The last time ‘90s ska-punk icons Goldfinger played California was in December of 2020 at the Roxy in West Hollywood. But instead of their usual sold-out crowd moshing and skanking along to all their hits, it was far less crowded that night. The only people in attendance, other the band, were the cameramen filming them.
You see, the band had the distinct honor of releasing an album in the midst of the pandemic. Their eighth studio album, “Never Look Back,” had just been released and while the band would normally launch a full tour, they were forced to host a record release show recorded for a live stream. Longtime fans rejoiced this week as the band announced they would be playing a pair of shows in California, marking their first shows in their home state in more than two years.
GOLDFINGER LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
While the band has seen several lineup changes over the years, the one constant has been founding lead singer and guitarist, John Feldmann. Although growing up in Northern California, Feldmann began playing in bands in Los Angeles in the mid-90s, and this was the birthplace and what would become Goldfinger. Rumor has it he and original bassist Simon Williams were working at a shoe store in Santa Monica when Feldmann handed their demo tape to A&R executive Patrick McDowell.
The band would sign to Mojo Records to release their first few albums with their self-titled 1996 album gaining immediate attention and a fan base that would stick with them for the next two and a half decades. They began playing local shows around Los Angeles and touring relentlessly, once setting a Guinness World Record for most shows played in a single year: 382.
However, it was their follow-up album, “Hang-Ups,” and in particular the song “Superman,” that would introduce them to an entirely new and unexpected fan base. The song was featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and to this day, there is an entire generation of people in their 30s who first discovered the group from that very video game.
Radio helped the band a ton with 99 Red Balloons. The constant on-air rotation play that continues to this day turned Goldfinger into Main Street USA favorites.
Since 2016 the band has added MxPx front-man Mike Herrera on bass and backing vocals. The band had been acting as a four piece, along with former Story of the Year bassist Philip “Moon Valjean” Sneed on guitar, and Nick Gross on drums. However, it was the return of original, co-founding member Charlie Paulson on guitar that the band truly felt like they had returned to their roots.
Paulson was noticeably absent on 2017’s “The Knife,” after having departed from the band a second time. Working with the band on their latest release, his influence and playing is immediately noticeable, and a big reason why “Never Look Back” is their best album in decades.
Goldfinger returns to California next year, playing the UC Theatre in Berkeley on January 13th and then Orange County, at the House of Blues in Anaheim on January 14th. They will be joined for both shows by Zebrahead and Planet Smashers.
Anaheim, California
January 14, 2023
Orange County natives Zebrahead have quite a busy January in store. The band just announced they will be supporting Unwritten Law for a pair of shows. The band, which has members from Fullerton and La Habra, will then head to Europe for the next few months with several shows scheduled throughout Germany.
Legendary Third Wave ska band The Planet Smashers will be playing only their second show in the United States in over three years. The band from Quebec has remained heroes in the Montreal ska scene, touring all across their home country for three decades now. They will also be joining Goldfinger for shows in Baltimore and New Jersey next month.
Tickets for the House of Blues Anaheim go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. PT, so do not sleep on this one!
