Get the Message.” Fans lost their minds and showed just how much they loved them with an enormous ovation as they hit the last note to the tune. They followed up with “Bender,” “Leave My Room,” and “No Strings Attached.” Both Eric Dangerfield and Celan thanked the crowd for coming out early and for supporting them tonight and all year.
The Paradox closed their energetic set with a couple of bangers, “Do It Again,” “Ms. Lauren,” and they took a final bow to “Do Me Like That.”
In speaking with fans and even other members of the media, everyone was impressed by their sound, and their stage presence was that of a very tenured band. That in itself is a testament to who these artists are. They opened some eyes as they provided ear candy for all in attendance.
With a rotating stage, it took no time for the next band to come out. From the Isle of Wight, the Forum erupted as Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers and the sonic cast of Wet Leg took the stage.
Opening with a crowd favorite, “Catch These Fists,” Wet Leg took no prisoners as they took us all on a sonic odyssey that captured the successful year that saw them atop playlists across the planet.
Fans screamed their lungs out over “Wet Dream,” “Davina McCall,” “Pillow Talk,” and “Angelica.” The set was no-nonsense – the band and their instruments – and they simply killed it. Time stood still as they played “Chaise Longue,” and “their mega-hit, “Mangetout.” The roar of the crowd for that one had to be measured in decibels; it was that loud.
In between sets I had a chance to catch up with Yellowcard. They too were humble and in awe for this lineup and the year that saw them also climb to the top of playlists everywhere. Lead singer Ryan Key said they were stoked when Travis Barker reached out to them, and the reception they got to “Better Days,” stating it was just surreal. As they stepped on stage, the band was ready to show the crowd how much their support the past year has meant to them.
They opened up strong with “Way Away,” they segued right into their catalog that had the crowd screaming – they got “Breathing,” “Lights and Sounds,” “Bedroom Posters,” and “Empty Apartment,” and as they came up for air, their set was just about over.
That’s the only downside to great shows like this – bands play abbreviated sets, but they could be out there for much-much longer. Regardless, each band, especially Yellowcard left their mark when they dove into “Better Days” and closed with “Ocean Avenue.”
It was an unbelievable rotation of bands, other notable performances included Third Eye Blind who delivered on all their classics, and The All-American Rejects who also electrified the crowd.
By now it was after dark in the City of Angels, and our sonic legends were set to take center stage. I had a chance to chat with the legendary frontman of punk icon Social Distortion: Mike Ness.
First, he looked great, as good as I have seen him since the band first formed. When asked how he was he said, “I am good, and looking forward to this one.” When asked how he prepares for shows these days he said, “I have a different perspective and level of appreciation to be able to do what I love and play music.”
He went on to say he feeds off the energy of fans who love their timeless songs. With a soft tone, I could tell Mike was ready to drop an epic performance.
Doug “The Slug” had the honors to bring out Social D, and on cue, the crowd went nuts! Social D opened with “Born to Kill,” “Tonight,” and fan favorite “Mommy’s Little Monster.”
With a look of gratefulness, Ness thanked everyone for coming out. Then it was the beginning of the band’s legendary catalog that captured everyone’s hearts: “Ring of Fire,” “Reach for the Sky,” before ending with their signature tune, “Story of My Life.”
In a move only Audacy and KROQ could pull off, out came a surprise guest – Linda Perry and 4 Non Blondes. Perry wore a beautiful volcanic outfit with her signature hat and she too looked amazing.
The thing about Perry, she has one of the most recognizable voices in the music scene. She too appeared moved by the reception the band received. The set was short but very-very sweet. They dropped “Beautiful,” and a very cool rendition of their era-defining international hit, “What’s Up.” It really was a goose-bump moment.
Just like that, the stage rotated and the next two bands came out and delivered equally electrifying sets. It was time to get really-really loud!
Rise Against did what they do, tear up the stage and they brought another level of insanity to the Forum. Jacoby Shaddix was also amped, and his performance was exactly what the crowd expected, demanded and got from Papa Roach as “Last Resort” brought the house down!
As the night drew to a close, Amy Lee was the main attraction as Evanescence was ready to amaze. Opening with “Afterlife,” it was clear that everyone needed to hold on to someone or something because the sonic boom the band delivered was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
“Made of Stone,” “Going Under,” and “Take Over,” also had the crowd glued to the Forum. Lee’s vocals are always a-maz-ing, and that signature sound resonated so much grander tonight for some reason. “Call Me When You’re Sober” and “Lithium” caused a ruckus, and then came out K.Flay to join Lee on “Fight Like a Girl.”
The hits just came out, “Better Without You,” “Imaginary,” “End of the Dream,” and “My Immortal” had the crowd in awe of not just the vocals, but the artists of the band.
For the grand finale, Lee was joined by Papa Roach himself, Jacoby Shaddix, who helped her close out the night to “Bring Me to Life.” It was an epic moment that wrapped up the perfect night of music.
It’s been 34 years in the making and fans still can’t get enough of this larger-than-life holiday show. Needless to say, Audacy and KROQ have an event that literally defines an era in music and life through music. Fans left with that feeling that this show is part of their life, and they can’t wait to come back in 2026.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Green Eyed Blonde Photography
TO FOLLOW
SID 251218 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
