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                    [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51995 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-21 11:21:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-21 18:21:14 [post_content] =>

Vans Warped Tour is Back! 2025 Lineup, Cities & Dates

For fans who grew up sweating through Vans sneakers in parking lots, clutching crumpled setlists, and discovering their favorite bands by accident—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. After six long years of silence, Vans Warped Tour is officially returning in 2025. And it’s not just back. It’s bigger, bolder, and ready to ignite a new generation of fans. Once the lifeblood of youthful punk rock summers, Warped Tour was more than just a traveling concert—it was a cultural pilgrimage. Whether you were crowd-surfing to A Day To Remember or picking up zines at the PETA tent, every stop felt like a shared rite of passage. Since its final tour in 2019, fans have kept the flame alive through throwback playlists, tattered wristbands, and countless Reddit threads asking the same question: “Will Warped ever come back?” Now, it has—and the announcement didn’t just ripple through the music scene. It detonated. Reddit and X exploded. Music blogs lit up. Longtime fans and scene veterans reunited across timelines, screaming in all caps: “WARPED IS BACK.” But this isn’t just a victory lap or a reunion tour. Warped Tour 2025 is a full-fledged rebirth—one that honors its rebellious roots while embracing everything that hypes up the new generation of fans. Here’s your full breakdown of what to expect: the 2025 lineup, tour dates, city stops, ticket info, and all the new twists that are turning this comeback into a must-attend event.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Vans Warped Tour

Before we get into the future, let’s rewind to how we got here. Warped Tour was born in 1995, created by music industry vet Kevin Lyman as a way to connect the world of punk rock with extreme sports culture. Vans came onboard that same year, and a movement was born. With its rotating stages, cheap tickets, and barebones setup, Warped quickly earned a reputation as the punk rock summer camp—a place where bands and fans mingled without barriers and every performance felt like it could be your last. Warped Tour became a launchpad for now-iconic artists—Blink-182, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and even pop names like Katy Perry and 3OH!3. But its legacy wasn’t just in the music, as it was also one of the first mainstream tours to intertwine activism into the live music experience. Rows of tents gave voice to nonprofits like To Write Love On Her Arms, Invisible Children, and PETA, making sure that fans left with something that meant more than just merch. It wasn’t always pretty. Warped was sweaty, loud, chaotic, and often the subject of artist controversies—but its hands-off unregulated nature was part of what made Warped Tour so unique. It was real. And when the tour wrapped for what was supposed to be the last time in 2019, fans around the world mourned the end of an era. But eras have a funny way of circling back. And in 2025, Warped isn’t just a throwback—it’s a cultural reset.

What’s New for Vans Warped Tour 2025?

If you’re expecting Warped 2025 to be the same old dusty stages and sunstroke-inducing chaos, think again. This revival is a fully reimagined experience designed to meet fans where they are—without losing the gritty charm that made Warped iconic in the first place. Rather than the traveling circus that it once was, it’s going to feel more like an established high-quality festival catered to our current adult needs. Here’s what’s different:

Fewer Stops, Bigger Stages

Gone are the days of 40+ back-to-back dates on blacktop parking lots. Warped Tour 2025 is targeting a few major cities with carefully curated, festival-style setups. Think: multiple stages, more space, better production, and longer set times. You won’t be chasing overlapping bands nearly as much—you’ll be immersed in full-day (and in some cases, weekend-long) experiences.

Multi-Day Events

At key stops like Long Beach, CA, Warped is expanding into multi-day events, making room for rotating lineups, exclusive merch drops, local food vendors, and skate/BMX exhibitions. It's more immersive, more flexible, and built for weekend warriors.

A Fresh Genre Mix

The core still pulses with punk, ska, emo, and hardcore, but 2025 reflects today’s eclectic tastes. Metalcore, post-hardcore, pop-punk revival, and even alt-hip-hop artists are joining the bill. This year’s lineup reads like a mashup of your middle school iPod and your FYP on TikTok—and it works.

Gen Z-Focused Fan Experience

From interactive installations and social media activations to mental health zones and safe spaces, Warped 2025 is built with the next generation in mind. There will still be mosh pits and Vans slip-ons, but they’ll coexist with wellness booths, LGBTQ+ affirming spaces, and creator-friendly media hubs. It's still gritty—but now it’s got a bit more guidance for newcomers. 

New Faces Behind the Curtain

While the Vans branding remains, 2025 sees a new mix of partners, producers, and visionaries stepping in to help scale the tour for a modern era. That means improved logistics, better artist support, and a more polished fan experience—without sanding off the rough edges that made Warped authentic in the first place.

Bands You Don’t Want to Miss

Headliners

Pierce The Veil A Day To Remember Bring Me The Horizon Motionless In White

Fan Favorites & Veterans

The Used Simple Plan State Champs Knuckle Puck Mayday Parade We The Kings Silverstein The Amity Affliction Against The Current

Breakout & Next-Gen Acts

Meet Me @ The Altar Magnolia Park Hot Milk Scene Queen Jeris Johnson LØLØ Action/Adventure Organizers are also teasing surprise guests and secret sets—just like the old days. “We wanted to bring back that magic where you stumble upon a band you didn’t know you loved,” said one Vans Warped Tour spokesperson on Reddit.

2025 Vans Warped Tour Dates & Cities

After a six-year hiatus, the Warped Tour will make stops in three U.S. cities for its 30th anniversary:
  • Washington, D.C. – Festival Grounds at RFK Campus – June 14–15, 2025
  • Long Beach, California – Shoreline Waterfront – July 26–27, 2025
  • Orlando, Florida – Camping World Stadium – November 15–16, 2025

Lineups for Each Vans Warped Tour Stop

2025 Warped Tour Washington, D.C. Lineup Highlights

In addition to the musical acts, attendees can look forward to various experiences; including Artist Alley, Sponsor Village, Extreme Sports showcases, Record Label Row, Charity Circle, the Warped Tour Museum, and Culture Curators. For the complete Washington, D.C., lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour DC website.
  • Avril Lavigne – The princess of mall punk herself is going to have everybody in attendance flipping out and singing along to "Sk8er Boi" and “Girlfriend” in what is sure to be a historic turnout of fans for the festival.
  • All Time Low – Baltimore natives bringing their energetic pop-punk sound and cheesy emo lyrics to the festival, being a mainstay of Warped Tour history throughout their career. Your girlfriend definitely had a shirt of theirs that she bought at Hot Topic back in the day, and this is going to be one of the most nostalgic sets for many people there.
  • August Burns Red – Grammy-nominated metalcore band known for technical prowess, being one of the most memorable and talked about bands from the metalcore takeover of Warped Tour that happened in the 00’s.
  • Blessthefall – Post-hardcore veterans of Warped, delivering high-octane performances and known for their heavy, emotional sound. They’re a classic within the scene, and should not be missed by any post-hardcore enthusiast.
  • Dance Hall Crashers – Late 80’s ska-punk band that started out as a spin-off of Operation Ivy; being in the circle pit for their upbeat rhythms is what Warped Tour (and summer as a whole) is all about.
  • FEVER 333 – Activist rapcore trio delivering politically charged performances. If you’re a fan of nu-metal or industrial metal, they’re one of the most notable acts carrying the torch today.
  • Fishbone – Funky ska-punk veterans that blow everyone else out of the water in any lineup they appear on. If you’ve never seen Fishbone before, be prepared to groove down and get funky like you never have before.
  • Four Year Strong – Melodic hardcore band with a blend of pop-punk and heavy riffs. Even the hardcore purists love these guys, and they could not fit into a better lineup than this one.
  • Hawthorne Heights – Emo band known for their heartfelt lyrics and dynamic sound, Hawthorne Heights were one of the staple bands of Warped Tour emo throughout the 00’s. The lineup would not be complete without them.
  • Ice Nine Kills – Horror-inspired metalcore band, Ice Nine Kills is going to bring the nighttime theatrics of a massive metal show to the daytime summer heat. It’s sure to be an interesting mix for everyone.
  • Less Than Jake – One of the best bands to see if you’re looking for some cheesy 90’s ska-punk nostalgia, but Less Than Jake does genuinely tear down the house on every lineup they play even if you’re a skeptic of the genre. We are excited to break out the checkered Vans to skank for this one.
  • Miss May I – Metalcore band known for their aggressive sound and melodic elements, Miss May I is a staple band within the Warped Tour catalog, and are definitely going to bring some hardcore dancers to the pit.
  • Pennywise – The pinnacle of 90’s skate punk that almost doesn’t need an introduction. Pennywise is sure to bring the energy of Warped Tour’s beginnings in the 90’s to modern audiences, and old-heads are going to be running the mosh pit for this one.
  • State Champs – Modern pop-punk band bringing catchy hooks and energetic sets. They were a bit late to joining the consistent Warped Tour lineup of bands, but they’re an essential band of the festival’s history nonetheless.
  • Sublime – Kings of 90’s reggae and ska-punk fronted by the late Brad Nowell’s son Jakob, who does an incredible job fronting the current lineup and keeping Sublime’s spirit alive in a way that nobody else would be able to.
  • The Wonder Years – One of the most important bands of the 2010’s emo boom, with introspective lyrics and powerful performances.This is gonna be an emotional one, but be prepared to mosh as well.

2025 Warped Tour Long Beach, CA Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Long Beach website.
  • 311 – 90’s alternative rock band known for their fusion of rock, reggae, and funk. Be prepared to see dreadlocks and clouds of smoke for as far as the eye can see.
  • 3OH!3 – Electronic music duo that pretty much ran the Warped Tour lineup in the later 00’s, with “Don’t Trust Me” still being a sing-along anthem at any club worth going to.
  • A Day To Remember – One of the biggest bands of Warped Tour’s scene era, blending pop-punk with metalcore elements. The intro to “Downfall Of Us All” is sure to create the loudest gang vocals from the crowd of the whole weekend.
  • Asking Alexandria – British metalcore band with a dynamic stage presence. Although metalcore wasn’t a genre I gravitated towards, they blew me away when I saw them at Warped Tour back in 2012 and I will definitely be catching them again.
  • Atmosphere – Influential hip-hop duo blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats, Atmosphere has always had a cult following that will bring the most dedicated fans rapping along to every song.
  • Black Veil Brides – Glam metal band known for their theatrical style and over-the-top outfits, Black Veil Bands are a band you either love or hate. Regardless, they’re about to put on a flashy show that is sure to knock the socks off of their dedicated fanbase.
  • Bowling For Soup – Millennial-core pop-punk band known for their humorous and catchy tunes like “1985” and “High School Never Ends”. Are they going to play the Phineas And Ferb theme song? We wouldn’t miss that for the world, so we’ll be there to find out.
  • Bryce Vine – Former Glee audition finalist; this upcoming Hip-hop artist is known for hits like "Drew Barrymore" and "La La Land", even landing a collaboration with YG.
  • Chiodos – One of the biggest names in Post-hardcore circles that you could not escape during the height of Warped Tour. You will be sure to see fans bawling their eyes out and singing along to every word.
  • CKY – Alternative metal band with some of the grooviest riffs ever, that you definitely have heard through their association with the Jackass crew.
  • Cobra Starship – Dance-pop band that almost defined what the “scene” style was all about, famous for their catchy hooks and party anthems. You’re gonna want to be sure to break out your brightly colored skinny jeans and goofy oversized glasses for this one.
  • Dropkick Murphys – Celtic punk band blending traditional Irish music with hardcore punk, who are sure to have the most aggressive pit of the weekend when the bagpipes to “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” come in.
  • Falling In Reverse – Post-hardcore band fronted by the infamous Ronnie Radke with a blend of metalcore and pop elements. “Why do good girls like bad guys?” Radke’s about to show us, either by giving the performance of the ultimate anti-hero or a complete crashout. We could not be more excited to see for ourselves.
  • Ice-T AND Body Count – Absolutely legendary thrash metal band fronted by rapper Ice-T. It’s almost unbelievable that they’re playing Warped Tour, being much more dark and aggressive than most of the lineup. You don’t want to be caught slipping in the mosh pit when they play “Cop Killer”.
  • Landon Barker – Son of Travis Barker, Landon is an emerging rapper with pop-punk influences. If you’re a fan of MGK or Lil Peep, this is a set you’re going to want to see.
  • Rise Against – Punk rock band known for their melodic hardcore sound and politically charged lyrics. While they do have a bit of a bro following and can be definitely classified as KROQ-core, they absolutely kill it live and frontman Tim McIlrath has one of the most powerful voices in the genre.
  • Simple Plan – Early 00’s Canadian pop-punk band with hits like “I’m Just A Kid” and "Welcome to My Life". Come on, we at Janky Smooth know that they put out at least one song you love. Let your inner middle-schooler out and sing your heart out during their set. 
  • The All-American Rejects – Undeniable early 00’s pop-punk legends that infected every radio station with “Dirty Little Secret” and "Gives You Hell”. Even for the casual fans, this is going to feel like the most epic night of karaoke with all of the hits they have.
  • The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Emo band famous for their hit "Face Down” that you could not escape in 2006. They were one of the most talked about bands during the Myspace era, and are sure to be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
  • Yung Gravy – Goofy meme rapper known for his humorous lyrics and retro-inspired beats, Yung Gravy represents the carefree summer vibes that Warped Tour has always been about creating.

2025 Warped Tour Orlando, FL Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Orlando website.  
  • Attila – Known for their aggressive metalcore sound and nu-metal elements, Attila is going to get the spin-kicks going in the mosh pit and they are a huge throwback for early fans of the metalcore movement.
  • Beauty School Dropout – Emerging pop-punk band with catchy hooks and a rowdy spirit, Beauty School Dropout has already caught the attention of Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. For older alternative music fans that have been out of the loop for a while, this should be on your radar.
  • Boundaries – Connecticut 2010’s hardcore band that is about to bring us an intense performance, embodying more influence from Hatebreed and the roots of hardcore than other bands of the metalcore boom.
  • Lacey Sturm – Former Flyleaf vocalist with a powerful solo presence, Lacey’s haunting vocals are going to bring chills down your spine in a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
  • MGK – Love-him-or-hate-him rapper turned pop-punk artist is sure to draw one of the largest crowds of the day. If you’re a skeptic of his ability to craft pop-punk, I highly recommend checking out his album “Mainstream Sellout” with Travis Barker. It’s an instant classic for the genre, even if you can’t stand the dude.
  • Slaughter to Prevail – Russian deathcore band known for their brutal sound and stage costumes. The online opinion is heavily split on these guys, but all of the buzz surrounding them is sure to make for a memorable set.
  • Plain White T’s – Pop-rock band famous for "Hey There Delilah", Plain White T’s are a blend of emo and indie influences that could have only existed at the time they came out. Be prepared for it to feel like 2006 again when they take the stage.
  • Yellowcard – Pop-punk band known for their incorporation of violins and their massive 2003 release “Ocean Avenue”. It’s a huge bummer that they aren’t playing the Long Beach date, as they embody the nostalgic energy you want to experience at a day of Warped Tour in 2025.

How to Get Tickets (and What You Need to Know)

Tickets are currently sold out via the official Vans Warped Tour website and participating partners, but there is a waitlist that you can currently join for tickets that will become available.  Pro tip: Follow @VansWarpedTour on X for real-time updates.

What to Expect at the Shows: Beyond the Music

Warped Tour 2025 is designed to be more than a concert—it’s a full-day experience.

Expect:

  • Multiple Stages with overlapping sets—just like old times.
  • Local food trucks and vegan/vegetarian vendors.
  • Merch booths with exclusive 2025 tour drops.
  • Interactive zones (tattoo pop-ups, fan art galleries, influencer meetups).
  • Nonprofit activations around mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, and climate action.
Security and medical teams will be on-site. There will also be shaded chill zones, hydration stations, and upgraded ADA accommodations.

Nostalgia Corner: Remembering Warped Tours Past

No Warped Tour coverage would be complete without a nod to the past. Whether you caught Paramore on a dusty side stage in 2005 before their Riot! days or got your first sunburn screaming along to All Time Low’s “Dear Maria” in 2012, Warped was more than just a show—it was a summer ritual. It was where scene kids met their future best friends (and sometimes exes), where aspiring musicians handed out burned CDs by the merch tent, and where the parking lot turned into a battleground of sweat, eyeliner, and Vans checkerboard slip-ons. For many, it was their first concert, first mosh pit, first sense of belonging. Here are just a few fan-favorite memories that live on in Warped legend:
  • 2004 – My Chemical Romance’s breakout set Before Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge took over Hot Topic shelves, MCR was tearing through early afternoon slots at Warped. In 100+ degree heat, they played to a modest but rabid crowd—and by the end of the summer, they were on their way to becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.
  • 2006 – Underoath walks off stage mid-set Midway through their set in Atlanta, the band abruptly left due to technical issues and inter-band tension. It shocked fans, sparked message board drama, and added to the mythology of Warped being unpredictable in the best—and sometimes worst—ways.
  • 2010 – Attack Attack!’s crabcore goes viral Their synchronized squat-jumps became a meme before memes were mainstream. Whether you loved or hated it, you remember it.
  • 2011 – The Wonder Years surprise set in a parking lot What started as an impromptu acoustic performance turned into a full-fledged mob of fans crowding around a van, singing every word. That DIY spontaneity was the soul of what Warped Tour represented.
  • 2015 – Black Veil Brides fans and Pierce the Veil fans nearly split the crowd With lineups getting heavier and more theatrical, 2015 was peak “scene wars” energy—eyeliner, patches, and battle jackets everywhere as fans picked their side of the beef.
  • 2018 – The Final Cross-Country Tour Dubbed “The End of an Era,” Warped 2018 was a farewell soaked in tears, sweat, and nostalgia. Fans showed up in droves—some for the last time, others for the first—to say goodbye to the traveling punk circus that raised them.
Reddit is buzzing with reunion plans, throwback photos, and tour T-shirts dug out from closets. Some fans are recreating old Warped outfits, right down to the DIY bandanas and wristband stacks. Others are bringing their kids to 2025 as a kind of full-circle moment. And that’s the magic of Warped—it isn’t just a music festival. It’s a memory machine. A place where generations of misfits, punks, emo kids, and hardcore lifers found themselves and each other. Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a comeback. It’s a bridge between what was and what’s still possible.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural reset. In an era where many fans feel disconnected from the alternative music scene or priced out of major festivals; Warped is stepping in to remind us how important these genres were in our lives, and also giving a space for younger audiences to experience it how we did back in the day.  It’s messy. It’s sweaty. It’s loud. And it’s exactly what we’ve been missing. Whether you're reliving your teenage glory days or attending for the first time, this year’s Warped Tour is a chance to reconnect—with the music, with your people, and maybe with a part of yourself you forgot. See you in the pit.

FAQs About Warped Tour 2025

Are all ages welcome? Yes! Warped Tour has always been all-ages, and 2025 is no different. However, some VIP areas may have age restrictions. Can I bring a camera or bag? Small bags are allowed. Professional cameras (DSLRs) may require press credentials. Will there be water refill stations? Yes—fans are encouraged to bring empty reusable water bottles. Why isn’t Warped coming to Canada? Organizers cited logistical issues and costs. Canadian fans will need to travel to U.S. stops this year. [post_title] => Warped Tour 2025: Full Lineup, Dates & Cities Announced [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => warped-tour-2025-full-lineup-dates-cities-announced [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 10:40:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 17:40:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51995 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51851 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content] => Gang of Four will return to Los Angeles for their Long Goodbye Tour Stop at The Fonda on May 28th and we have a pair of tickets to giveaway.  See below or on Instagram for details. In 2024, Gang of Four embarked on their “The Gang of Four: The Return of the Gang of Four” tour, featuring King, Burnham, and Allen together for the first time since 1981. Now in 2025, the band has announced what they’re calling their Long Goodbye Tour, a final worldwide celebration of their music and legacy. This farewell tour delivers 2 sets of emotionally charged performances.  Set 1 is the Gang of Four album Entertainment! in it's entirety, with set 2 delivering the best of the rest with deeper cuts and personal stories reflecting on their 45-year journey.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth

related: Photo Recap- Gang of Four at The Roxy

Janky Smooth is giving away a pair of tickets to one winner to see Gang of Four on their Long Goodbye tour stop at The Fonda Theater.  You can buy tickets HERE

Or to Enter:

  1. Follow @JankySmooth on Instagram
  2. Like the original Gang of Four Giveaway Post in our feed.
  3. Tag a Friend
Winner Will be announced Tuesday, May 27th at Noon pacific.
Good Luck!
  The Long Goodbye is not just a farewell—it’s a pointed, punk-fueled reminder of Gang of Four’s enduring relevance. Their fusion of art, politics, and noise continues to resonate in a world still wrestling with many of the same contradictions they confronted decades ago. Their groundbreaking 1979 debut, Entertainment!, remains a landmark album, both for its stripped-down aesthetic and its sharp critique of consumerism, war, and social conditioning. The band’s early records, including Solid Gold and Songs of the Free, cemented their reputation as cerebral and confrontational innovators.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
  [post_title] => Take This: Win a Pair of Tickets To See Gang of Four at The Fonda [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gang-of-four-fonda-theater-ticket-giveaway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51851 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 3 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52045 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 1547 [max_num_pages] => 516 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => d14560c587fddc8d8905007b9b9529ab [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:c47b3a9910f29cd6c7ae6c1a4914f42e:0.51002000 1747983284 [tribe_is_event] => [tribe_is_multi_posttype] => [tribe_is_event_category] => [tribe_is_event_venue] => [tribe_is_event_organizer] => [tribe_is_event_query] => [tribe_is_past] => )
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                    [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51995 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-21 11:21:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-21 18:21:14 [post_content] =>

Vans Warped Tour is Back! 2025 Lineup, Cities & Dates

For fans who grew up sweating through Vans sneakers in parking lots, clutching crumpled setlists, and discovering their favorite bands by accident—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. After six long years of silence, Vans Warped Tour is officially returning in 2025. And it’s not just back. It’s bigger, bolder, and ready to ignite a new generation of fans. Once the lifeblood of youthful punk rock summers, Warped Tour was more than just a traveling concert—it was a cultural pilgrimage. Whether you were crowd-surfing to A Day To Remember or picking up zines at the PETA tent, every stop felt like a shared rite of passage. Since its final tour in 2019, fans have kept the flame alive through throwback playlists, tattered wristbands, and countless Reddit threads asking the same question: “Will Warped ever come back?” Now, it has—and the announcement didn’t just ripple through the music scene. It detonated. Reddit and X exploded. Music blogs lit up. Longtime fans and scene veterans reunited across timelines, screaming in all caps: “WARPED IS BACK.” But this isn’t just a victory lap or a reunion tour. Warped Tour 2025 is a full-fledged rebirth—one that honors its rebellious roots while embracing everything that hypes up the new generation of fans. Here’s your full breakdown of what to expect: the 2025 lineup, tour dates, city stops, ticket info, and all the new twists that are turning this comeback into a must-attend event.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Vans Warped Tour

Before we get into the future, let’s rewind to how we got here. Warped Tour was born in 1995, created by music industry vet Kevin Lyman as a way to connect the world of punk rock with extreme sports culture. Vans came onboard that same year, and a movement was born. With its rotating stages, cheap tickets, and barebones setup, Warped quickly earned a reputation as the punk rock summer camp—a place where bands and fans mingled without barriers and every performance felt like it could be your last. Warped Tour became a launchpad for now-iconic artists—Blink-182, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and even pop names like Katy Perry and 3OH!3. But its legacy wasn’t just in the music, as it was also one of the first mainstream tours to intertwine activism into the live music experience. Rows of tents gave voice to nonprofits like To Write Love On Her Arms, Invisible Children, and PETA, making sure that fans left with something that meant more than just merch. It wasn’t always pretty. Warped was sweaty, loud, chaotic, and often the subject of artist controversies—but its hands-off unregulated nature was part of what made Warped Tour so unique. It was real. And when the tour wrapped for what was supposed to be the last time in 2019, fans around the world mourned the end of an era. But eras have a funny way of circling back. And in 2025, Warped isn’t just a throwback—it’s a cultural reset.

What’s New for Vans Warped Tour 2025?

If you’re expecting Warped 2025 to be the same old dusty stages and sunstroke-inducing chaos, think again. This revival is a fully reimagined experience designed to meet fans where they are—without losing the gritty charm that made Warped iconic in the first place. Rather than the traveling circus that it once was, it’s going to feel more like an established high-quality festival catered to our current adult needs. Here’s what’s different:

Fewer Stops, Bigger Stages

Gone are the days of 40+ back-to-back dates on blacktop parking lots. Warped Tour 2025 is targeting a few major cities with carefully curated, festival-style setups. Think: multiple stages, more space, better production, and longer set times. You won’t be chasing overlapping bands nearly as much—you’ll be immersed in full-day (and in some cases, weekend-long) experiences.

Multi-Day Events

At key stops like Long Beach, CA, Warped is expanding into multi-day events, making room for rotating lineups, exclusive merch drops, local food vendors, and skate/BMX exhibitions. It's more immersive, more flexible, and built for weekend warriors.

A Fresh Genre Mix

The core still pulses with punk, ska, emo, and hardcore, but 2025 reflects today’s eclectic tastes. Metalcore, post-hardcore, pop-punk revival, and even alt-hip-hop artists are joining the bill. This year’s lineup reads like a mashup of your middle school iPod and your FYP on TikTok—and it works.

Gen Z-Focused Fan Experience

From interactive installations and social media activations to mental health zones and safe spaces, Warped 2025 is built with the next generation in mind. There will still be mosh pits and Vans slip-ons, but they’ll coexist with wellness booths, LGBTQ+ affirming spaces, and creator-friendly media hubs. It's still gritty—but now it’s got a bit more guidance for newcomers. 

New Faces Behind the Curtain

While the Vans branding remains, 2025 sees a new mix of partners, producers, and visionaries stepping in to help scale the tour for a modern era. That means improved logistics, better artist support, and a more polished fan experience—without sanding off the rough edges that made Warped authentic in the first place.

Bands You Don’t Want to Miss

Headliners

Pierce The Veil A Day To Remember Bring Me The Horizon Motionless In White

Fan Favorites & Veterans

The Used Simple Plan State Champs Knuckle Puck Mayday Parade We The Kings Silverstein The Amity Affliction Against The Current

Breakout & Next-Gen Acts

Meet Me @ The Altar Magnolia Park Hot Milk Scene Queen Jeris Johnson LØLØ Action/Adventure Organizers are also teasing surprise guests and secret sets—just like the old days. “We wanted to bring back that magic where you stumble upon a band you didn’t know you loved,” said one Vans Warped Tour spokesperson on Reddit.

2025 Vans Warped Tour Dates & Cities

After a six-year hiatus, the Warped Tour will make stops in three U.S. cities for its 30th anniversary:
  • Washington, D.C. – Festival Grounds at RFK Campus – June 14–15, 2025
  • Long Beach, California – Shoreline Waterfront – July 26–27, 2025
  • Orlando, Florida – Camping World Stadium – November 15–16, 2025

Lineups for Each Vans Warped Tour Stop

2025 Warped Tour Washington, D.C. Lineup Highlights

In addition to the musical acts, attendees can look forward to various experiences; including Artist Alley, Sponsor Village, Extreme Sports showcases, Record Label Row, Charity Circle, the Warped Tour Museum, and Culture Curators. For the complete Washington, D.C., lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour DC website.
  • Avril Lavigne – The princess of mall punk herself is going to have everybody in attendance flipping out and singing along to "Sk8er Boi" and “Girlfriend” in what is sure to be a historic turnout of fans for the festival.
  • All Time Low – Baltimore natives bringing their energetic pop-punk sound and cheesy emo lyrics to the festival, being a mainstay of Warped Tour history throughout their career. Your girlfriend definitely had a shirt of theirs that she bought at Hot Topic back in the day, and this is going to be one of the most nostalgic sets for many people there.
  • August Burns Red – Grammy-nominated metalcore band known for technical prowess, being one of the most memorable and talked about bands from the metalcore takeover of Warped Tour that happened in the 00’s.
  • Blessthefall – Post-hardcore veterans of Warped, delivering high-octane performances and known for their heavy, emotional sound. They’re a classic within the scene, and should not be missed by any post-hardcore enthusiast.
  • Dance Hall Crashers – Late 80’s ska-punk band that started out as a spin-off of Operation Ivy; being in the circle pit for their upbeat rhythms is what Warped Tour (and summer as a whole) is all about.
  • FEVER 333 – Activist rapcore trio delivering politically charged performances. If you’re a fan of nu-metal or industrial metal, they’re one of the most notable acts carrying the torch today.
  • Fishbone – Funky ska-punk veterans that blow everyone else out of the water in any lineup they appear on. If you’ve never seen Fishbone before, be prepared to groove down and get funky like you never have before.
  • Four Year Strong – Melodic hardcore band with a blend of pop-punk and heavy riffs. Even the hardcore purists love these guys, and they could not fit into a better lineup than this one.
  • Hawthorne Heights – Emo band known for their heartfelt lyrics and dynamic sound, Hawthorne Heights were one of the staple bands of Warped Tour emo throughout the 00’s. The lineup would not be complete without them.
  • Ice Nine Kills – Horror-inspired metalcore band, Ice Nine Kills is going to bring the nighttime theatrics of a massive metal show to the daytime summer heat. It’s sure to be an interesting mix for everyone.
  • Less Than Jake – One of the best bands to see if you’re looking for some cheesy 90’s ska-punk nostalgia, but Less Than Jake does genuinely tear down the house on every lineup they play even if you’re a skeptic of the genre. We are excited to break out the checkered Vans to skank for this one.
  • Miss May I – Metalcore band known for their aggressive sound and melodic elements, Miss May I is a staple band within the Warped Tour catalog, and are definitely going to bring some hardcore dancers to the pit.
  • Pennywise – The pinnacle of 90’s skate punk that almost doesn’t need an introduction. Pennywise is sure to bring the energy of Warped Tour’s beginnings in the 90’s to modern audiences, and old-heads are going to be running the mosh pit for this one.
  • State Champs – Modern pop-punk band bringing catchy hooks and energetic sets. They were a bit late to joining the consistent Warped Tour lineup of bands, but they’re an essential band of the festival’s history nonetheless.
  • Sublime – Kings of 90’s reggae and ska-punk fronted by the late Brad Nowell’s son Jakob, who does an incredible job fronting the current lineup and keeping Sublime’s spirit alive in a way that nobody else would be able to.
  • The Wonder Years – One of the most important bands of the 2010’s emo boom, with introspective lyrics and powerful performances.This is gonna be an emotional one, but be prepared to mosh as well.

2025 Warped Tour Long Beach, CA Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Long Beach website.
  • 311 – 90’s alternative rock band known for their fusion of rock, reggae, and funk. Be prepared to see dreadlocks and clouds of smoke for as far as the eye can see.
  • 3OH!3 – Electronic music duo that pretty much ran the Warped Tour lineup in the later 00’s, with “Don’t Trust Me” still being a sing-along anthem at any club worth going to.
  • A Day To Remember – One of the biggest bands of Warped Tour’s scene era, blending pop-punk with metalcore elements. The intro to “Downfall Of Us All” is sure to create the loudest gang vocals from the crowd of the whole weekend.
  • Asking Alexandria – British metalcore band with a dynamic stage presence. Although metalcore wasn’t a genre I gravitated towards, they blew me away when I saw them at Warped Tour back in 2012 and I will definitely be catching them again.
  • Atmosphere – Influential hip-hop duo blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats, Atmosphere has always had a cult following that will bring the most dedicated fans rapping along to every song.
  • Black Veil Brides – Glam metal band known for their theatrical style and over-the-top outfits, Black Veil Bands are a band you either love or hate. Regardless, they’re about to put on a flashy show that is sure to knock the socks off of their dedicated fanbase.
  • Bowling For Soup – Millennial-core pop-punk band known for their humorous and catchy tunes like “1985” and “High School Never Ends”. Are they going to play the Phineas And Ferb theme song? We wouldn’t miss that for the world, so we’ll be there to find out.
  • Bryce Vine – Former Glee audition finalist; this upcoming Hip-hop artist is known for hits like "Drew Barrymore" and "La La Land", even landing a collaboration with YG.
  • Chiodos – One of the biggest names in Post-hardcore circles that you could not escape during the height of Warped Tour. You will be sure to see fans bawling their eyes out and singing along to every word.
  • CKY – Alternative metal band with some of the grooviest riffs ever, that you definitely have heard through their association with the Jackass crew.
  • Cobra Starship – Dance-pop band that almost defined what the “scene” style was all about, famous for their catchy hooks and party anthems. You’re gonna want to be sure to break out your brightly colored skinny jeans and goofy oversized glasses for this one.
  • Dropkick Murphys – Celtic punk band blending traditional Irish music with hardcore punk, who are sure to have the most aggressive pit of the weekend when the bagpipes to “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” come in.
  • Falling In Reverse – Post-hardcore band fronted by the infamous Ronnie Radke with a blend of metalcore and pop elements. “Why do good girls like bad guys?” Radke’s about to show us, either by giving the performance of the ultimate anti-hero or a complete crashout. We could not be more excited to see for ourselves.
  • Ice-T AND Body Count – Absolutely legendary thrash metal band fronted by rapper Ice-T. It’s almost unbelievable that they’re playing Warped Tour, being much more dark and aggressive than most of the lineup. You don’t want to be caught slipping in the mosh pit when they play “Cop Killer”.
  • Landon Barker – Son of Travis Barker, Landon is an emerging rapper with pop-punk influences. If you’re a fan of MGK or Lil Peep, this is a set you’re going to want to see.
  • Rise Against – Punk rock band known for their melodic hardcore sound and politically charged lyrics. While they do have a bit of a bro following and can be definitely classified as KROQ-core, they absolutely kill it live and frontman Tim McIlrath has one of the most powerful voices in the genre.
  • Simple Plan – Early 00’s Canadian pop-punk band with hits like “I’m Just A Kid” and "Welcome to My Life". Come on, we at Janky Smooth know that they put out at least one song you love. Let your inner middle-schooler out and sing your heart out during their set. 
  • The All-American Rejects – Undeniable early 00’s pop-punk legends that infected every radio station with “Dirty Little Secret” and "Gives You Hell”. Even for the casual fans, this is going to feel like the most epic night of karaoke with all of the hits they have.
  • The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Emo band famous for their hit "Face Down” that you could not escape in 2006. They were one of the most talked about bands during the Myspace era, and are sure to be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
  • Yung Gravy – Goofy meme rapper known for his humorous lyrics and retro-inspired beats, Yung Gravy represents the carefree summer vibes that Warped Tour has always been about creating.

2025 Warped Tour Orlando, FL Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Orlando website.  
  • Attila – Known for their aggressive metalcore sound and nu-metal elements, Attila is going to get the spin-kicks going in the mosh pit and they are a huge throwback for early fans of the metalcore movement.
  • Beauty School Dropout – Emerging pop-punk band with catchy hooks and a rowdy spirit, Beauty School Dropout has already caught the attention of Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. For older alternative music fans that have been out of the loop for a while, this should be on your radar.
  • Boundaries – Connecticut 2010’s hardcore band that is about to bring us an intense performance, embodying more influence from Hatebreed and the roots of hardcore than other bands of the metalcore boom.
  • Lacey Sturm – Former Flyleaf vocalist with a powerful solo presence, Lacey’s haunting vocals are going to bring chills down your spine in a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
  • MGK – Love-him-or-hate-him rapper turned pop-punk artist is sure to draw one of the largest crowds of the day. If you’re a skeptic of his ability to craft pop-punk, I highly recommend checking out his album “Mainstream Sellout” with Travis Barker. It’s an instant classic for the genre, even if you can’t stand the dude.
  • Slaughter to Prevail – Russian deathcore band known for their brutal sound and stage costumes. The online opinion is heavily split on these guys, but all of the buzz surrounding them is sure to make for a memorable set.
  • Plain White T’s – Pop-rock band famous for "Hey There Delilah", Plain White T’s are a blend of emo and indie influences that could have only existed at the time they came out. Be prepared for it to feel like 2006 again when they take the stage.
  • Yellowcard – Pop-punk band known for their incorporation of violins and their massive 2003 release “Ocean Avenue”. It’s a huge bummer that they aren’t playing the Long Beach date, as they embody the nostalgic energy you want to experience at a day of Warped Tour in 2025.

How to Get Tickets (and What You Need to Know)

Tickets are currently sold out via the official Vans Warped Tour website and participating partners, but there is a waitlist that you can currently join for tickets that will become available.  Pro tip: Follow @VansWarpedTour on X for real-time updates.

What to Expect at the Shows: Beyond the Music

Warped Tour 2025 is designed to be more than a concert—it’s a full-day experience.

Expect:

  • Multiple Stages with overlapping sets—just like old times.
  • Local food trucks and vegan/vegetarian vendors.
  • Merch booths with exclusive 2025 tour drops.
  • Interactive zones (tattoo pop-ups, fan art galleries, influencer meetups).
  • Nonprofit activations around mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, and climate action.
Security and medical teams will be on-site. There will also be shaded chill zones, hydration stations, and upgraded ADA accommodations.

Nostalgia Corner: Remembering Warped Tours Past

No Warped Tour coverage would be complete without a nod to the past. Whether you caught Paramore on a dusty side stage in 2005 before their Riot! days or got your first sunburn screaming along to All Time Low’s “Dear Maria” in 2012, Warped was more than just a show—it was a summer ritual. It was where scene kids met their future best friends (and sometimes exes), where aspiring musicians handed out burned CDs by the merch tent, and where the parking lot turned into a battleground of sweat, eyeliner, and Vans checkerboard slip-ons. For many, it was their first concert, first mosh pit, first sense of belonging. Here are just a few fan-favorite memories that live on in Warped legend:
  • 2004 – My Chemical Romance’s breakout set Before Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge took over Hot Topic shelves, MCR was tearing through early afternoon slots at Warped. In 100+ degree heat, they played to a modest but rabid crowd—and by the end of the summer, they were on their way to becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.
  • 2006 – Underoath walks off stage mid-set Midway through their set in Atlanta, the band abruptly left due to technical issues and inter-band tension. It shocked fans, sparked message board drama, and added to the mythology of Warped being unpredictable in the best—and sometimes worst—ways.
  • 2010 – Attack Attack!’s crabcore goes viral Their synchronized squat-jumps became a meme before memes were mainstream. Whether you loved or hated it, you remember it.
  • 2011 – The Wonder Years surprise set in a parking lot What started as an impromptu acoustic performance turned into a full-fledged mob of fans crowding around a van, singing every word. That DIY spontaneity was the soul of what Warped Tour represented.
  • 2015 – Black Veil Brides fans and Pierce the Veil fans nearly split the crowd With lineups getting heavier and more theatrical, 2015 was peak “scene wars” energy—eyeliner, patches, and battle jackets everywhere as fans picked their side of the beef.
  • 2018 – The Final Cross-Country Tour Dubbed “The End of an Era,” Warped 2018 was a farewell soaked in tears, sweat, and nostalgia. Fans showed up in droves—some for the last time, others for the first—to say goodbye to the traveling punk circus that raised them.
Reddit is buzzing with reunion plans, throwback photos, and tour T-shirts dug out from closets. Some fans are recreating old Warped outfits, right down to the DIY bandanas and wristband stacks. Others are bringing their kids to 2025 as a kind of full-circle moment. And that’s the magic of Warped—it isn’t just a music festival. It’s a memory machine. A place where generations of misfits, punks, emo kids, and hardcore lifers found themselves and each other. Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a comeback. It’s a bridge between what was and what’s still possible.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural reset. In an era where many fans feel disconnected from the alternative music scene or priced out of major festivals; Warped is stepping in to remind us how important these genres were in our lives, and also giving a space for younger audiences to experience it how we did back in the day.  It’s messy. It’s sweaty. It’s loud. And it’s exactly what we’ve been missing. Whether you're reliving your teenage glory days or attending for the first time, this year’s Warped Tour is a chance to reconnect—with the music, with your people, and maybe with a part of yourself you forgot. See you in the pit.

FAQs About Warped Tour 2025

Are all ages welcome? Yes! Warped Tour has always been all-ages, and 2025 is no different. However, some VIP areas may have age restrictions. Can I bring a camera or bag? Small bags are allowed. Professional cameras (DSLRs) may require press credentials. Will there be water refill stations? Yes—fans are encouraged to bring empty reusable water bottles. Why isn’t Warped coming to Canada? Organizers cited logistical issues and costs. Canadian fans will need to travel to U.S. stops this year. [post_title] => Warped Tour 2025: Full Lineup, Dates & Cities Announced [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => warped-tour-2025-full-lineup-dates-cities-announced [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 10:40:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 17:40:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51995 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51851 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content] => Gang of Four will return to Los Angeles for their Long Goodbye Tour Stop at The Fonda on May 28th and we have a pair of tickets to giveaway.  See below or on Instagram for details. In 2024, Gang of Four embarked on their “The Gang of Four: The Return of the Gang of Four” tour, featuring King, Burnham, and Allen together for the first time since 1981. Now in 2025, the band has announced what they’re calling their Long Goodbye Tour, a final worldwide celebration of their music and legacy. This farewell tour delivers 2 sets of emotionally charged performances.  Set 1 is the Gang of Four album Entertainment! in it's entirety, with set 2 delivering the best of the rest with deeper cuts and personal stories reflecting on their 45-year journey.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth

related: Photo Recap- Gang of Four at The Roxy

Janky Smooth is giving away a pair of tickets to one winner to see Gang of Four on their Long Goodbye tour stop at The Fonda Theater.  You can buy tickets HERE

Or to Enter:

  1. Follow @JankySmooth on Instagram
  2. Like the original Gang of Four Giveaway Post in our feed.
  3. Tag a Friend
Winner Will be announced Tuesday, May 27th at Noon pacific.
Good Luck!
  The Long Goodbye is not just a farewell—it’s a pointed, punk-fueled reminder of Gang of Four’s enduring relevance. Their fusion of art, politics, and noise continues to resonate in a world still wrestling with many of the same contradictions they confronted decades ago. Their groundbreaking 1979 debut, Entertainment!, remains a landmark album, both for its stripped-down aesthetic and its sharp critique of consumerism, war, and social conditioning. The band’s early records, including Solid Gold and Songs of the Free, cemented their reputation as cerebral and confrontational innovators.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
  [post_title] => Take This: Win a Pair of Tickets To See Gang of Four at The Fonda [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gang-of-four-fonda-theater-ticket-giveaway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51851 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 3 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52045 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 1547 [max_num_pages] => 516 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => d14560c587fddc8d8905007b9b9529ab [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:c47b3a9910f29cd6c7ae6c1a4914f42e:0.51002000 1747983284 [tribe_is_event] => [tribe_is_multi_posttype] => [tribe_is_event_category] => [tribe_is_event_venue] => [tribe_is_event_organizer] => [tribe_is_event_query] => [tribe_is_past] => )
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                    [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51995 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-21 11:21:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-21 18:21:14 [post_content] =>

Vans Warped Tour is Back! 2025 Lineup, Cities & Dates

For fans who grew up sweating through Vans sneakers in parking lots, clutching crumpled setlists, and discovering their favorite bands by accident—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. After six long years of silence, Vans Warped Tour is officially returning in 2025. And it’s not just back. It’s bigger, bolder, and ready to ignite a new generation of fans. Once the lifeblood of youthful punk rock summers, Warped Tour was more than just a traveling concert—it was a cultural pilgrimage. Whether you were crowd-surfing to A Day To Remember or picking up zines at the PETA tent, every stop felt like a shared rite of passage. Since its final tour in 2019, fans have kept the flame alive through throwback playlists, tattered wristbands, and countless Reddit threads asking the same question: “Will Warped ever come back?” Now, it has—and the announcement didn’t just ripple through the music scene. It detonated. Reddit and X exploded. Music blogs lit up. Longtime fans and scene veterans reunited across timelines, screaming in all caps: “WARPED IS BACK.” But this isn’t just a victory lap or a reunion tour. Warped Tour 2025 is a full-fledged rebirth—one that honors its rebellious roots while embracing everything that hypes up the new generation of fans. Here’s your full breakdown of what to expect: the 2025 lineup, tour dates, city stops, ticket info, and all the new twists that are turning this comeback into a must-attend event.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Vans Warped Tour

Before we get into the future, let’s rewind to how we got here. Warped Tour was born in 1995, created by music industry vet Kevin Lyman as a way to connect the world of punk rock with extreme sports culture. Vans came onboard that same year, and a movement was born. With its rotating stages, cheap tickets, and barebones setup, Warped quickly earned a reputation as the punk rock summer camp—a place where bands and fans mingled without barriers and every performance felt like it could be your last. Warped Tour became a launchpad for now-iconic artists—Blink-182, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and even pop names like Katy Perry and 3OH!3. But its legacy wasn’t just in the music, as it was also one of the first mainstream tours to intertwine activism into the live music experience. Rows of tents gave voice to nonprofits like To Write Love On Her Arms, Invisible Children, and PETA, making sure that fans left with something that meant more than just merch. It wasn’t always pretty. Warped was sweaty, loud, chaotic, and often the subject of artist controversies—but its hands-off unregulated nature was part of what made Warped Tour so unique. It was real. And when the tour wrapped for what was supposed to be the last time in 2019, fans around the world mourned the end of an era. But eras have a funny way of circling back. And in 2025, Warped isn’t just a throwback—it’s a cultural reset.

What’s New for Vans Warped Tour 2025?

If you’re expecting Warped 2025 to be the same old dusty stages and sunstroke-inducing chaos, think again. This revival is a fully reimagined experience designed to meet fans where they are—without losing the gritty charm that made Warped iconic in the first place. Rather than the traveling circus that it once was, it’s going to feel more like an established high-quality festival catered to our current adult needs. Here’s what’s different:

Fewer Stops, Bigger Stages

Gone are the days of 40+ back-to-back dates on blacktop parking lots. Warped Tour 2025 is targeting a few major cities with carefully curated, festival-style setups. Think: multiple stages, more space, better production, and longer set times. You won’t be chasing overlapping bands nearly as much—you’ll be immersed in full-day (and in some cases, weekend-long) experiences.

Multi-Day Events

At key stops like Long Beach, CA, Warped is expanding into multi-day events, making room for rotating lineups, exclusive merch drops, local food vendors, and skate/BMX exhibitions. It's more immersive, more flexible, and built for weekend warriors.

A Fresh Genre Mix

The core still pulses with punk, ska, emo, and hardcore, but 2025 reflects today’s eclectic tastes. Metalcore, post-hardcore, pop-punk revival, and even alt-hip-hop artists are joining the bill. This year’s lineup reads like a mashup of your middle school iPod and your FYP on TikTok—and it works.

Gen Z-Focused Fan Experience

From interactive installations and social media activations to mental health zones and safe spaces, Warped 2025 is built with the next generation in mind. There will still be mosh pits and Vans slip-ons, but they’ll coexist with wellness booths, LGBTQ+ affirming spaces, and creator-friendly media hubs. It's still gritty—but now it’s got a bit more guidance for newcomers. 

New Faces Behind the Curtain

While the Vans branding remains, 2025 sees a new mix of partners, producers, and visionaries stepping in to help scale the tour for a modern era. That means improved logistics, better artist support, and a more polished fan experience—without sanding off the rough edges that made Warped authentic in the first place.

Bands You Don’t Want to Miss

Headliners

Pierce The Veil A Day To Remember Bring Me The Horizon Motionless In White

Fan Favorites & Veterans

The Used Simple Plan State Champs Knuckle Puck Mayday Parade We The Kings Silverstein The Amity Affliction Against The Current

Breakout & Next-Gen Acts

Meet Me @ The Altar Magnolia Park Hot Milk Scene Queen Jeris Johnson LØLØ Action/Adventure Organizers are also teasing surprise guests and secret sets—just like the old days. “We wanted to bring back that magic where you stumble upon a band you didn’t know you loved,” said one Vans Warped Tour spokesperson on Reddit.

2025 Vans Warped Tour Dates & Cities

After a six-year hiatus, the Warped Tour will make stops in three U.S. cities for its 30th anniversary:
  • Washington, D.C. – Festival Grounds at RFK Campus – June 14–15, 2025
  • Long Beach, California – Shoreline Waterfront – July 26–27, 2025
  • Orlando, Florida – Camping World Stadium – November 15–16, 2025

Lineups for Each Vans Warped Tour Stop

2025 Warped Tour Washington, D.C. Lineup Highlights

In addition to the musical acts, attendees can look forward to various experiences; including Artist Alley, Sponsor Village, Extreme Sports showcases, Record Label Row, Charity Circle, the Warped Tour Museum, and Culture Curators. For the complete Washington, D.C., lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour DC website.
  • Avril Lavigne – The princess of mall punk herself is going to have everybody in attendance flipping out and singing along to "Sk8er Boi" and “Girlfriend” in what is sure to be a historic turnout of fans for the festival.
  • All Time Low – Baltimore natives bringing their energetic pop-punk sound and cheesy emo lyrics to the festival, being a mainstay of Warped Tour history throughout their career. Your girlfriend definitely had a shirt of theirs that she bought at Hot Topic back in the day, and this is going to be one of the most nostalgic sets for many people there.
  • August Burns Red – Grammy-nominated metalcore band known for technical prowess, being one of the most memorable and talked about bands from the metalcore takeover of Warped Tour that happened in the 00’s.
  • Blessthefall – Post-hardcore veterans of Warped, delivering high-octane performances and known for their heavy, emotional sound. They’re a classic within the scene, and should not be missed by any post-hardcore enthusiast.
  • Dance Hall Crashers – Late 80’s ska-punk band that started out as a spin-off of Operation Ivy; being in the circle pit for their upbeat rhythms is what Warped Tour (and summer as a whole) is all about.
  • FEVER 333 – Activist rapcore trio delivering politically charged performances. If you’re a fan of nu-metal or industrial metal, they’re one of the most notable acts carrying the torch today.
  • Fishbone – Funky ska-punk veterans that blow everyone else out of the water in any lineup they appear on. If you’ve never seen Fishbone before, be prepared to groove down and get funky like you never have before.
  • Four Year Strong – Melodic hardcore band with a blend of pop-punk and heavy riffs. Even the hardcore purists love these guys, and they could not fit into a better lineup than this one.
  • Hawthorne Heights – Emo band known for their heartfelt lyrics and dynamic sound, Hawthorne Heights were one of the staple bands of Warped Tour emo throughout the 00’s. The lineup would not be complete without them.
  • Ice Nine Kills – Horror-inspired metalcore band, Ice Nine Kills is going to bring the nighttime theatrics of a massive metal show to the daytime summer heat. It’s sure to be an interesting mix for everyone.
  • Less Than Jake – One of the best bands to see if you’re looking for some cheesy 90’s ska-punk nostalgia, but Less Than Jake does genuinely tear down the house on every lineup they play even if you’re a skeptic of the genre. We are excited to break out the checkered Vans to skank for this one.
  • Miss May I – Metalcore band known for their aggressive sound and melodic elements, Miss May I is a staple band within the Warped Tour catalog, and are definitely going to bring some hardcore dancers to the pit.
  • Pennywise – The pinnacle of 90’s skate punk that almost doesn’t need an introduction. Pennywise is sure to bring the energy of Warped Tour’s beginnings in the 90’s to modern audiences, and old-heads are going to be running the mosh pit for this one.
  • State Champs – Modern pop-punk band bringing catchy hooks and energetic sets. They were a bit late to joining the consistent Warped Tour lineup of bands, but they’re an essential band of the festival’s history nonetheless.
  • Sublime – Kings of 90’s reggae and ska-punk fronted by the late Brad Nowell’s son Jakob, who does an incredible job fronting the current lineup and keeping Sublime’s spirit alive in a way that nobody else would be able to.
  • The Wonder Years – One of the most important bands of the 2010’s emo boom, with introspective lyrics and powerful performances.This is gonna be an emotional one, but be prepared to mosh as well.

2025 Warped Tour Long Beach, CA Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Long Beach website.
  • 311 – 90’s alternative rock band known for their fusion of rock, reggae, and funk. Be prepared to see dreadlocks and clouds of smoke for as far as the eye can see.
  • 3OH!3 – Electronic music duo that pretty much ran the Warped Tour lineup in the later 00’s, with “Don’t Trust Me” still being a sing-along anthem at any club worth going to.
  • A Day To Remember – One of the biggest bands of Warped Tour’s scene era, blending pop-punk with metalcore elements. The intro to “Downfall Of Us All” is sure to create the loudest gang vocals from the crowd of the whole weekend.
  • Asking Alexandria – British metalcore band with a dynamic stage presence. Although metalcore wasn’t a genre I gravitated towards, they blew me away when I saw them at Warped Tour back in 2012 and I will definitely be catching them again.
  • Atmosphere – Influential hip-hop duo blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats, Atmosphere has always had a cult following that will bring the most dedicated fans rapping along to every song.
  • Black Veil Brides – Glam metal band known for their theatrical style and over-the-top outfits, Black Veil Bands are a band you either love or hate. Regardless, they’re about to put on a flashy show that is sure to knock the socks off of their dedicated fanbase.
  • Bowling For Soup – Millennial-core pop-punk band known for their humorous and catchy tunes like “1985” and “High School Never Ends”. Are they going to play the Phineas And Ferb theme song? We wouldn’t miss that for the world, so we’ll be there to find out.
  • Bryce Vine – Former Glee audition finalist; this upcoming Hip-hop artist is known for hits like "Drew Barrymore" and "La La Land", even landing a collaboration with YG.
  • Chiodos – One of the biggest names in Post-hardcore circles that you could not escape during the height of Warped Tour. You will be sure to see fans bawling their eyes out and singing along to every word.
  • CKY – Alternative metal band with some of the grooviest riffs ever, that you definitely have heard through their association with the Jackass crew.
  • Cobra Starship – Dance-pop band that almost defined what the “scene” style was all about, famous for their catchy hooks and party anthems. You’re gonna want to be sure to break out your brightly colored skinny jeans and goofy oversized glasses for this one.
  • Dropkick Murphys – Celtic punk band blending traditional Irish music with hardcore punk, who are sure to have the most aggressive pit of the weekend when the bagpipes to “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” come in.
  • Falling In Reverse – Post-hardcore band fronted by the infamous Ronnie Radke with a blend of metalcore and pop elements. “Why do good girls like bad guys?” Radke’s about to show us, either by giving the performance of the ultimate anti-hero or a complete crashout. We could not be more excited to see for ourselves.
  • Ice-T AND Body Count – Absolutely legendary thrash metal band fronted by rapper Ice-T. It’s almost unbelievable that they’re playing Warped Tour, being much more dark and aggressive than most of the lineup. You don’t want to be caught slipping in the mosh pit when they play “Cop Killer”.
  • Landon Barker – Son of Travis Barker, Landon is an emerging rapper with pop-punk influences. If you’re a fan of MGK or Lil Peep, this is a set you’re going to want to see.
  • Rise Against – Punk rock band known for their melodic hardcore sound and politically charged lyrics. While they do have a bit of a bro following and can be definitely classified as KROQ-core, they absolutely kill it live and frontman Tim McIlrath has one of the most powerful voices in the genre.
  • Simple Plan – Early 00’s Canadian pop-punk band with hits like “I’m Just A Kid” and "Welcome to My Life". Come on, we at Janky Smooth know that they put out at least one song you love. Let your inner middle-schooler out and sing your heart out during their set. 
  • The All-American Rejects – Undeniable early 00’s pop-punk legends that infected every radio station with “Dirty Little Secret” and "Gives You Hell”. Even for the casual fans, this is going to feel like the most epic night of karaoke with all of the hits they have.
  • The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Emo band famous for their hit "Face Down” that you could not escape in 2006. They were one of the most talked about bands during the Myspace era, and are sure to be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
  • Yung Gravy – Goofy meme rapper known for his humorous lyrics and retro-inspired beats, Yung Gravy represents the carefree summer vibes that Warped Tour has always been about creating.

2025 Warped Tour Orlando, FL Lineup Highlights

For the complete lineup and more details, visit the official Vans Warped Tour Orlando website.  
  • Attila – Known for their aggressive metalcore sound and nu-metal elements, Attila is going to get the spin-kicks going in the mosh pit and they are a huge throwback for early fans of the metalcore movement.
  • Beauty School Dropout – Emerging pop-punk band with catchy hooks and a rowdy spirit, Beauty School Dropout has already caught the attention of Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. For older alternative music fans that have been out of the loop for a while, this should be on your radar.
  • Boundaries – Connecticut 2010’s hardcore band that is about to bring us an intense performance, embodying more influence from Hatebreed and the roots of hardcore than other bands of the metalcore boom.
  • Lacey Sturm – Former Flyleaf vocalist with a powerful solo presence, Lacey’s haunting vocals are going to bring chills down your spine in a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
  • MGK – Love-him-or-hate-him rapper turned pop-punk artist is sure to draw one of the largest crowds of the day. If you’re a skeptic of his ability to craft pop-punk, I highly recommend checking out his album “Mainstream Sellout” with Travis Barker. It’s an instant classic for the genre, even if you can’t stand the dude.
  • Slaughter to Prevail – Russian deathcore band known for their brutal sound and stage costumes. The online opinion is heavily split on these guys, but all of the buzz surrounding them is sure to make for a memorable set.
  • Plain White T’s – Pop-rock band famous for "Hey There Delilah", Plain White T’s are a blend of emo and indie influences that could have only existed at the time they came out. Be prepared for it to feel like 2006 again when they take the stage.
  • Yellowcard – Pop-punk band known for their incorporation of violins and their massive 2003 release “Ocean Avenue”. It’s a huge bummer that they aren’t playing the Long Beach date, as they embody the nostalgic energy you want to experience at a day of Warped Tour in 2025.

How to Get Tickets (and What You Need to Know)

Tickets are currently sold out via the official Vans Warped Tour website and participating partners, but there is a waitlist that you can currently join for tickets that will become available.  Pro tip: Follow @VansWarpedTour on X for real-time updates.

What to Expect at the Shows: Beyond the Music

Warped Tour 2025 is designed to be more than a concert—it’s a full-day experience.

Expect:

  • Multiple Stages with overlapping sets—just like old times.
  • Local food trucks and vegan/vegetarian vendors.
  • Merch booths with exclusive 2025 tour drops.
  • Interactive zones (tattoo pop-ups, fan art galleries, influencer meetups).
  • Nonprofit activations around mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, and climate action.
Security and medical teams will be on-site. There will also be shaded chill zones, hydration stations, and upgraded ADA accommodations.

Nostalgia Corner: Remembering Warped Tours Past

No Warped Tour coverage would be complete without a nod to the past. Whether you caught Paramore on a dusty side stage in 2005 before their Riot! days or got your first sunburn screaming along to All Time Low’s “Dear Maria” in 2012, Warped was more than just a show—it was a summer ritual. It was where scene kids met their future best friends (and sometimes exes), where aspiring musicians handed out burned CDs by the merch tent, and where the parking lot turned into a battleground of sweat, eyeliner, and Vans checkerboard slip-ons. For many, it was their first concert, first mosh pit, first sense of belonging. Here are just a few fan-favorite memories that live on in Warped legend:
  • 2004 – My Chemical Romance’s breakout set Before Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge took over Hot Topic shelves, MCR was tearing through early afternoon slots at Warped. In 100+ degree heat, they played to a modest but rabid crowd—and by the end of the summer, they were on their way to becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.
  • 2006 – Underoath walks off stage mid-set Midway through their set in Atlanta, the band abruptly left due to technical issues and inter-band tension. It shocked fans, sparked message board drama, and added to the mythology of Warped being unpredictable in the best—and sometimes worst—ways.
  • 2010 – Attack Attack!’s crabcore goes viral Their synchronized squat-jumps became a meme before memes were mainstream. Whether you loved or hated it, you remember it.
  • 2011 – The Wonder Years surprise set in a parking lot What started as an impromptu acoustic performance turned into a full-fledged mob of fans crowding around a van, singing every word. That DIY spontaneity was the soul of what Warped Tour represented.
  • 2015 – Black Veil Brides fans and Pierce the Veil fans nearly split the crowd With lineups getting heavier and more theatrical, 2015 was peak “scene wars” energy—eyeliner, patches, and battle jackets everywhere as fans picked their side of the beef.
  • 2018 – The Final Cross-Country Tour Dubbed “The End of an Era,” Warped 2018 was a farewell soaked in tears, sweat, and nostalgia. Fans showed up in droves—some for the last time, others for the first—to say goodbye to the traveling punk circus that raised them.
Reddit is buzzing with reunion plans, throwback photos, and tour T-shirts dug out from closets. Some fans are recreating old Warped outfits, right down to the DIY bandanas and wristband stacks. Others are bringing their kids to 2025 as a kind of full-circle moment. And that’s the magic of Warped—it isn’t just a music festival. It’s a memory machine. A place where generations of misfits, punks, emo kids, and hardcore lifers found themselves and each other. Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a comeback. It’s a bridge between what was and what’s still possible.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

Warped Tour 2025 isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural reset. In an era where many fans feel disconnected from the alternative music scene or priced out of major festivals; Warped is stepping in to remind us how important these genres were in our lives, and also giving a space for younger audiences to experience it how we did back in the day.  It’s messy. It’s sweaty. It’s loud. And it’s exactly what we’ve been missing. Whether you're reliving your teenage glory days or attending for the first time, this year’s Warped Tour is a chance to reconnect—with the music, with your people, and maybe with a part of yourself you forgot. See you in the pit.

FAQs About Warped Tour 2025

Are all ages welcome? Yes! Warped Tour has always been all-ages, and 2025 is no different. However, some VIP areas may have age restrictions. Can I bring a camera or bag? Small bags are allowed. Professional cameras (DSLRs) may require press credentials. Will there be water refill stations? Yes—fans are encouraged to bring empty reusable water bottles. Why isn’t Warped coming to Canada? Organizers cited logistical issues and costs. Canadian fans will need to travel to U.S. stops this year. [post_title] => Warped Tour 2025: Full Lineup, Dates & Cities Announced [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => warped-tour-2025-full-lineup-dates-cities-announced [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 10:40:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 17:40:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51995 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51851 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content] => Gang of Four will return to Los Angeles for their Long Goodbye Tour Stop at The Fonda on May 28th and we have a pair of tickets to giveaway.  See below or on Instagram for details. In 2024, Gang of Four embarked on their “The Gang of Four: The Return of the Gang of Four” tour, featuring King, Burnham, and Allen together for the first time since 1981. Now in 2025, the band has announced what they’re calling their Long Goodbye Tour, a final worldwide celebration of their music and legacy. This farewell tour delivers 2 sets of emotionally charged performances.  Set 1 is the Gang of Four album Entertainment! in it's entirety, with set 2 delivering the best of the rest with deeper cuts and personal stories reflecting on their 45-year journey.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth

related: Photo Recap- Gang of Four at The Roxy

Janky Smooth is giving away a pair of tickets to one winner to see Gang of Four on their Long Goodbye tour stop at The Fonda Theater.  You can buy tickets HERE

Or to Enter:

  1. Follow @JankySmooth on Instagram
  2. Like the original Gang of Four Giveaway Post in our feed.
  3. Tag a Friend
Winner Will be announced Tuesday, May 27th at Noon pacific.
Good Luck!
  The Long Goodbye is not just a farewell—it’s a pointed, punk-fueled reminder of Gang of Four’s enduring relevance. Their fusion of art, politics, and noise continues to resonate in a world still wrestling with many of the same contradictions they confronted decades ago. Their groundbreaking 1979 debut, Entertainment!, remains a landmark album, both for its stripped-down aesthetic and its sharp critique of consumerism, war, and social conditioning. The band’s early records, including Solid Gold and Songs of the Free, cemented their reputation as cerebral and confrontational innovators.
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
Gang of Four at The Roxy by Lindsay Arth
  [post_title] => Take This: Win a Pair of Tickets To See Gang of Four at The Fonda [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gang-of-four-fonda-theater-ticket-giveaway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-20 16:23:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-20 23:23:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=51851 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 3 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52045 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content] => May 15th was one of those rare nights at The Lodge Room where the room felt sacred. Not because we were mourning someone who passed, but because we were saying goodbye to a living legend. After more than a decade of calling L.A. home, King Tuff—aka Kyle Thomas—was leaving the city to head back to his native Vermont. No funeral, no drama, just a farewell show packed with friends, fans, and deep cuts. Still, it carried that weird weight. A little celebratory, a little emotional. The kind of night where people linger a little longer in their hugs and the encore feels more like a thank-you note than a victory lap.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
For those who haven’t followed his journey, King Tuff came up in Brattleboro, Vermont, playing in freak-folk outfits like Feathers before co-founding the stoner metal band Witch with J Mascis. From there, he broke out as a solo act under the King Tuff moniker, releasing Was Dead in 2008—an album that would later go on to cult status when it was reissued by Burger Records and Sub Pop in 2013. The self-titled King Tuff LP in 2012 pushed him further into the spotlight with tracks like “Bad Thing” and “Keep on Movin’,” all saturated in glittery garage rock energy. 2014’s Black Moon Spell solidified his role as the crown prince of weird indie rock, while 2018’s The Other showed us a more introspective side of Kyle, dialing down the glam but doubling up on the soul. Los Angeles was where a lot of that evolution happened. The scene here embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he gave us years of unforgettable music, collaborations, and shows that always felt like house parties that just happened to be sold out.

related: King Tuff & Fam- Burger-raucous at Constellation Room

King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
And this farewell gig? It felt like a family reunion disguised as a concert. The night began with a series of short sets from friends and collaborators, each performing a couple of songs in honor of Tuff. The first act out the gate was billed as the Dirty Projectors, though what we actually got was a slowed-down, slightly absurd cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The audience chuckled at first, then paused, unsure whether this was a sincere tribute or a joke. It honestly mirrored how I feel about RHCP in general—so much respect for their legacy and individual musicianship, but these days they toe that line between serious and satirical a little too often.
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Dirty Projectors at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Next up was Rodrigo Amarante, who delivered a tender love ballad I couldn’t name, but it was enough to silence the room. His voice floated over the crowd like a lullaby, dedicated to Tuff, who watched from backstage. Rodrigo mentioned they used to be neighbors up in Mt. Washington, which—if you’ve been paying attention to L.A. music lore—might as well be Olympus, considering how many legends live up there. It became a recurring theme of the night: “I used to live down the street from Kyle.” Apparently Mt. Washington is where the magic lives.
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Rodrigo Amarante at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came someone I actually recognized right away: Tim Heidecker. Yes, that Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! fame. He told a wild story about meeting Kyle at something called a “bass circle.” Not a drum circle. A bass circle. He casually mentioned Beck was there too, and they were all sitting on a massive lazy Susan. I half expected him to say they summoned a UFO, but instead, he launched into a set of original comedic songs. He introduced them as lost Simon and Garfunkel B-sides, which was both accurate and hilarious. Somehow, it all worked.
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Tim Heidecker at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
After Tim came Shannon Shaw of Shannon & The Clams and Hunx and His Punx. She played two swoon-worthy originals, holding the crowd in her velvet-gloved grip. And yes, she was joined by her famous little pup Spanky Joe, trotting along like a showbiz veteran. It wouldn’t be a Shannon Shaw appearance without him.
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Shannon Shaw at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Spanky Joe at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The last of the pre-Tuff performances came courtesy of Kevin Morby, who you might know from The Babies or his solo work. Kevin and Kyle have been close for years—they even shared an Instagram account at one point called Kevin & Kyle, where they’d document their songwriting sessions. Kevin played a few tracks inspired by their friendship, songs soaked in nostalgia and warmth. As he wrapped up his final number, the other performers returned to the stage for a group sing-along, turning the tribute into a full-on lovefest.
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Kevin Morby at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then it was time. After a quick intermission, King Tuff took the stage, solo and acoustic. He greeted the crowd with a smile and some big news: he’d just finished recording a new album under his own imprint. It’ll be the first release on his label, and the record’s called Cozy & Twisted Vol. 1: Grandma’s Favorites. No release date yet, but he’d hand-pressed a limited batch of copies to sell that night. The DIY spirit is alive and well. He played a few selections from the record, including “Night Owl” and “It’s a Turtle’s World,” stripped down to their bare bones. The songs felt personal, almost like lullabies from another dimension.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
Then came the electricity. Literally. Kyle strapped on an electric guitar, brought out his band, and launched into “Dancing on You.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t leaving. I had a 7 a.m. flight to Kentucky the next morning and had originally planned to dip halfway through. But as soon as those opening chords rang out, that plan evaporated. I was glued to the floor like the rest of the crowd.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The set exploded from there. “Sun Medallion,” “Black Moon Spell,” “Headbanger”—one banger after another. Tuff and his band were locked in, feeding off the audience’s energy, which only got more feverish with each track. By the time they closed with “Anthem,” the room felt like it was on the verge of liftoff. And when they walked off The Lodge Room stage, the crowd erupted, refusing to let the night end. Chants of “Tuff! Tuff! Tuff!” echoed through the venue until he reappeared, visibly moved.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
The encore was everything it needed to be. He came back out and tore into “Bad Thing,” the song that made a lot of people fall in love with him in the first place. He followed it with “I Love You Ugly,” a deep cut that says more in its title than most artists say in entire albums. It was raw, sincere, and a little messy—just like the best goodbyes. The only thing missing was “Alone & Stoned,” but I wasn’t mad about it. The rest of the night had more than delivered.
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
King Tuff Farewell at The Lodge Room by Taylor Wong
  There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when someone leaves a place not because they have to, but because it’s time. King Tuff wasn’t chased out of L.A. by burnout or failure. He left on his own terms, surrounded by friends and love and noise. This show wasn’t an ending—it was a handoff to the next chapter. And even though Vermont may be where he goes to make his next batch of songs, a part of Kyle Thomas will always live in Los Angeles. In the garages and practice spaces, in the weird Mt. Washington jam circles, in the late-night diners after a gig when someone says, “Remember that King Tuff show?” We’ll remember. Until next time, Tuffy. Words and Photos: Taylor Wong [post_title] => King Tuff Unloads His Clip With A Farewell Show At The Lodge Room [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => king-tuff-lodge-room-farewell-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-22 11:06:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-22 18:06:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=52045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 1547 [max_num_pages] => 516 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => d14560c587fddc8d8905007b9b9529ab [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:c47b3a9910f29cd6c7ae6c1a4914f42e:0.51002000 1747983284 [tribe_is_event] => [tribe_is_multi_posttype] => [tribe_is_event_category] => [tribe_is_event_venue] => [tribe_is_event_organizer] => [tribe_is_event_query] => [tribe_is_past] => )

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                    [post_content] => A quarter century ago, Larry Hardy formed In the Red Records in Los Angeles, California to release garage and punk records for an underground that is thriving now more than ever. Some call this scene the garage rock revival, in which case In the Red Records was the scene’s Lazarus. So with 25 years of releasing music ranging from down tuned stoner rock to twangy blues garage, from bands in Los Angeles to Detroit, Portland and NYC, how does Larry Hardy decide to celebrate? A three night festival taking The Echo and Echoplex hostage to host a slew of bands spanning In the Red’s sonic history.

As soon as I crept down those pissed stained stairs from Sunset to Glendale blvd and checked in, it was nonstop rock. Wounded Lion’s party rock launched the festivities and loosened me up for the debauchery to come. Dancing and prancing around the stage, cramming the jams down our throats, I picked up a sweat bouncing and bobbing and dashed out the Echo down to its bottom-bitch Siamese sister venue.

A man eyeballed me suspiciously and asked for my papers, so I showed him my Zig Zags.

Zig Zags shot by Johann A. RamosZig Zags shot by Johann A. Ramos
Zig Zags shot by Johann A. RamosZig Zags shot by Johann A. Ramos
Zig Zags were the first of many trios I’d see this next couple days, however these three scraggly gentlemen might’ve been my early favorites. With vocals that reminded me of early Metallica, sludgy riffs that screamed Black Sabbath and a speed and recklessness that harkened back Motorhead, I immediately saw the diversity this once tiny independent label had to offer. With songs about movies like The Fog and Total Recall, I see Zig Zags as the perfect band to listen to while smoking weed, eating pizza, and playing Nintendo in my sweat stained underwear. Almost every band had glowing praise for Larry Hardy between songs. “A lot of mid to late thirty year olds are very thankful to you” Jed of Zig-Zags said of Larry. With twenty five years of music, this anniversary show drew lost boys and girls in their 40s and a new generation of kids to pass the torch down to so they can shove it farther up the ass of the mainstream music industry. Upstairs, Charles Mootheart’s band, CFM, took the stage in front of a bunch of gnarly long hairs and took us on a fast and pumping inter-dimensional trip. With guitars and drumming in perfect sync with the room’s vibration, heavy and fast at times then slowing down to bluesy reverie, we all opened up to their sonic psychedelic message. I would see Charles perform with various acts and on different instruments throughout the festival. He’s In the Red’s jack of all trades.

Inter-review With Charles Moothart On Eve of CFM Release

Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey
Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey
Taking in both venues this early on in the night, I remembered how great of a gem the Echo is. Smaller in size and bills than its downstairs counterpart, one quickly forgets the feel of the room. Something about the Echo’s stage and lighting feels more iconic, like I’m in a 90’s MTV live concert taping. From a pack of wild young men in the Echo, to a trio of adults in their forties, Cheater Slicks were playing in the Echoplex. I could see how rock transcends time before my very eyes. They had a more alt rock edge on garage as the drummer howled and shouted through their thumping set. They reminisced in between songs about being the first LP In the Red released. 100 Flowers, previously known as The Urinals, were playing upstairs so I ran up to get a decent spot in the crowd. With graying hair, these dashing punks stuck to their guns all these years. “Punk haiku” is how their songs were described and in their minimalist approach, I found a deep enjoyment for thier simplicity. You could very easily close your eyes and escape in this sound but taking a gander around me, I saw everyone having the time of their lives. One man’s team and vision and the artists he gathered were responsible for bringing together young and old to share in one common philosophy of a rock and roll indivisible by greed, that was as straight forward, unfiltered, raw, real, and uncompromising as the kind of people that listened to it. I couldn’t stay in that moment long though, I had to run, because downstairs Ty was about to take the stage.
Ty Segall Performs as Henry Rollins Observes
Ty Segall Performs at a secret show as Henry Rollins Observes by Alyson Camus
The Echoplex was packed tighter than an American Spirit yellow for Ty Segall and Mikal Cronin’s performance. Both splitting guitar and vocal duties with Charles Moothart on drums, they played Reverse Shark Attack in its entirety. In their sound check they teased us with War Pigs and Sublime’s Pawn Shop, pumping the crowd up to a fever. Their set took us everywhere from psych rock to surf rock to spaghetti western, to Arabian Nights, to deepest purple then blackest sabbath. Kids were bouncing, crowd surfing, moshing, lighting up joints and throwing back beers, the works. The future legend Ty Segall played below while an established legend was about to take the stage above. I worked my way through the sea of people then passed the clouds of cigarette smoke into swamp jungle sound of Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds.

Ty Segall And The Secret Show: A New Tradition in Los Angeles

Kid Congo Powers is a legend for all the acts he was able to grace with his signature psychedelic guitar style. He’s played with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Gun Club, and The Cramps. And after all these years his punk rock will not let you keep still. Lastly, to close night 1, The Gories took the stage at the Echoplex to bring us back to basics with their simple, blues garage rock. Catchy tunes and good times all around, The Gories were the first band to release a 45 on In the Red. This was the perfect bon voyage for me to creep back home and pass the fuck out for another night of wild fun tomorrow. On my way home, abstract things crossed my mind like how Black Sabbath didn’t just create heavy metal but really popped a few screws loose in the whole concept of rock and roll. I thought about how I’d describe kind of people I saw. Older punks who probably appreciated everything from metal to anarcho but now look kinda grunge on their night off. Then there are those garage purists who look like they can fix your motorcycle and spend a lot of time in the high desert. I also thought about how Ty Segall is like the underground rock messiah, who has God knows how many different bands, playing different instruments in all of them and how even though he doesn’t look like some smelly rocker, he plays with more attitude than the smelliest of them. But as the story goes, the mainstream always rejects the real good shit. Why the fuck isn’t this the rock on the radio? Day 2, let’s do this. The Side Eyes were up first, offering sludgy, grunge rock with a hint of pop vocals to act as the soundtrack to me downing my tecate, the best cheap beer to drink at the Echo. Cool girl singer that moves around with sultry dominance with a band of fun loving long haired degenerates. I cruised back down to the Echoplex for Lamps, another three piece with riffs that sounded like they were sheering through steel. To my surprise this next band was the best of the fest in my opinion, The Red Aunts. I walked into the Echo for a moment and got scared, thinking I had stepped into a den of cougars. But no, it was just the Red Aunts, four hot older chicks about to tear it up. This was their first show in twenty years, the last time they played there was no internet. They had spent the last seven weeks relearning their songs and when they got on stage, they absolutely KILLED IT. They were amazing! And I could see on their faces that they almost forgot how hard they rocked. They played good music to dance to, great music to rumble to. Once The Red Aunts finished up and gave all us dudes punker boners, I rolled to Meatbodies who were in the midst of their sludge session, wailing on their guitars and drowning us all in musical quicksand then pulling us out with sweet garage licks. Dance, trip, bounce, head bang, loose it, in that order.

Meatbodies Lay Waste to The Echo With Spectacular Theatrics

Chad Ubovich- Meatbodies
Chad Ubovich- Meatbodies
New York’s Boss Hog was next. They’re a great live band, their singer’s vocals were clean, passionate, and grabbed you by the collar and wouldn’t let you go with hooks that got stuck in your head well into other acts. “On the Wichita, on the Wichita Grey, ON THE WICHITA GREY.” Portland’s The Hunchies were delivering their edgy garage jam sound down in the Echoplex. Noisey and rough around the edges, the band somehow was able to make poetry within the tornado of their sound. The band’s singer Hart Geldhill would seem shy and fixed in position one moment then would explode with violent energy in the very next, throwing his mic and stand at the audience. I left their set to find a good place to stand for Goggs, Ty Segall’s new punk band with Charles Moothart and former Ex-Cult singer Chris Shaw. Anticipation rode high for the band’s first ever performance as we all crammed in tight, knowing things would get messy. I remember Big Black’s “Kerosene” coming on before the band took the stage and I was thrust into my happy unsafe space. “SET ME ON FIRE!”

New Album Review: GOGGS is Damn Good Gravy On The Ty Segall Catalog

Goggs opened up with a long and ear drum splitting wall of sound coming through the speakers until Ty and Charles played Chris on stage and he let loose. We gave him what he put out, as he savagely ripped up his vocal chords. Shaw has veteran punk stage presence with power poses that reminded me of Henry Rollins. Meanwhile, Charles and Ty would switch between drums and guitar, playing with each other and us, showing off just how badass they are. Goggs leveled the Echo into a sweaty mass of bodies and with ears ringing we all hobbled out to the last band of the night, The Oblivions who closed out with equal parts twang and chug in their guitars. These last few nights were chalk full of rock and roll attitude, I was surrounded by so much music that the sound seeped into my pores and hasn’t stopped rattling my bones since. Larry Hardy did this, he brought us these bands and let this scene thrive until this so called garage “revival” would reveal itself as more of a garage golden age with its own golden boy. [post_title] => In the Red Records’ 25th Anniversary Party: Weekend at Larry's [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => in-the-red-records-25th-anniversary-party-weekend-at-larrys-07-18-2016 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-18 11:55:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-18 18:55:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=17459 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14984 [post_author] => 10 [post_date] => 2016-04-08 11:00:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-08 18:00:02 [post_content] =>
CFM Cover: Still Life of Citrus and Slime
CFM Cover: Still Life of Citrus and Slime
CFM - Still Life of Citrus and Slime: An Interview with Charles Moothart “He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.” -Samuel L. Johnson That famed opening axiom is no less true with CFM’s Still Life of Citrus and Slime, in which Charles Moothart goes full wolfman to transmit a bubbly, thick, and no doubt, arresting solo debut. For Moothart—the proper Lennon to Ty Segall’s McCartney—his new LP (In The Red Records) is an analog sigil for some gnarly soul searching. For the rest of us lucky bastards, it’s an incendiary trip of sour neon rock ‘n’ roll that, without it, immediately leaves your record collection wanting. It was more of a vision quest than an attempt to make a rock album. “There was no timetable to worry about,” he told me over the phone. “It was nice to go into a room and shut the door and forget about time and just let it happen as it needed to happen.” Moothart took a piecemeal approach, channeling sounds strung together spontaneously as he jumped from one instrument to the next; any scheming be damned. Though the album was composed as more extemporaneous cut-up rather than master plan, the gravity is not only felt sonically, but lyrically as well. Moothart lets us in on his recent journey into solitude, as we encounter monster and “Lunar Heroine” alike. Pensive vocals muddle nicely with blaring guitar ostinados, distorted strumming, and weaving synth effects. The opener “You Can’t Kill Time” sets the tone, spring-launching you into hyperspace like an ancient pinball machine. From the more prog’d-out punk in “Habit Creeps” to the headbanging boogie in “The Wolf Behind My Eyes” to the picturesque and dreamy territory of “Purple Spine”. Paint me a portrait in lies/ Still life of citrus and slime… If you were like me and found yourself still hungry after two Fuzz albums, Still Life of Citrus and Slime offers a doorway to an alternate dimension comprised of both old tricks and new revelations. Reaching the stars through psychic gutters, the album tramps around in that early 70s weirdness when glam and prog rode the same groove. Even further, it takes on form itself, seemingly busting at the seams while somehow maintaining an equilibrium. It has the nuclear reactive chemistry of a supergiant star, transmuting one element into another until it the whole show culminates into supernova. The roaming title track is last. Purely instrumental, beyond lo-fi, and crawling with effects, it’s the apt vehicle to ease you back into the third dimension. While the album’s sound might suggest vibrant, intricate cover art, its visage is hardly that of Fuzz. Instead, its cover depicts a bare painting on a wall, like a stripped down Matisse: lonely wooden table scattered with obscure contraband against a green and yellow background. Whether you get lost in the music or lost in the meaning, the jaunt is the same. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch CFM live and the sound in the flesh with band members Michael Anderson (guitar), Tyler Frome (bass), and Thomas Alvarez (drums).
CFM photo by Denee_Petracek
CFM photo by Denee Petracek
Charles Moothart was kind enough to take the time to call Janky Smooth from Chicago (where he’s currently recording new Ty Segall tracks) for a few words on the process of the new album, what he learned, and why we may never get another one quite like it again. Brent Smith: I’ve heard a lot about Ty Segall’s influences and those he’s emulated. What performers or bands have helped shape your musical DNA? Charles Moothart: I don’t know, it’s kind of a hard thing to answer. I feel like I’m constantly trying to pick things up here and there—listening to records, watching friends, collaborating with people, writing together, and picking up odds and ends. It’s just a constant learning process, y’know, keeping your ears open, and being in that mindset of letting everything come in and out. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where certain things come from. I’m just trying to learn new things, whether it’s with recording or playing or songwriting or whatever it is at the moment. BS: As I understand it, Citrus Slime was written during a period of isolation. How was it different from your collaborative experiences in the past? CM: It was great. I love collaborating, but when it comes to specific things like writing lyrics, which is a big one for me, I always work better in isolation. I like feeding off of people’s energy, but I also like to take a second and gather my thoughts by myself, so it was fun to explore that. To be totally alone and feeling like having all the time in the world. It was fun to see where it went. Mistakes would lead to something else. Just recording and letting things fly, see where they go. In that way, songs would take their own shape. I don’t know, it was just an interesting process for me. BS: Was there an idea as to how the tracks are laid out, or do you care if they get sold as digital singles? CM: I definitely think it stands as a record, I think there’s a good flow, but at the same time it was just song for song at first. I wasn’t really anticipating it being released. I didn’t know what it was going to be. It was just kind of like, ‘oh, there’s a song, there’s a song.’ Once I kind of had a handful of songs, and they all worked together and seemed pretty cool, it was a moment when things started taking shape, and I actually realized that it could be a record. The last couple of things I wrote were written with the idea, ‘what would this need if it’s going to be a record?’ So, in that way, it definitely wasn’t written as a concept record or anything, and so if people like certain songs and don’t like other songs I’d have no problem with them choosing to listen to only a few. Hopefully they’ll just like the record enough to listen to it all the way through, y’know? BS: Do you feel like you’ve exorcised some demons? CM: Definitely. There was a lot going on at that time. Even just lyrically, it helped figure some shit out. It was a huge personal challenge—it still is challenging, even now, even waiting for the record to come out and going on tour. Every moment is a challenge, and it’s really fun to see it through. There are moments when it works and moments when it doesn’t, but it’s all about learning and fighting the urge to stop. Every show is like, ‘what’s going to happen?’ BS: I caught you at the Teragram with Ty Segall and the Muggers a few months ago, it was a great bill. Have you had a lot of chances to play these songs live?
Ty Segall and the Muggers Play Secret Warm Up Gig at Silverlake Lounge
CM: Yeah, the Teragram shows were the beginning of a west coast tour we with did with Ty, and then we did a U.S. tour, half of which we opened for Ty, and the other half was on our own. I feel like since those shows, especially as a band, we’ve grown a lot. We’re still figuring out the vibes of certain songs, but I think even since those first Teragram shows, we’ve gotten more confident and have figured out the vibe a little bit more. It’s cool we’ve gotten to play a decent amount of shows being how new [the record] is. BS: How was the response in different parts of the country? CM: It was good, man. It was rad to see people be stoked on the songs. It was a very interesting mix of experiences. Every night was different, generally the response was positive. It was pretty interesting opening for Ty and playing this big crazy show where people seemed more ready to be into the music, and then playing our own shows, where we’d only be playing for like ten people, and it was nice to get a reaction on both sides. Especially where you’re just playing for ten people and seeing a true, organic reaction, like, ‘hey, that was rad’ and people weren’t, y’know, associating anything with anything. Overall, it was a total success and tons of fun. BS: What equipment were you using on this album besides the obvious guitar, bass, and drums? CM: I have a synthesizer, like one of the newer Moog sub phattys, and that’s on there a lot. I also used my roommate’s Casio, and I recorded it on the Tascan 388 [8-track reel-to-reel tape machine], which has a very specific sound unto itself. It’s kind of trippy because in the beginning of recording, again, I wasn’t going into it thinking it was going to be a record, so I had everything set up to be as quick as possible, and not necessarily to be the best-sounding [laughs]. It was more meant to be like, okay, I can have my drums, mic, guitar, and the bass ready to go, so I could lay a drum track down, and then very quickly pick up the bass and lay the bass down. It was a way to get ideas out. So, in that way, it’s kind of weird because every song came to sound different in a way that I was really into. I don’t think I’ll be able to do anything like that again because it was just so—not-conscious, y’know? BS: The songs feel emotionally-driven. CM: Yeah, definitely. And I really like recording, so it’s not like I was cutting corners. I would dive into things, just trying to figure them out. Since it wasn’t recorded in a linear way, I was picking up gear here and there as it went along, so some things have better fidelity, different outcomes using different microphones, and that kind of thing. BS: I really started paying attention to your work in Fuzz, probably my favorite of Ty Segall outfits. How much of Fuzz is Charles Moothart?
Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey
Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey by Taylor Wong
CM: It’s kind of a hodgepodge. Song for song, it can be totally different. I write almost all of the riffs. On the second record, Chad has a few riffs that he brought in, and the song-types are pretty much all him. Generally, I would bring a string of riffs to the table and we would either just do them as they were, or change it up, and Ty would come up with a vocal melody and we’d write lyrics together. It’s hard for me to put a number on it, but I would definitely consider it my baby. When Ty and I started it, there were a lot of things he brought to the songwriting, and I learned a lot doing that with him, for sure. BS: What’s the deal with the cover art of Fuzz II? Are there riddles or some shit to figure out? CM: Not really. Tatiana Kartomten [aka Tati Compton] did our artwork for both records. After she saw us for the first time, we gave her the 7” and she just went home, got stoned, listened to it and started drawing. It wasn’t even meant to be for the album, but she showed it us and we were like, ‘this is so fucking rad, we want to use it.’ For the second record it was a similar idea. We told her we really wanted her to do the art, and we weren’t going to tell her anything, because she basically fucking rules. We sent her the recordings we had up to that point, and she just started drawing. I want to say it’s based on Dante’s Inferno and the nine circles of Hell. It was kind of her trip and we just let her do whatever she wanted. There are a few references to things, like there are a lot of 3’s because we’re a trio, but there’s nothing like super deep, it’s just an amazing drawing. BS: As opposed to Zeppelin’s IV. CM: [laughs] Right. BS: The art definitely speaks to the tone of Fuzz, even lyrically. Were you heavy on those lyrics too? CM: I think that’s what cool about the second album, in particular. Ty and I have very different ways of writing lyrics. When I write, I like to dive in. I really like poetry, I used to write poetry more, so I tend to take lyric writing very seriously. I like to sit down and try to hash some things out. Chad operates in his own way, and Ty operates in his. Ty’s better with sounds, and cadence, and the more melodic side of things. So, if I were to write something, he’d say, ‘that’s rad, but this word is going to be too hard to sing.’ Filtering our ideas through each other is how we got the end result. BS: You’re back in L.A. after living in S.F. for a while, what are your thoughts on the local music scene? Anyone you’re digging on? CM: I go out to shows fairly often, but I don’t go out as much as I did in San Francisco. I’ve been enjoying my time at home more, which is a rad element to L.A. I think it’s cool you can do whatever you want. It’s not like you walk out the door and you’re immediately in the grind, or in everyone’s business. It’s like choose your own adventure. It’s weird because I feel like I’m just lucky enough to be surrounded by friends who are really creative, and I enjoy their music, so most of the time I’m going out to friends’ shows. I feel a little bit out of touch with the local scene, but at the same time there’s so much going on, and you can’t catch everything. BS: It is a small world, and you guys definitely overlap with a lot of what’s happening. It seems not like a music industry as much as a community. It’s awesome that it’s here. L.A. doesn’t always have such a cool, tight-knit scene. CM: Yes, it’s awesome. I think what’s happening is pretty special. It’s part of my idea of how I think things ‘should be.’ I’ve always played music with friends and people I know well, and it’s all just kind of an extension of that now. I grew up going to The Smell, and it’s always been that kind of vibe. I wouldn’t be able to operate in any other way. BS: I’ll let you get back, but thanks for talking, and continue doing the Lord’s work. CM: Thank you, I really appreciate it. [post_title] => Inter-Review With Charles Moothart on Eve of CFM Release [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => inter-review-charles-moothart-cfm-still-life-of-citrus-and-slime-04-08-2016 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-04-08 16:52:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-04-08 23:52:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=14984 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 2 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17459 [post_author] => 23 [post_date] => 2016-07-18 11:55:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-18 18:55:34 [post_content] => A quarter century ago, Larry Hardy formed In the Red Records in Los Angeles, California to release garage and punk records for an underground that is thriving now more than ever. Some call this scene the garage rock revival, in which case In the Red Records was the scene’s Lazarus. So with 25 years of releasing music ranging from down tuned stoner rock to twangy blues garage, from bands in Los Angeles to Detroit, Portland and NYC, how does Larry Hardy decide to celebrate? A three night festival taking The Echo and Echoplex hostage to host a slew of bands spanning In the Red’s sonic history. As soon as I crept down those pissed stained stairs from Sunset to Glendale blvd and checked in, it was nonstop rock. Wounded Lion’s party rock launched the festivities and loosened me up for the debauchery to come. Dancing and prancing around the stage, cramming the jams down our throats, I picked up a sweat bouncing and bobbing and dashed out the Echo down to its bottom-bitch Siamese sister venue. A man eyeballed me suspiciously and asked for my papers, so I showed him my Zig Zags.
Zig Zags shot by Johann A. RamosZig Zags shot by Johann A. Ramos
Zig Zags shot by Johann A. RamosZig Zags shot by Johann A. Ramos
Zig Zags were the first of many trios I’d see this next couple days, however these three scraggly gentlemen might’ve been my early favorites. With vocals that reminded me of early Metallica, sludgy riffs that screamed Black Sabbath and a speed and recklessness that harkened back Motorhead, I immediately saw the diversity this once tiny independent label had to offer. With songs about movies like The Fog and Total Recall, I see Zig Zags as the perfect band to listen to while smoking weed, eating pizza, and playing Nintendo in my sweat stained underwear. Almost every band had glowing praise for Larry Hardy between songs. “A lot of mid to late thirty year olds are very thankful to you” Jed of Zig-Zags said of Larry. With twenty five years of music, this anniversary show drew lost boys and girls in their 40s and a new generation of kids to pass the torch down to so they can shove it farther up the ass of the mainstream music industry. Upstairs, Charles Mootheart’s band, CFM, took the stage in front of a bunch of gnarly long hairs and took us on a fast and pumping inter-dimensional trip. With guitars and drumming in perfect sync with the room’s vibration, heavy and fast at times then slowing down to bluesy reverie, we all opened up to their sonic psychedelic message. I would see Charles perform with various acts and on different instruments throughout the festival. He’s In the Red’s jack of all trades.

Inter-review With Charles Moothart On Eve of CFM Release

Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey
Charles Moothart with Fuzz at El Rey
Taking in both venues this early on in the night, I remembered how great of a gem the Echo is. Smaller in size and bills than its downstairs counterpart, one quickly forgets the feel of the room. Something about the Echo’s stage and lighting feels more iconic, like I’m in a 90’s MTV live concert taping. From a pack of wild young men in the Echo, to a trio of adults in their forties, Cheater Slicks were playing in the Echoplex. I could see how rock transcends time before my very eyes. They had a more alt rock edge on garage as the drummer howled and shouted through their thumping set. They reminisced in between songs about being the first LP In the Red released. 100 Flowers, previously known as The Urinals, were playing upstairs so I ran up to get a decent spot in the crowd. With graying hair, these dashing punks stuck to their guns all these years. “Punk haiku” is how their songs were described and in their minimalist approach, I found a deep enjoyment for thier simplicity. You could very easily close your eyes and escape in this sound but taking a gander around me, I saw everyone having the time of their lives. One man’s team and vision and the artists he gathered were responsible for bringing together young and old to share in one common philosophy of a rock and roll indivisible by greed, that was as straight forward, unfiltered, raw, real, and uncompromising as the kind of people that listened to it. I couldn’t stay in that moment long though, I had to run, because downstairs Ty was about to take the stage.
Ty Segall Performs as Henry Rollins Observes
Ty Segall Performs at a secret show as Henry Rollins Observes by Alyson Camus
The Echoplex was packed tighter than an American Spirit yellow for Ty Segall and Mikal Cronin’s performance. Both splitting guitar and vocal duties with Charles Moothart on drums, they played Reverse Shark Attack in its entirety. In their sound check they teased us with War Pigs and Sublime’s Pawn Shop, pumping the crowd up to a fever. Their set took us everywhere from psych rock to surf rock to spaghetti western, to Arabian Nights, to deepest purple then blackest sabbath. Kids were bouncing, crowd surfing, moshing, lighting up joints and throwing back beers, the works. The future legend Ty Segall played below while an established legend was about to take the stage above. I worked my way through the sea of people then passed the clouds of cigarette smoke into swamp jungle sound of Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds.

Ty Segall And The Secret Show: A New Tradition in Los Angeles

Kid Congo Powers is a legend for all the acts he was able to grace with his signature psychedelic guitar style. He’s played with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Gun Club, and The Cramps. And after all these years his punk rock will not let you keep still. Lastly, to close night 1, The Gories took the stage at the Echoplex to bring us back to basics with their simple, blues garage rock. Catchy tunes and good times all around, The Gories were the first band to release a 45 on In the Red. This was the perfect bon voyage for me to creep back home and pass the fuck out for another night of wild fun tomorrow. On my way home, abstract things crossed my mind like how Black Sabbath didn’t just create heavy metal but really popped a few screws loose in the whole concept of rock and roll. I thought about how I’d describe kind of people I saw. Older punks who probably appreciated everything from metal to anarcho but now look kinda grunge on their night off. Then there are those garage purists who look like they can fix your motorcycle and spend a lot of time in the high desert. I also thought about how Ty Segall is like the underground rock messiah, who has God knows how many different bands, playing different instruments in all of them and how even though he doesn’t look like some smelly rocker, he plays with more attitude than the smelliest of them. But as the story goes, the mainstream always rejects the real good shit. Why the fuck isn’t this the rock on the radio? Day 2, let’s do this. The Side Eyes were up first, offering sludgy, grunge rock with a hint of pop vocals to act as the soundtrack to me downing my tecate, the best cheap beer to drink at the Echo. Cool girl singer that moves around with sultry dominance with a band of fun loving long haired degenerates. I cruised back down to the Echoplex for Lamps, another three piece with riffs that sounded like they were sheering through steel. To my surprise this next band was the best of the fest in my opinion, The Red Aunts. I walked into the Echo for a moment and got scared, thinking I had stepped into a den of cougars. But no, it was just the Red Aunts, four hot older chicks about to tear it up. This was their first show in twenty years, the last time they played there was no internet. They had spent the last seven weeks relearning their songs and when they got on stage, they absolutely KILLED IT. They were amazing! And I could see on their faces that they almost forgot how hard they rocked. They played good music to dance to, great music to rumble to. Once The Red Aunts finished up and gave all us dudes punker boners, I rolled to Meatbodies who were in the midst of their sludge session, wailing on their guitars and drowning us all in musical quicksand then pulling us out with sweet garage licks. Dance, trip, bounce, head bang, loose it, in that order.

Meatbodies Lay Waste to The Echo With Spectacular Theatrics

Chad Ubovich- Meatbodies
Chad Ubovich- Meatbodies
New York’s Boss Hog was next. They’re a great live band, their singer’s vocals were clean, passionate, and grabbed you by the collar and wouldn’t let you go with hooks that got stuck in your head well into other acts. “On the Wichita, on the Wichita Grey, ON THE WICHITA GREY.” Portland’s The Hunchies were delivering their edgy garage jam sound down in the Echoplex. Noisey and rough around the edges, the band somehow was able to make poetry within the tornado of their sound. The band’s singer Hart Geldhill would seem shy and fixed in position one moment then would explode with violent energy in the very next, throwing his mic and stand at the audience. I left their set to find a good place to stand for Goggs, Ty Segall’s new punk band with Charles Moothart and former Ex-Cult singer Chris Shaw. Anticipation rode high for the band’s first ever performance as we all crammed in tight, knowing things would get messy. I remember Big Black’s “Kerosene” coming on before the band took the stage and I was thrust into my happy unsafe space. “SET ME ON FIRE!”

New Album Review: GOGGS is Damn Good Gravy On The Ty Segall Catalog

Goggs opened up with a long and ear drum splitting wall of sound coming through the speakers until Ty and Charles played Chris on stage and he let loose. We gave him what he put out, as he savagely ripped up his vocal chords. Shaw has veteran punk stage presence with power poses that reminded me of Henry Rollins. Meanwhile, Charles and Ty would switch between drums and guitar, playing with each other and us, showing off just how badass they are. Goggs leveled the Echo into a sweaty mass of bodies and with ears ringing we all hobbled out to the last band of the night, The Oblivions who closed out with equal parts twang and chug in their guitars. These last few nights were chalk full of rock and roll attitude, I was surrounded by so much music that the sound seeped into my pores and hasn’t stopped rattling my bones since. Larry Hardy did this, he brought us these bands and let this scene thrive until this so called garage “revival” would reveal itself as more of a garage golden age with its own golden boy. [post_title] => In the Red Records’ 25th Anniversary Party: Weekend at Larry's [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => in-the-red-records-25th-anniversary-party-weekend-at-larrys-07-18-2016 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-18 11:55:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-18 18:55:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.jankysmooth.com/?p=17459 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 2 [max_num_pages] => 1 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => 1 [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => 1 [is_tax] => [is_search] => 1 [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 0165d57008f1da70d3cf280a4e17eaec [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:a839964d67924bfd6de0996b9410db76:0.51002000 17479832840.59131000 1747983284 [tribe_is_event] => [tribe_is_multi_posttype] => 1 [tribe_is_event_category] => [tribe_is_event_venue] => [tribe_is_event_organizer] => [tribe_is_event_query] => [tribe_is_past] => )

In the Red Records’ 25th Anniversary Party: Weekend at Larry’s

A quarter century ago, Larry Hardy formed In the Red Records in Los Angeles, California to release garage and punk records for an underground that is thriving now more than ever. Some call this scene the garage rock revival, in which case In the Red Records was the scene’s Lazarus. So with 25 years of releasing music ranging from down tuned stoner rock to twangy blues garage, from bands in Los Angeles to Detroit, Portland and NYC, how does Larry Hardy decide to celebrate? A three night festival taking The Echo and Echoplex hostage to host a slew of bands spanning In the Red’s sonic history. As soon as I crept down those pissed stained stairs from Sunset to Glendale blvd and checked in, it was nonstop rock. Wounded Lion’s party rock launched the festivities and loosened me up for the debauchery to come. Dancing and prancing around the stage, cramming the jams down our throats, I picked up a sweat bouncing and bobbing and dashed out the Echo down to its bottom-bitch Siamese sister venue. A man eyeballed me suspiciously and asked for my papers, so I showed him my Zig Zags. Zig Zags were the first of many

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CFM photo by Denee_Petracek

Inter-Review With Charles Moothart on Eve of CFM Release

CFM – Still Life of Citrus and Slime: An Interview with Charles Moothart “He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.” -Samuel L. Johnson That famed opening axiom is no less true with CFM’s Still Life of Citrus and Slime, in which Charles Moothart goes full wolfman to transmit a bubbly, thick, and no doubt, arresting solo debut. For Moothart—the proper Lennon to Ty Segall’s McCartney—his new LP (In The Red Records) is an analog sigil for some gnarly soul searching. For the rest of us lucky bastards, it’s an incendiary trip of sour neon rock ‘n’ roll that, without it, immediately leaves your record collection wanting. It was more of a vision quest than an attempt to make a rock album. “There was no timetable to worry about,” he told me over the phone. “It was nice to go into a room and shut the door and forget about time and just let it happen as it needed to happen.” Moothart took a piecemeal approach, channeling sounds strung together spontaneously as he jumped from one instrument to the next; any scheming be damned. Though the album was composed as more extemporaneous

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