The Boys Are Back
This lineup is incredible—maybe the best we’ve ever seen tailored so perfectly to our tastes. It’s the first festival where all three headliners are a hit for us. Even the best past lineups usually had one outlier (looking at you, Arcade Fire). This one is packed with our favorite live acts. I’ve seen over 20 of them before—and I’d gladly see all but two again (sorry, Beach Boys and Agent Orange).
Just in the past year, I’ve caught Blink-182 (twice), Weezer, Bad Religion, and The Damned—all fantastic. So there’s a strong sense of familiarity. But it’s also stacked with bucket list and near-bucket list acts: IDLES and The Hold Steady have been on my must-see radar for a while. And then there’s The Pogues, Sparks, and Weird Al—perfect “why not while I’m there” picks.
There’s a lot to unpack. Seeing the Sex Pistols—a band credited with igniting the punk movement—is likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance. And if you lean toward the idea that punk started in the U.S., you’ve got Marky Ramone playing the Ramones’ classics. Want to talk first punk record? That’s The Damned’s New Rose, and we’ll get to hear it live. Add in Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers, and Agnostic Front, and you’ve got a full OG punk roster.
Hidden in the fine print is a gem: Soft Play, formerly Slaves. Their 2017 aftershow at the Cobra was unforgettable—just two guys, no stool for the drummer, and a total disregard for the hi-hat. They’re back, and I’m all in.
Despite the familiarity, there’s still room for discovery. Inhaler is Bono’s son’s band. Lambrini Girls bring wild energy. It’s a lineup that keeps giving.
Of course, with so many great acts, there are trade-offs. Conflicts are inevitable (more on that later), and the strength of the headliners might make aftershows tough to pull off—logistics, energy, and timing all come into play. But if I can swing it, I’m aiming for Soft Play again (at the Cobra). The Damned would also be amazing in a smaller venue—Concord Ballroom, please. The Front Bottoms and The Hold Steady doing full sets would be fantastic too.
Can’t wait. And there’s only one way to kick things off this year: