As we reflect on the year 2025, it’s hard not to be reminded of the collective challenges we faced. From unexpected trades in sports to the peculiar prominence of certain pop culture figures, the year was filled with moments that left us puzzled. Yet, amidst the chaos, live music provided a much-needed escape. Here, we celebrate some of the standout performances that helped us navigate the ups and downs of this turbulent year.
Fontaines D.C. at The Bomb Factory
For many music enthusiasts, live performances remain a priority, even in tough times. This year, I managed to attend several remarkable shows. A highlight was witnessing the legendary band Pavement at the Longhorn Ballroom in late September, marking my first time seeing them since 1999. Their powerful set spanned their extensive career, proving they still possess the energy of their younger days.
Additionally, I checked off a couple of long-awaited acts from my bucket list. American Football, known for their influential Midwest-emo sound, delivered an unforgettable performance at the Granada Theater in May. Just last month, I had the pleasure of seeing David Byrne, the charismatic frontman of Talking Heads, at the Texas Theater, which has become one of my favorite venues since the Ridglea Theater ceased hosting major shows.
In the spring, I also experienced the exhilarating Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C., whose fresh take on rock music reassured me that great music continues to thrive among the younger generation. Their infectious energy made them one of my favorite new bands.
On the local front, I was thrilled to catch the debut performance of Love Cuts and the much-anticipated set from Horsepowers, both of which showcased the impressive talent emerging from our community.
However, the highlight of my year was attending an AC/DC concert at AT&T Stadium in April. Despite my personal reservations about attending a show in such a large venue, it was a dream come true for my 12-year-old son, who has been a fan since watching School of Rock. While I may not own their classic albums, I was familiar with most of their catalog from my youth. Watching them perform alongside my son and witnessing his excitement solidified a memorable experience for both of us.
Steve’s List
One of my most enjoyable concerts this year took place on December 6, when my girlfriend surprised me with tickets to see Marked Men and Labels at Rubber Gloves. It had been years since I visited this Denton venue, and walking into the smaller room, I was immediately captivated by the punk band Thinky Flesh. Their unique blend of harmonic theory and biting sarcasm made for an exhilarating performance.
The energy in the room surged as Labels took the stage, their proggy, psychedelic hardcore resonating with a full house. The excitement was palpable, especially for those experiencing them live for the first time. The Marked Men followed with a blistering set of high-energy punk songs that left everyone buzzing as we made our way home.
Kena’s Highlights
This year’s Amplify 817 Showcase brought together a multitude of Fort Worth artists, including 88 Killa, Grady Spencer & The Work, and Cherry Mantis, among others. The event, held at Birdie’s Social Club and The Post, provided a vibrant platform for local talent to shine, reaffirming the importance of live music in our community.
Weird Al Yankovic also graced Texas Trust CU Theatre on August 2 as part of his extensive tour. His unpredictable performance, featuring both classic and new hits, was a delightful nostalgia trip. The show combined music with engaging visuals from his career, making for a thoroughly entertaining experience.
Johnny’s Favorite Shows
One of my standout experiences was seeing Voodoo Glow Skulls at the Granada Theater this summer. The lineup included energetic performances from Pinata Protest and Authority Zero, creating a nostalgic punk atmosphere that transported me back to my teenage years. This show has been on my bucket list since I discovered their music in the early ’90s.
Another memorable performance was by Joe Gorgeous at Denton’s Aura Coffee, where I had the opportunity to photograph their dynamic punk show. Their new album, Life in the Faust Lane, showcased their infectious energy and left a lasting impression.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing Clap Your Hands Say Yeah during their tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album at Tulips FTW. Frontman Alec Ounsworth expertly balanced intimate moments with crowd-pleasing anthems, while Babehoven opened the show, making a significant impact on my musical playlist.
