Fresh off a mind-blowing set at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas, The Adicts hit the West Coast running—selling out every Southern California date, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Pomona. Demand was so overwhelming that they added a last-minute extra night in Pomona to accommodate the flood of fans.
Over the course of four unforgettable consecutive nights, they delivered their signature blend of theatrical punk and unshakable optimism to rooms packed with loyal fans, first-timers, and multiple generations of droogs—all coming together to celebrate the simple miracle of being alive in the moment. Even though The Adicts have been spreading joy for nearly five decades, punk isn’t just nostalgia with this band, it’s present-tense, kinetic, and thriving. Since the late ’70s, The Adicts have been singing songs of praise for the weird, the wild, and the joyfully defiant—reminding the world to stay playful, live loud, embrace autonomy, and not take life so fucking seriously.
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The Drowns opened each evening on a high note with a fun, energetic set of melodic punk. Their stage presence was undeniable, each member brought their own charisma, and together they played as a tight, commanding unit. It was my first time seeing them live, and they absolutely delivered for those who showed up early.
The Adicts couldn’t have picked a better band for direct support on this leg of the tour. Lower Class Brats are legends in their own right, and they brought their undeniable brand of street punk to the stage with full force, delivering staples like “Like Clockwork” and “Ultra Violence.” Frontman Bones commanded the crowd with ease, drawing them in and sparking singalongs that warmed up everyone’s vocal cords for the massive, chorus-driven spectacle The Adicts were about to unleash.
While the other bands powered through their sets, Monkey could occasionally be spotted in the crowd—low-key and unrecognizable to most. No makeup. No costume. Just a cap and a casual presence. He weaved through the venue like any other showgoer, saying hi to people he knew, watching the stage for a moment, then disappearing again. A few fans caught on and exchanged quick glances, but no one seemed to make a scene. If you weren’t paying attention, you’d miss him entirely.
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Each evening followed the same ritual. The lights dropped, and their intro echoed over the loudspeakers as the band members made their way to their instruments—poised and focused. A moment of tension hung in the air. Then Monkey stormed the stage, and all hell broke loose. They charged straight into “Let’s Go” just as a blast of confetti exploded overhead. No hesitation. No buildup. Just a sudden ignition of hundreds of voices roaring back in unison. The floor vibrated beneath the surge of bodies and sound that rippled through the venue like a shockwave and seamlessly evolved into a full-blown circle pit.
While Kid Dee’s presence was definitely missed, many were pleasantly surprised to see Fletcher Shears of The Garden behind the kit for this run. His timing was sharp, and he fit in so naturally with the rest of the band that it felt like he’d been playing with them for years.
The setlist was packed with both bangers and deep cuts. They played all the hits—“Joker in the Pack,” “Steamroller,” “Viva la Revolution,” “I Am Yours”—but also dug into gems like “Daydreamers Night” and “Don’t Exploit Me.” From the first chord to the grand finale, the momentum never dipped. Each song landed with purpose, flowing effortlessly into the next, keeping the energy high and the crowd fully immersed in the experience.
As a punk parent, lyrics like these read like scripture:
“You say what you want to say
You do what you want to do
You be what you want to be
You go where you want to go
You say what you want to say
You have what you want to have
You live your own life just like me”
Bringing your kids to an Adicts show is like a sacred rite of passage. This is the torch we want to pass to the next generation—so it’s no wonder that so many parents bring their kids along for the ride. My own son still cites the night he saw The Adicts live as a young boy as a life-changing event, one that lit the fire for his own creative journey as a performer.
The Adicts’ ethos is simple and powerful: stay weird, stay independent, and never lose your sense of wonder.
Whether they’re tossing confetti, flinging playing cards into the crowd, or ripping through tracks like “Who Spilled My Beer,” The Adicts remain one of the most jubilant and defiant forces in punk rock. Having the opportunity to spend 4 nights in a row seeing them live was the raucous reminder that I desperately needed to be present, laugh out loud, and dance my fucking ass off. After all these years, The Adicts haven’t lost their swagger, they still know how to throw an epic party and leave a glorious mess in its wake.
They’ve just announced more tour dates—so if they’re rolling through your town, don’t sleep on it. Tickets will move fast!
June 29 – Seattle, WA · The Adicts at The Showbox
July 18 – Chicago, IL · The Adicts at Metro
July 20 – Denver, CO · The Adicts at Punk In The Park
October 3 – New York, NY · The Adicts at Palladium Times
October 5 – San Pedro, CA · The Adicts at Punk In The Park
Words: Jessica Moncrief
Featured Image: Yosra Shaibi
Video: Jessica Moncrief
