It’s finally Christmas time, and Punk in the Park has delivered the holiday spirit along with some great beers. In a world where we’re just trying to get by, this event served as our escape from the political nonsense surrounding us. A few thousand punks gathered to enjoy Punk in the Park at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ. Beers were flowing, chains were swinging, and throughout the fields, punks united to celebrate an incredible lineup.
Every band gave it their all, and even Jen Pop from The Bombpops treated us to a magical acoustic performance.The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Voodoo Glow Skulls. The energy they bring is unparalleled. The mosh pit was non-stop during their entire set. Bands like ‘Urthane’, ‘Slick Shoes’, and local legends ‘Authority Zero’ were all absolutely thrilled and radiated high energy throughout their performances.
The Vandals were fully embracing the Christmas spirit with their vibrant green and red lights, along with an array of festive decorations adorning the stage. The guitarist spotted a massive Christmas tree in a nearby field and exclaimed, “Hey, according to our contract, we were supposed to have the biggest tree, what the heck is this!” It’s mind-blowing to realize that The Vandals began their journey back in 1980 and are still thriving today. They continue to impress and dominate the scene.
Face to Face requires no introduction, as they are one of the trailblazers in the skate punk genre. They have firmly established their place in music history. Their live performances mirror the high energy found in their albums. It’s an overwhelming experience that hits you hard, draws you in, and keeps you engaged as you sing along to every single word. Face to Face elevated the energy to new heights on Saturday night in Chandler. Despite having just a 30-minute set, we experienced the highlights and the songs we were eager to hear.
After what felt like an eternity, MXPX finally graced the stage, ready to absolutely shatter our eardrums. The initial chords reverberated through the crowd, sending bass vibrations that were almost palpable. I even lost my earplugs in the excitement! The audience was electric, primed to unleash their enthusiasm for MXPX. This was my inaugural live encounter with them, despite being a devoted fan since ’98. They encapsulate the unrefined energy that defines pop punk, yet they also carry a grit that keeps them authentic within the punk scene. MXPX is far from inexperienced, and their live performance radiates with vibrancy and vigor right until the final note. Tonight was no exception, as the entire audience belted out every lyric, nodding their heads and reveling in the mosh pit.
setlist Not Today
Tomorrow’s Another Day
Secret Weapon
The Wonder Years
Heard That Sound
Doing Time
Middlename
My Mom Still Cleans My Room
The Theme Fiasco
Stay Up All Night
My Life Story
Party, My House, Be There
Christmas Day
GSF
Chick Magnet
Let’s Ride
Responsibility
Punk Rawk Show
