March 20, 2025 | The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall – Berkeley
by Dave Golden
Berkeley’s UC Theatre pulsated with youthful punk energy as The Linda Lindas launched their 2025 ‘On the Road Again’ tour, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with. From the moment they ripped into ‘No Obligation,’ the all-ages crowd was electrified. Their set, a relentless barrage of anthems, featured the beloved ‘Growing Up,’ ‘Oh!’, and ‘Stop,’ each delivered with a raw, infectious enthusiasm. The main set reached a fever pitch with ‘Racist, Sexist Boy,’ a moment of shared defiance as the audience roared along, a cathartic release of pent-up energy.
The encore was a masterclass in punk homage and sheer power. They began with a spirited rendition of Green Day’s ‘When I Come Around,’ a nod to their Bay Area roots, before diving into the propulsive ‘All in My Head.’ The night culminated in a raucous cover of Bikini Kill’s ‘Rebel Girl,’ transforming the venue into a unified chorus of punk solidarity.
Prior to The Linda Lindas’ explosive performance, Be Your Own Pet unleashed a blistering opening set, perfectly priming the audience for the main event. The Nashville punk quartet, led by the charismatic Jemina Pearl, delivered their signature blend of raw intensity and irresistible hooks. Pearl’s untamed stage presence and the band’s tightly wound, high-velocity sound created a palpable energy, a seamless bridge between punk generations, a shared rebellion ignited on stage.
Leave a reply