X's Raw L.A. Punk Show & Cheap Trick's 'All Washed Up' Tour at Pacific Amphitheatre
X
The spirit of Los Angeles Punk was alive and loud at Pacific Amphitheatre as legendary L.A. Punk band X delivered a heavy and riveting performance to a large and highly engaged crowd. From the moment fans began filling the venue, it was clear this was more than another concert—it was a gathering of a dedicated punk community that has carried X’s music across generations. The audience was easy to spot. Fans wearing X shirts, vintage punk clothing, leather jackets, band T-shirts and classic Punk-inspired outfits filled the venue, creating a sea of unmistakable L.A. Punk style. The dedication of X’s fan base was on full display, with longtime followers and younger fans coming together to celebrate one of the most influential bands to emerge from the Los Angeles music scene.
The band created an atmosphere that felt immediate and uncompromising. The large crowd responded with enthusiasm, singing along, cheering and staying locked into the performance. There was a palpable connection between the stage and the audience—a reminder that Punk has always been about more than the music. It is about community, individuality and the shared experience of being in the room when a great band takes the stage. The band has also built a remarkably dedicated following, continuing to draw audiences who understand the importance of seeing the group perform live. And after seeing X at Pacific Amphitheatre, it is easy to understand why they remain a band you have to see live.
X's importance to Los Angeles music history cannot be overstated. Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1977 by John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom and D.J. Bonebrake, X emerged during the formative years of the city’s Punk movement. The band became closely associated with the legendary early L.A. Punk scene and helped establish a distinctive sound that separated Los Angeles Punk from other emerging punk movements around the country. Their music combined the aggression of Punk with Rockabilly, roots music, poetic songwriting and unconventional vocal harmonies. That combination gave X a sound that was unmistakably their own.
Their debut album, ‘Los Angeles,’ released in 1980 and produced by former The Doors’ keyboardist Ray Manzarek, became an important document of the city’s early Punk era. The album captured a darker and more complicated side of Los Angeles, far removed from the polished image of Southern California often presented by mainstream culture. X was part of a developing musical ecosystem that included many of the artists and bands who would shape L.A. Punk and Alternative music. Their early performances at venues such as the Masque helped establish their reputation and build a devoted local following.
At Pacific Amphitheatre, X proved that Punk does not have to be nostalgic to be powerful. The band's music still carries an edge. The performance still feels dangerous. And the audience still responds with the kind of energy that has defined Punk concerts for generations. Watching fans in X shirts and Punk attire singing along and staying engaged throughout the performance was a powerful reminder that the band's music continues to mean something to people. For longtime fans, it was a celebration of a band that helped shape Los Angeles music. For newer listeners, it was an opportunity to experience an important piece of punk history in the present tense.
X isn't simply a band with a remarkable history—they are a band whose live performance still demands attention. For anyone who considers themselves a fan of punk, Los Angeles music or Rock 'n' Roll, seeing X live should be on the list. Their OC show proved that the raw spirit of L.A. punk is still very much alive.
SETLIST
Rumble
Your Phone's Off the Hook, But You're Not
In This House That I Call Home
Because I Do
Water & Wine
Sugarlight
The Once Over Twice
The New World
White Girl
Beyond and Back
The Hungry Wolf
Breathless (Otis Blackwell cover)
Smoke & Fiction
Los Angeles
Nausea
Johny Hit and Run Paulene
Soul Kitchen (The Doors cover)
CHEAP TRICK
Cheap Trick brought their legendary Rock and Roll energy to Orange County during their ‘All Washed Up’ Tour, delivering a set packed with classic hits and newer material. Fans came dressed for the occasion, with Cheap Trick shirts filling the crowd and plenty of fans sporting police-themed outfits and police hats in a nod to the band’s iconic “Dream Police.” The crowd erupted for fan favorites including “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “Surrender,” while the band also performed “The Riff That Won’t Quit” from their latest album, ‘All Washed Up.’ The Pacific Amphitheatre set also featured “Clock Strikes Ten,” “Elo Kiddies,” “Lookout,” “Big Eyes,” “Need Your Love” and other longtime favorites.
One of the special moments of the night came when Robin Zander’s son, Robin Taylor Zander, joined Cheap Trick onstage, traveling from Florida. His presence added another generation to the band’s enduring legacy and highlighted the family connection that continues to be part of Cheap Trick’s story. With Robin Zander’s unmistakable vocals and Rick Nielsen’s signature guitar work, Cheap Trick demonstrated why their live performances have remained a major draw for Rock fans for decades.
Cheap Trick’s ‘All Washed Up’ Tour showcases the band’s ability to balance the songs that made them Rock icons with music from their newest chapter. During the show, the band moved effortlessly between beloved classics and newer songs, keeping the audience engaged from the opening notes through the encore. For fans who grew up with Cheap Trick and for a new generation discovering the band, the Costa Mesa performance was a celebration of everything that has made the group so enduring: infectious melodies, larger-than-life personalities, unforgettable songs and a live show that still feels energetic and immediate after decades on the road.
For more information on Cheap Trick, visit their website. For more information on X, visit their website. For upcoming events at Pacific Ampitheatre, visit their website.
SETLIST
Clock Strikes Ten
Elo Kiddies
Lookout
Big Eyes
Ain't That a Shame (Fats Domino cover)
California Man (The Move cover)
The Riff That Won't Quit
Need Your Love
High Roller
Bass Solo
I Know What I Want
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Surrender
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodnight
Coverage by Veronica Potes // Instagram: @veropoteart
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