Celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary, Punk Rock Bowling as soon as once more befell in downtown Las Vegas over the Memorial Day weekend, and with over 40 bands on two phases, in addition to pool events and 24 membership reveals, this 12 months’s installment went off with no hitch, whereas providing one thing for everybody. By the point the pageant wrapped up with Social Distortion making their first look ever, lots of these in attendance have been saying that this might need been probably the greatest ones but, a sentiment that may be tough to argue towards.
The pageant formally kicked off on Saturday (Might twenty fifth), with a mixture of outdated and new. Highlights all through the day included Lambrini Women, Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade, and Cockney Rejects on the Monster Power Avenue Occasion Stage, whereas The Adicts and Australian band Civic have been standouts on the principle stage. A not too long ago reactivated Energy Journey introduced a wholesome dose of crossover model steel to the pageant, and British Oi! legends Cock Sparrer made their remaining look on the pageant.
Day two of the fest began off with stellar units from the Codefendants (with an look by Fats Mike of the not too long ago “retired” NOFX), in addition to Dangerous Nerves, who simply so occur to be one of many ‘buzziest” acts of the second. Gang of 4, with ex-L7 bassist Gail Greenwood, drew the most important crowd of the day on the Avenue Occasion stage, enjoying a career-spanning set of basic UK put up punk.
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Highlights from the principle stage have been Non secular Cramp and Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals, and, in fact, Peter Hook and the Gentle, who placed on a terrific set of all Pleasure Division classics. It was the right ending to the night.
The third and remaining day picked up proper the place day two left off, with North Carolina’s queer punks Babe Haven waking up the sleepy crowd with a excessive power set. The ever controversial Leftover Crack drew an enormous crowd over to the Avenue Occasion Stage, whereas the Pietasters introduced the ska vibes afterward. Amigo the Satan wrapped up the festivities on the Monster stage, and it was then time for the headliners.
Taking the stage to the Vehicles “Let the Good Occasions Roll” over the PA, Social Distortion instantly launched into “Born to Kill” to kick off a twelve music setlist. After “Don’t Take Me for Granted” and “Tonight,” frontman Mike Ness addressed the group and the pageant, saying “Thanks for having Social Distortion play this shindig.” Speaking of understanding Keith Morris of (Black) Flag for over 40 years, Mike launched “The Creeps,” saying that the music goes again to these instances. Different highlights from their set included “Attain for the Sky,” “Ring of Fireplace,” and “Story of My Life.”
Even after 25 years, Punk Rock Bowling continues to be probably the greatest punk rock festivals, regularly placing out essentially the most enjoyable and various lineups, and continuously outdoing themselves. There isn’t a cause why 2026 shouldn’t be the identical.
See images from the 2025 version of Punk Rock Bowling by Raymond Ahner (stay pictures) and Ben Trivett (portraits) within the gallery under.
