Celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary, Punk Rock Bowling as soon as once more passed off in downtown Las Vegas over the Memorial Day weekend, and with over 40 bands on two levels, in addition to pool events and 24 membership reveals, this 12 months’s installment went off and not using a hitch, whereas providing one thing for everybody. By the point the competition wrapped up with Social Distortion making their first look ever, lots of these in attendance had been saying that this might need been among the best ones but, a sentiment that will be tough to argue in opposition to.
The competition formally kicked off on Saturday (Could twenty fifth), with a mixture of previous and new. Highlights all through the day included Lambrini Ladies, Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade, and Cockney Rejects on the Monster Power Road Celebration Stage, whereas The Adicts and Australian band Civic had been standouts on the principle stage. A lately reactivated Energy Journey introduced a wholesome dose of crossover model steel to the competition, and British Oi! legends Cock Sparrer made their last look on the competition.
Day two of the fest began off with stellar units from the Codefendants (with an look by Fats Mike of the lately “retired” NOFX), in addition to Unhealthy 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 Road Celebration stage, taking part in a career-spanning set of basic UK submit punk.
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Highlights from the principle stage had been Non secular Cramp and Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals, and, in fact, Peter Hook and the Gentle, who placed on a fantastic set of all Pleasure Division classics. It was the proper ending to the night.
The third and last 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 vitality set. The ever controversial Leftover Crack drew an enormous crowd over to the Road Celebration 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 Automobiles “Let the Good Occasions Roll” over the PA, Social Distortion instantly launched into “Born to Kill” to kick off a twelve tune setlist. After “Don’t Take Me for Granted” and “Tonight,” frontman Mike Ness addressed the gang and the competition, saying “Thanks for having Social Distortion play this shindig.” Speaking of figuring out Keith Morris of (Black) Flag for over 40 years, Mike launched “The Creeps,” saying that the tune goes again to these instances. Different highlights from their set included “Attain for the Sky,” “Ring of Hearth,” and “Story of My Life.”
Even after 25 years, Punk Rock Bowling continues to be among the best punk rock festivals, regularly placing out probably the most enjoyable and various lineups, and consistently 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 (dwell pictures) and Ben Trivett (portraits) within the gallery beneath.