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Live at Music Box San Diego
June 3rd, 2026 Review by Greg Vitalich
For more than three decades, Lords of Acid have found success integrating electronic/techno dance music, heavy industrial rock, and brash sexuality. Founded by Belgian musician Praga Khan, the band’s hypnotic grooves, pounding beats, and provocative lyrics helped establish Lords of Acid as one of the most recognizable names in industrial dance music.
The recent addition of lead vocalist Carla Harvey was all the inspiration I needed to attend my first Lords of Acid show at the intimate Music Box in downtown San Diego. Harvey is well known for her charismatic stage performances and sex-appeal as former co-lead vocalist of metal act Butcher Babies. How would Harvey take on the role as Lord of Acid’s new “Acid Queen?” It was time to experience the Lords of Acid on their 2026 Cheeky and Freaky Tour.
Friday night downtown in America’s Finest City for some great live music: The first of several opening acts I enjoyed was the NYC pop disco glam outfit Tony and the Kiki, who’s drag queen theatrics kicked the night into festive high gear with a wildly entertaining set.
Following that vibrant outrageousness, darkwave act Dead on a Sunday changed the vibe up with a dark melancholy set, focusing on emotion and atmosphere powered by entrancing heavy guitar riffs over synth-driven grooves.
Both supporting acts delivered quality performances that built the night’s energy and readied the crowd for the headliners.
Lords of Acid kicked off their set with the raunchy “Scrood Bi U,” filling the venue with booming industrial dance grooves as a smiling Harvey took the stage with confidence and provocative gyrating body roll dance moves that captivated onlookers.
Sporting a stunning fetish-inspired red short dress, over the knee black spandex boots, and a sparkly “ACID” necklace, Harvey bounced all over the stage singing, “I wanna be screwed by you and you and you…” while pointing to various audience members.
MUSIC BOX
San Diego, California
May 29th, 2026
While Harvey’s powerful singing and sensual dancing captivated the crowd, the band blasted their signature heavy industrial techno grooves transforming Music Box into a raging adult-themed dance club.
Founding member Praga Khan rocked the synth, drummer Galen Waling was a monster pounding the kit, bassist DieTrich Thrall pounded pulsating bass lines while pacing the stage with a stoic goth presence, and guitarist Creighton Emrick (previously with Orgy) provided the heavy distorted aggression over the techno beats.
Fans got a taste of the new Carla Harvey era Lords of Acid material with their single “Dream Boy,” a catchy hypnotic track incorporating the band’s signature hard riffs and techno beats but adding a pop reggae element in the chorus.
Later in the set, Harvey invited over a dozen ladies from the audience onto the stage for “Pussy” and danced playfully and seductively with several ladies, exchanging laughs and hugs with adoring fans.
Another show highlight was the band tossing out inflatable sex dolls during “Rubber Doll.” Fans batted the nude blow ups around like beach balls adding to the carnival-like humorous festive atmosphere.
The exciting show ended with the one-two punch of “Out Comes the Evil” and their signature anthem “I Sit on Acid,” sending the crowd into a final euphoric dance celebration.
The next era for the Lords of Acids is off to a great start with new lead singer Carla Harvey.
Fans responded enthusiastically, cheering her every move and embracing her role as the band’s newest frontwoman. Now I can’t wait for the new album to be released later this year!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Greg Vitalich Photography
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SID 260604 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
