-X- Tickets

Last time I saw X in concert, I was in college. This time, I attended with my daughter, who just graduated from college. They sounded better than ever!

X never disappoints. They are as tight as ever. I've seen them 30+ times, and they just keep getting better.

I saw the September 4 show at The Atlantis and the September 5 show at The 9:30 Club. For both sets, the band was tight, as expected. Their instrumentation was seriously on point. Billy Zoom and DJ Bonebrake were in the zone. Seriously. It was awe-inspiring to watch such mastery and passion. John Doe was energetic, Exene Cervanka was luminous. The set for each night was different, but they did some favorites both nights: I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts, Nausea, Los Angeles, Come Back to Me, White Girl, Soul Kitchen, and a few others. They were gracious to and interactive with the crowd (did not get distracted by the random shouts of requests). I love this band more than any other, including CAN, as they have long provided the theme music to my life (We're Desperate is a particular favorite). I have seen them more than 20 times, from D.C. to Richmond to New York to San Diego, to LA to San Francisco to Annapolis. At no time does it ever get old. At no time do they ever disappoint. This is one of the best live show bands you will see. It is a privilege (to be back in America) to see such excellence at work and watch the joy their music brings to the crowd. Just magical. On technical issues with the venue. The 9:30 Club continues to have its ongoing issues with sound, while it seems to be pitched, woofed, and blasted exactly right at The Atlantis. Go figure.

This is another expected billing, early 80s punk stalwarts X with throwback jazz entertainers Squirrel Nut Zippers. The Zippers, who have had a rotating lineup over the years, were well-rehearsed musicians, dressed for the part, and put on a very entertaining show of jazz covers and originals. If anything, they were trying a bit too hard to be showy and play covers that people will recognize but their musicianship made up for any flashiness. X is one of those bands that keeps getting better over the decades. They did a set featuring three songs from the latest pandemic-era album, as well as a good selection of early stuff from their first four albums. A high point for me is that they did not do their two best-known songs, which received significant radio airplay, while still pleasing the crowd with some of their best tunes. The spirit and sound of early 80s punk was in the air! My only criticism was with the venue itself. The odd layout features a cramped floor with tiny tables. This is the kind of show that’s almost impossible to enjoy seated, so I was one of a handful of people that did not sit down the whole show. Also, the beer selection was lame, in the bathrooms could only be reached by going through the lobby and downstairs. Nothing wrong with the theater but it’s not really meant for rock shows!

X never fails to deliver. First off amazing show! Blending the classics with cuts from the new and coming album. Exene, DJ, Billy and John show that there chemistry only gets better with time. Sparks flying and relentless energy will get your heart pumping for sure. My only hope is they keep making magic so we can keep seeing them for years to come.

X was fantastic as always. The venue should have removed the tables and chairs for this event. Having table seating for a band is ridiculous. Sell as general admission and remove the tables and chairs. The seating was so tight you could not think of standing to cheer the band on. What punk band wants to play to a seated audience? The table seated audience was restricted and subdued. Very disappointing. For a comedian, play or an orchestra, it’s appropriate. But not for a band.

Just an all around great show. Great energy, great songs. My expectations were high and X exceeded them. Squirrel Nut Zippers were a great opening band. So much fun... I want to see them again.

Both bands were brilliant. SNZ were a great opener, we weren’t too familiar with them but will be after this! X blew the roof off the joint. Absolutely on fire. They truly are on top of their game.

Band rocked, but the venues beer selection was dismal.

Over 40 years strong! Mixing old and new without missing a beat.