On May 28, 2025, Gang of Four delivered a powerful performance at Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre, marking a significant moment in their farewell “The Long Goodbye” tour. The band, known for their influential role in the post-punk movement, showcased two sets that paid homage to their storied career. As pioneers of the post-punk movement, Gang Of Four’s music favored tense rhythms, percussive guitar with sharp tones, and lyrics that traded in Marxist theory and situationism.
As long as this last goodbye run was, it didn’t show at The Fonda Theater. Gang of Four are not only as spry and believable as ever, but John King still had seemingly endless energy at the end of the second set. I’m sure the adrenaline is still pumping a week later from the adoring fans prompting the band to play one more song that would never end.
The Fonda-Setlist 1 “Entertainment!”:
Ether
Natural’s Not in It
Not Great Men
Damaged Goods
Return the Gift
I Found That Essence Rare
Glass
Contract
At Home He’s a Tourist
5.45
Anthrax
The Fonda- Setlist 2 “Best of the Rest”:
He’d Send in the Army
Capital (It Fails Us Now)
Outside the Trains Don’t Run on Time
Paralysed
What We All Want
I Love a Man in a Uniform
I Parade Myself
To Hell With Poverty
Encore:
Armalite Rifle
Damaged Goods
The Fonda Theater was the 2nd to last stop in the North American leg of the Gang of Four tour. The band closed out North America at a The Music Box in San Diego. Europe, staring with the U.K. begins at the end of June and wraps up at the beginning of July 2025.
The tour also featured book release events, including an author talk by Jon King discussing his new book, “To Hell with Poverty!: A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four,” These events provided fans with insights into the band’s history and influence.
The band’s performance at the Fonda Theatre was a testament to their enduring legacy and the profound impact they’ve had on the music landscape.
Gang of Four announced their final North American Tour labeled ‘The Long Goodbye’ in September of 2024, and since the announcement, most shows sold out and many venues were upgraded.
A biography by Jon King titled ‘To Hell WithPoverty’ has also been announced, and book release events happened along the tour route.
The shows were a celebration of the band’s live performances. The iconic debut album ‘Entertainment!’ is still as relevant, exciting, and influential as ever. After a 45 year absence on the tour circuit, this was the band’s last ever North American tour.
Words: Danny Baraz
Photos: Albert Licano
