Jul 28, 20232 min read

The Adicts with Generación Suicida, SWEAT, Cake Eater at The Belasco in Los Angeles | July 21, 2023

Review and Photos by Rae Mystic

The Adicts performing at The Belasco in Los Angeles on July 21, 2023

After three years, The Adicts hit the stage The Belasco in Los Angeles, California with tricks and a big bang as their second show back in action. The gorgeous, historical venue filled up with punks and droogs alike for a four-act lineup.

Orange County Hardcore band Cake Eater opened the show with a highly aggressive energy immediately. They had everyone hit the ground running. In sync with the performance, the crowd was banging their heads and chugging beer. Cake Eater was the ultimate energy injector for the start of the night.

Cake Eater opening for The Adicts at The Belasco in Los Angeles on July 21, 2023

Next up was SWEAT - trash band from Los Angeles. Lead vocalist and wrestler, Tuna had everyone's attention the moment she opened her mouth, running back and forth on the stage. Their sound is inspired by Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, and Tear it Up. And it shows! Tuna had a hold around the crowd without even touching them.

SWEAT opening for The Adicts at The Belasco in Los Angeles on July 21, 2023

Supporting The Adicts was Generación Suicida. A Los Angeles spanish-language punk band that ripped the stage with their clean toned melodies with smooth vocals by Tony Abarca. They had a groove to them that was dialed in, where you could sway and dance, but also surf the crowd. And there was no shortage of crowd surfers!

Generación Suicida opening for The Adicts at The Belasco in Los Angeles on July 21, 2023

Reaching the moment everyone was waiting for, the house music played everyone's favorite punk anthems. In unison, fans sang together awaiting The Adicts iconic walkout music. Lights went dark. Everyone in the theater cheered as the queue for the band started: Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” Theme began. The last member of The Adicts to walk out was frontman Monkey, who strutted the stage with a fanned metallic cape that shined in the light. Monkey’s theatrics and fashion always have fans mesmerized. When the second song in the set, “Joker In the Pack” started, Monkey thrusted a pack of cards into the crowd as he sang this fan favorite.

During “Tango,” Monkey pranced around the stage with a closed red umbrella, until the climax of the song when he opened it to the crowd, and surprised them when confetti and streamers exploded from it. Throughout the show, From throwing stuffed animal monkeys into the crowd to ripping off his sleeves and tossing them into the audience during “Bad Boy,” Monkey had many tricks and treats up his sleeves.

The Adicts closed out the show with “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” spreading the message of togetherness and community. During the beginning of the song, giant clear beach balls filled with glitter and balloons filled the ballroom. Everyone was having the time of their lives. This show was unforgettable, and if you are looking to experience childlike joy, seeing The Adicts live in concert is something to add to your bucket list of performances.