Dying Scene

DS Gallery: Punk pathetique legends The Adicts perform in Chicago with The Casualties and Flatfoot 56!

On July 18th Chicago’s Metro hosted a phenomenal line up of punk rock bands that was not one to miss. Check it out! The night began already with high energy; no slow build up is necessary as Chicago natives Flatfoot 56 took the stage, crushing through “Live or Die Trying”.  Flatfoot 56 will be back […]

On July 18th Chicago’s Metro hosted a phenomenal line up of punk rock bands that was not one to miss. Check it out!

The night began already with high energy; no slow build up is necessary as Chicago natives Flatfoot 56 took the stage, crushing through “Live or Die Trying”. 

Flatfoot 56 will be back to bring their brand of Celtic punk rock at Chicago’s Cobra Lounge on August 30th to support The Methadones Love on Layaway record release show. Grab your tickets here before it sells out!

Street punk legends The Casualties stormed the stage next with fans erupting into a frenzy of moshing and singing along throughout their performance. 

The Casualties have a slew of tour dates coming up, starting with Charleston, South Carolina on August 27th and ending with Punk in the Park in San Pedro, California on October 5th.

With an explosion of confetti and beer flying through the air, The Adicts finally made it to the stage for this highly anticipated show. Complete with the Clockwork Orange droog image and joker cards thrown about, The Adicts played fan favorites “Joker in the Pack” and “Viva la Revolution”. Whether you are an old fan or new, they put on an impressive performance that is impossible not to have fun at.  

The Adicts are back at it with The Casualties on October 3rd in New York City if you are lucky enough to be there! 

Check out the rest of the gallery below!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
celtic punk chicago Clockwork Orange flatfoot 56 Hardcore

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DS Gallery: NOBRO, Bad Waitress and Carnivore Mommy rock Chicago’s Beat Kitchen (6/10/25)

Canadian badass and fierce punk rockers NOBRO and Bad Waitress teamed up for The Go For Broke Tour, kicking off at Punk Rock Bowling in May before traveling across the United States. Chicago’s own Carnivore Mommy started off the night with a performance nothing short of theatrical. We first featured the in-your-face band last fall […]

Canadian badass and fierce punk rockers NOBRO and Bad Waitress teamed up for The Go For Broke Tour, kicking off at Punk Rock Bowling in May before traveling across the United States.

Chicago’s own Carnivore Mommy started off the night with a performance nothing short of theatrical. We first featured the in-your-face band last fall for H.O.O.F. (Hands Off Our Fest), a Chicago music festival celebrating the women, femmes and thems in punk rock.

On May 25th they released their newest single “Dissonance”, check it out here! Carnivore Mommy is very quickly becoming one of my favorite local bands; see them live and they will be yours, too.

Next up is Canadian punk rock band Bad Waitress, whom I have been dying to see come through Chicago. Aggressive and lively, the band blasted through fan favorites, including “What Do I Want?”, “That Sedative” and “Manners”, plus their newest single “Plan B”. 

Guitarist Katelyn Molgard ricocheted through the crowd and on stage while Kali-Ann Butala sang with unique course-textured vocals, keeping the night of unapologetic rowdy energy alive and well.

Fellow Canadian punk band NOBRO closed the night with their own brand of ferocious femme force. They released their debut full-length album Set Your Pussy Free on October 27th, 2023 via Dine Alone Records to much appraise, winning the 2025 JUNO award for Rock Album of the Year. 

Check out the full galleries below!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
Art punk Bad Waitress Beat Kitchen canada Carnivore Mommy

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DS Gallery: Pierce the Veil embarks on their largest headlining tour yet with support from Sleeping With Sirens (Chicago, 6/7/25)

History was made for Pierce the Veil in Chicago as they played their largest headlining show ever – a sold-out amphitheater of 26,000 people. The post-hardcore band from San Diego, California was joined with Sleeping With Sirens and Beach Weather at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on June 7th as part of their I Can’t […]

History was made for Pierce the Veil in Chicago as they played their largest headlining show ever – a sold-out amphitheater of 26,000 people.

The post-hardcore band from San Diego, California was joined with Sleeping With Sirens and Beach Weather at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on June 7th as part of their I Can’t Hear You World Tour. Baby and elder emos alike flocked to the Tinley Park venue, keeping the resurgence of emo music alive and well.

Indie rockers Beach Weather opened the evening, best known for their hit song “Sex, Drugs, Etc.” Sleeping With Sirens hit the stage next to a now packed amphitheater with more fans still trickling in. 

Sleeping With Sirens has long cemented their place as a gold standard in the world of screamo and metalcore, making them the perfect fit to tour with Pierce the Veil (and it wouldn’t be their first time). Frontman Kellin Quinn’s vocals are unmatched, reaching high pitches that are powerfully emotional.  

Pierce the Veil truly has had a phenomenally dedicated fan base since the release of their breakthrough album, Collide with the Sky, in 2012. If you’ve ever been to Warped Tour, there’s a good chance you have seen Pierce the Veil play. Only this time they aren’t playing in the parking lot; they’re selling out the entire amphitheater.

After a long hiatus the band released their fifth studio album The Jaws of Life on February 10th, 2023. The I Can’t Hear You World Tour supports all of their studio albums, featuring songs from each one.

Whether you are an old fan from their Warped Tour days, or a new one just discovering their music, this tour is not one to miss; they are back and better than ever.

Check out the full galleries below!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
A Flair for the Dramatic all time low alternative rock Beach Weather California

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DS Gallery: Energetic, angsty and chaotic Die Spitz conquers Chicago with local art-punk band Edging (Schubas, 5/31/25)

Die Spitz is taking the world by storm one city at a time already selling out Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, and they only just started. Chicago’s own Edging opened the show with an equal amount of fun and fury. Just like Die Spitz, you can count on Edging to become a legendary punk band to bless […]

Die Spitz is taking the world by storm one city at a time already selling out Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, and they only just started.

Chicago’s own Edging opened the show with an equal amount of fun and fury. Just like Die Spitz, you can count on Edging to become a legendary punk band to bless your city by playing there.

Already having opened for Amyl and the Sniffers, this fall they will be touring with one of my all time favorite bands, Lambrini Girls (so excited!).

I love it when I see female bands conquer the scene.

Die Spitz was first formed in 2022 in Austin, TX and released their first EP, The Revenge of Evangeline, in the same year. Their follow up EP, Teeth, was released in 2023 and won Austin Music Awards’ Album of the Year. They also recently signed with Third Man Records with plans to release their debut LP with them later this year.

Die Spitz live is a totally rowdy and wild experience, complete with band members crowd surfing and audience participation. At one point they called for all girls to the front and on stage; you can tell they thoroughly enjoy what they are doing and put their all into every moment.

For a band that has not been in the scene for very long they are very quickly, and well deservedly, making a name for themselves. 

Check out the full galleries below and support the bands!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
amyl and the sniffers Art punk Austin Austin Music Awards chicago

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DS Exclusive: Sweetie Releases New Music Video Paying Homage to John Waters, Divine, and All Things Queer and Weird

Chicago lipstick-punk band Sweetie returns with a new music video just in time for Pride Month, and Dying Scene is giving you the exclusive premiere! Oh Sweetie, didn’t you know? Nice girls DON’T wear cha cha heels. Chicago’s favorite lipstick-punk band, Sweetie, is back with another banger, and this time it’s loaded up with hairspray, […]

Chicago lipstick-punk band Sweetie returns with a new music video just in time for Pride Month, and Dying Scene is giving you the exclusive premiere!

Oh Sweetie, didn’t you know? Nice girls DON’T wear cha cha heels. Chicago’s favorite lipstick-punk band, Sweetie, is back with another banger, and this time it’s loaded up with hairspray, attitude, and a pencil-thin moustache.

Inspired by the iconic line from John Waters cinematic masterpiece, Female Trouble (1974), “Nice Girls Don’t Wear Cha Cha Heels” is an energetic song that grabs you and shakes you as hard as she can, filling the listener with queer energy and blind feminine range.

For the video, Sweetie brought in a variety of scenes referencing John Waters films. “I really wanted to make this a love letter to John Waters. I’ve been obsessed with him and Divine for so long and I really wanted an homage to his films. The moment I wrote “Cha Cha Heels”, the ideas for music videos started pouring into my mind. Luckily, I have a badass group of pals who love to get dressed up in drag and be silly and make art, so I had LOTS of help. I also wanted to open it to the community, so I had people send in lip syncing clips for the video!”

This music video premier leads up to the release of Sweetie’s sophomore album, La Vie en Rouge. Sweetie will be having their record release show on Friday, June 27th at the Egyptian Theatre in Dekalb, IL, with their musical performance being directly followed by a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, accompanied by the Irrational Masters shadow-casting the film. Presale tickets can be purchased here.

Before their record release show, you can catch Sweetie on June 14th in Chicago for the Queer Takeover at the Color Club!

Check out the Dying Scene exclusive premiere of Sweetie’s “Nice Girls Don’t Wear Cha Cha Heels”!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
chicago drag queen feminist glam punk john waters

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DS Gallery: Teen Mortgage & Upchuck light up Chicago in true punk fashion (Cobra Lounge, 5/8/25)

Teen Mortgage just debuted their first Roadrunner Records album Devil Ultrasonic Dream on April 11th and are wrapping up their headlining tour with support from Babe Haven, Spoon Benders and Upchuck. Check out what you might have missed from their stop in Chicago! Opening act Upchuck set the tone with their own brand of punk rock. […]

Teen Mortgage just debuted their first Roadrunner Records album Devil Ultrasonic Dream on April 11th and are wrapping up their headlining tour with support from Babe Haven, Spoon Benders and Upchuck. Check out what you might have missed from their stop in Chicago!

Opening act Upchuck set the tone with their own brand of punk rock. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the band leads with a commanding presence as vocalist KT scowls relentlessly on stage.

Upchuck released their second LP in 2023, Bite The Hand That Feeds, which was produced by Ty Segall. The album goes hard and has all the high energy you would expect from a punk band.

You can catch them at a host of music festivals this summer, starting with Punk Rock Bowling at the end of the month!

Chicago got a taste of what happens when you light up a garage punk Molotov cocktail in an intimate sold out music venue as Teen Mortgage took the stage; chaotic, loud, and filled with defiant energy. 

The duo boasted their signature sound at Cobra Lounge, blending abrasive guitar riffs with implacable thunderous percussion. The mosh pits were non-stop as well with zero signs of slowing down. Seeing Teen Mortgage live is a sharp reminder of exactly what punk should feel like.  

Their newest album Devil Ultrasonic Dream is filled with fuzz-drenched grinding tracks that you would definitely hear on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Highly recommend listening to this album!

Teen Mortgage has a host of upcoming shows, including a summer tour supporting The Descendents and the recently announced CBGB Festival in New York.

Check out the pics from the show and support the bands!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
atlanta Babe Haven Cbgb chicago cobra lounge

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DS Gallery: English punk duo Soft Play sells out Chicago’s Bottom Lounge with support from Babe Haven (4/22/25)

Soft Play brought their fierce energy to Chicago on April 22nd, selling out the Bottom Lounge with support from the equally ferocious punk band Babe Haven. Meet your newest favorite bands. Babe Haven is a badass queer punk band from Durham, North Carolina that needs to be on your radar if they are not already. […]

Soft Play brought their fierce energy to Chicago on April 22nd, selling out the Bottom Lounge with support from the equally ferocious punk band Babe Haven. Meet your newest favorite bands.

Babe Haven is a badass queer punk band from Durham, North Carolina that needs to be on your radar if they are not already.

Best described on their Bandcamp, “With a mission to elevate femme-presenting individuals, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, they transform each show into a sanctuary of empowerment and acceptance. Their sound can be classified as early 00s nu-metal rebellion meets riot grrrl sass – a sonic assault that grabs you by the ears and refuses to let go.” 

Babe Haven released Nuisance on June 21, 2024 and is easily one of the top ferocity femme albums of the year. Every track is a certified banger that you can shamelessly put on repeat. 

Their live performance is equally nothing short of stunning; with a stage presence reminiscent of Kathleen Hanna and Kat Bjelland, vocalist Lillie Della Penna scowls aggressively, shouting for “GIRLS TO THE FRONT” and calling out men who cat call during “Can’t Call This Cat”. Between the take-no-shit energy, their song lyrics, and the fact that we all were wearing leopard print clothing, I felt seen by Babe Haven and the feeling of being in a supportive environment with other femmes was powerful. 

The band just finished their tour supporting Teen Mortgage before making their way from Texas to Chicago to support Soft Play’s short stint of North American shows (most of which are now sold out!) so if you were not quick enough to snag tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to still see them for their recently announced tour of the South West.

English two-piece punk band Soft Play has taken the world by storm since their release of Heavy Jelly on July 19th, 2024. It is the first album Soft Play has put out under their new name (they were formally known as Slaves) and was in my top picks list of 2024.

Soft Play recently released an expanded version of the album, appropriately titled Heavier Jelly, adding six new tracks to the original album. The new single “Slushy” features English singer-songwriter Kate Nash and is an absolute bop. 

Soft Play’s aggressively unique sound has another exceptional trait; not only is the drummer the lead vocalist, but Isaac Holman also plays while standing up. Topped with guitarist Laurie Vincent’s quick dashing jumps and robust riffs, Soft Play has proven themselves to be a sonic energy not to be reckoned with. 

They played a lot of crowd favorites, including “Mirror Muscles,” “Act Violently,” “Punk’s Dead” and “The Hunter”. The song “John Wick” was also played which is all about being…John Wick. They recently posted an open letter to Keanu Reeves asking him to play bass in the song at this year’s Coachella music festival with the band.  

We may only be early into 2025, but this easily is one of the top concerts of the year. Soft Play is slated to play more shows throughout Europe this summer before returning to North America in the fall for several festivals, including Shaky Knees, Furnace, and Riot Fest.

Check out the full galleries of Babe Haven and Soft Play below, and don’t forget to give them some support!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
Alternative Metal Babe Haven Babes in Toyland Bikini Kill Bottom Lounge

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DS Gallery: Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it. (Chicago 3/25/25)

Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it.  The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk […]

Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it. 

The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk band Quicksand. Chicago’s own Racetraitor also joined the lineup for this show at the Salt Shed. 

Racetraitor is a hardcore punk/metalcore band formed in 1996 and kicked off the night of steadfast punk rock energy with powerful political rally cries. They are known for addressing a variety of issues through their music, such as systemic racism, inequality, and social justices. 

Quicksand played next with legendary frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels. He is known for being the main visionary charge behind the Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools, and the bassist for Youth of Today. Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools all played sets at Riot Fest 2023. 

Formed in 1991 in Umeå, Sweden, Refused are renowned for their creative fusion of hardcore, punk, and metal, which has left a lasting impact on the music scene. Their 1998 album, The Shape of Punk to Come, is often hailed as a fundamental album that influenced numerous bands spanning many genres. 

The lyrics of Refused emphasize far-left politics, with influences from anarchism, socialism, and other related principles. Between songs frontman Dennis Lyxzén gave inspiring speeches on today’s political climate, with the backdrop behind him read the daunting message of “THIS IS WHAT OUR RULING CLASS HAS DECIDED WILL BE NORMAL.” 

They performed “Hate Breeds Hate” for the first time in 30 years and paid tribute to Iggy Pop’s Stooges by covering “Loose” who played at the Salt Shed the night before. 

Refused has always been one of my all-time favorite bands and they will dearly be missed by all their fans…I certainly would not complain if they decided to rise from the dead once again, especially in an era where their resonating message of social justices are needed now more than ever. Refused may be fucking dead but their legacy will live on forever. 

Check out the full galleries below!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
chicago Dennis Lyxzén Gorilla Biscuits Hardcore Iggy Pop

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DS Gallery: Post-hardcore band Movements play Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom with Scowl, Citizen, and more! (3/22/25)

Orange County’s Movements is currently on a hefty North American spring tour with special guests Citizen, Scowl, and Downward; of course Dying Scene would not miss this (and neither should you!) Tulsa, Oklahoma’s dreamy shoegaze band Downward opened the night with a set of beautifully light and ethereal songs. They recently released Downward (LP2) on […]

Orange County’s Movements is currently on a hefty North American spring tour with special guests Citizen, Scowl, and Downward; of course Dying Scene would not miss this (and neither should you!)

Tulsa, Oklahoma’s dreamy shoegaze band Downward opened the night with a set of beautifully light and ethereal songs. They recently released Downward (LP2) on March 5th and are slated to play Furnace Fest this year in October. 

Scowl took the stage next with furious and infectious energy as the crowd grew larger. Lead singer Kat Moss’s iconic lime green hair illuminated the stage along with her fierce prowess that bellowed through every note she sang.

Scowl is releasing their newest album Are We All Angels on April 4th via Dead Oceans and I cannot tell you how psyched I am for it. You can pre-save the album here! Bonus: watch the video for “Not Hell, Not Heaven” here! 

According to their Bandcamp, “Much of Are We All Angels grapples with Scowl’s newfound place in the hardcore scene, a community which has both embraced the band and made them something of a lightning rod over the past few years… At every turn on Are We All Angels, the band explores ambitious new directions and bends genre norms. Moss makes the most immediately noticeable evolution, dropping some of the gnarling bite of the band’s previous work in favor of a more textured and sometimes delicate approach. She flexes harmonies and melodic sensibilities that might surprise even the most dedicated Scowl fans.”

Post-hardcore emo band Citizen played to an eager audience that sang along to every song, which comes as no surprise from my fellow elder emos. After the release of their debut full-length album Youth in 2013, they became a featured act on the Vans Warped Tour. Ten years later Citizen released their fifth studio album Calling the Dogs on October 6th, 2023 via Run for Cover Records.  

Bringing the night to a close, Movements brought even more melancholic post-hardcore emo to Chicago to a now packed house. Their newest single “Where I Lay” was released on February 19th through Fearless Records. 

Check out the full galleries below!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
alt rock Aragon Ballroom Are We All Angels Audiotree California

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DS Gallery: Flatfoot 56’s St. Patrick’s Day bash in Chicago featuring Catch 22, The Copyrights and MANIA! (Reggie’s Rock Club, 3/8/25)

It is March, which means it is time for Flatfoot 56’s annual St. Patrick’s Day bash in Chicago! Held at Reggie’s Rock Club, this year’s sold-out show included Catch 22, The Copyrights and MANIA.  MANIA is one of Chicago’s newest punk bands featuring members of Bad Sons. They are surely here to stay as they left […]

It is March, which means it is time for Flatfoot 56’s annual St. Patrick’s Day bash in Chicago! Held at Reggie’s Rock Club, this year’s sold-out show included Catch 22, The Copyrights and MANIA. 

MANIA is one of Chicago’s newest punk bands featuring members of Bad Sons. They are surely here to stay as they left an impressive mark with their high-energy and aggressive scowls, hyping up an increasingly packed house. 

Pop punk band The Copyrights have been around since 2002 and are currently signed with the infamous Fat Wreck Chords. The Carbondale, Illinois band certainly has their own following, especially being around for as long as they have been. The Copyrights are a midwestern pop punk staple. 

Adding to the varied punk genres of the night, New Jersey’s ska band Catch 22 made an appearance. Their 1998 debut studio album Keasbey Nights is a ska essential. We have a feeling you will be seeing more of them in the future! They currently have several fests lined up this year: Derby Punk Fest, Pioneer Valley Ska Fest and Supernova International Ska Festival. 

Bringing the late night to a close, Flatfoot 56 brought the aggressive Celtic punk to the St. Patrick’s Day bash, making everyone a little Chi-rish. You can catch them in April for a couple of shows with The Koffin Kats and the absolutely stacked line up that is Punk in the Park Denver this summer. 

Check out all the pictures below! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde
Tags: 
Bad Sons Carbondale catch 22 celtic punk chicago

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