[Concert Review] The Linda Lindas Bring Punk, Playfulness, and Pure Joy to the Stage
There’s a special kind of energy that only a punk show can deliver—loud, raw, unpredictable, and somehow still heartwarming. That was exactly the vibe at The Linda Lindas' recent headline show, made even more memorable by a down-to-earth VIP meet and greet and an unexpectedly whimsical night full of surprises.
Before the amps buzzed to life, lucky fans who attended the VIP meet and greet got a chance to see a different side of The Linda Lindas. The band, known for their viral NPR Tiny Desk concert and powerful punk anthems, kept things casual and welcoming, asking fans how their day was, signing totes and shirts, and even breaking into impromptu acoustic performances. One member even tap danced while waiting for the guitar to tune—it was more like hanging with a group of friends than a typical pressurized celebrity encounter.
The group shared stories of their tour life, like being stuck in Las Vegas for five hours waiting on a fuel pump, and reminisced about catching a Metallica concert during their tour with Green Day. When asked how they juggle school, the answer was simple: online public school. And when it came to balancing that with social life? "Just a bunch of teenagers. Doesn't really matter," one of them shrugged. Real talk from real teens doing extraordinary things.
Opening the night was Be Your Own Pet, a punk rock band that brought the house down with high-octane energy. Though the songs were unfamiliar to some, the vibe was undeniable. Their drummer absolutely crushed it, setting the tone for the night, and the guitarist even pulled off a classic rock move: strumming with his tongue. Punk lives!
Around 9 PM, the main event began. After a delay due to their travel issues, The Linda Lindas finally hit the stage, and the crowd went wild. Despite the hiccups, the audience's energy never wavered—some had been waiting since 4:15 PM, others had driven in from Tucson. A mini mosh pit even formed at one point.
What stood out most was how inclusive and authentic the show felt. During one of their songs in Spanish, which tackled themes of anxiety, it was clear how deeply personal and original their work is. Punk isn’t just noise; it’s a voice for expression, identity, and emotion. Seeing a mom and daughter dance together in the back, or a dad and daughter light up during the meet and greet, was a reminder that music—especially this kind of music—transcends generations.
The girls took turns on vocals throughout the set, each bringing their own flavor to the performance. They even paused for a Q&A mid-show, laughing at a fan's question about dinosaurs. "Let's hear it for the Spinosaurus!" they shouted, rallying the crowd. It was goofy, wholesome, and punk as hell.
The venue added another layer of magic with its giant white wall projecting visuals and hanging spheres that changed with the lighting. Despite a few issues with spotlighting some of the girls, the atmosphere was electric. Fans weren't glued to their phones, but when they were, it was just to capture the moments worth remembering.
By the time the show ended, it was clear The Linda Lindas aren't just the future of punk—they're its vibrant present. And they’re just getting started.
Setlist Highlights:
Song in Spanish on anxiety
Rotating lead vocals
Playful crowd interaction
Encore fueled by fan energy
Final Thoughts: Whether you were a longtime fan or seeing them for the first time, The Linda Lindas delivered a night that felt both rebellious and refreshing. Honest, loud, and joyfully chaotic—just like punk should be.
