While most people are looking forward to the changing leaves, spiced lattes, a cozy fire, the smell of spices, and scarf season this fall, punk rock fans are looking forward to spring. What’s waiting for us in 2024? Descendents and Circle Jerks, with Adolescents, have finally announced their spring 2024 North American tour dates.
The tour officially kicks off on March 15th in Tempe, Arizona and is a must-see event. This powerhouse lineup of gifted California musicians – virtuosos if you will – with their unstoppable energy and decades of powerful performances will leave you feeling both euphoric and nostalgic.
Descendents, an LA County native, have been a staple in California’s punk scene since the ‘80s. “I’m Not a Loser,” from their debut studio album, “Milo Goes to College,” continues to be one of their more popular songs and has been covered by the likes of Voodoo Glow Skulls and Sublime.
Other genre defining songs “Bikeage,” “I’m the One,” “Clean Sheets,” and “Everything Sux,” have defined the punk lifestyle.
In fact, Descendents have been tremendously influential to several modern-day punk rock bands such as The Offspring, Pennywise, blink, and Green Day.
While Descendents have had some setbacks this year with Milo Aukerman’s mild heart attack (which caused the cancellation of some of their European tour dates), Aukerman has recovered nicely and the band is back at it and doing better than ever.
Circle Jerks are just as significant as Descendents when it comes to the LA punk scene. Formed in none other than the City of Angels, their debut album “Group Sex” was revolutionary to the development of the hardcore punk genre.
Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as Pennywise and The Offspring, have cited Circle Jerks as being a major influence to their musical artistry.
It may be over 40 years since “Group Sex” debuted, and you can call it old school all you want, but the hits from that record like “Behind the Door,” “Live Fast Die Young,” and “Paid Vacation” don’t ever get old and attract new listeners daily.
Another SoCal band, punk rockers Adolescents formed in 1979 in the OC. Like their touring partners, they were also a major player in the hardcore punk movement. Their debut album, “Adolescents” often called “The Blue Album,” spawned the single “Amoeba” (which became a cover song by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker), and other hits such as “No Way” and “Wrecking Crew.”
If you just can’t wait until spring to see Descendents and Circle Jerks live, head on out to Punk in the Park November 4th and 5th in Orange County where you can also catch Pennywise, Goldfinger, and Buzzcocks.
Regardless, you should still plan to attend one of the 2024 dates too; it will be one high-energy, jam-packed, punk fest of its own!
