RFK famously said, as he addressed the University of Cape Town, South Africa, “Like it or not, we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind.” I think that’s just as true in 2025 as it was in 1966.
With so much that has happened over the year, it can be an easy thing to get mired down emotionally and psychologically. Throughout 2025, though, music remained a constant guide. I probably listened to more records and saw more shows this year than I had in a long time. For that briefest moment in time, being surrounded by friends and strangers communing around shared feelings of excitement, of loss, of anger and frustration became a way to process what has been going on around us.
Below are just a few of my favorite moments throughout the year while on assignment with These Subtle Sounds:
Cage the Elephant at The Anthem – 10/26
Sometimes the unexpected show, the one you head into with no preconceptions become like a present to yourself. Cage the Elephant put on the best surprise with a (quite literally) flaming hot set as front person Matt Shultz led the band on a never ending roller coaster of boundless energy.
Static-X at Nevermore Hall – 10/23
There were only a handful of the dozens of shows I saw this year that I had actively been looking forward to for months prior to the date of the show, and Static-X was by far one the one I had been hoping to see. The reunited Static-X with the robotic visage of Xero was excitingly heavy and the band pulled out all the stops to make sure this performance was one that we wouldn’t soon forget. Balloons, crowd surfing, characters dancing across the stage, massive production – this show literally had it all!
Grandaddy at The Howard Theatre – 10/17
If there was a band I’ve missed the most over the past 20 years it has to be the Modesto, California band Grandaddy. They were the band we had to see, and I had seen them a couple of times in the early 2000’s, so when I heard that they were reuniting and coming to DC’s Howard Theatre I had to jump at the chance. All those feelings of seeing Jason Lytle and company came flooding back and they didn’t miss a beat. Such great songs and such a brilliant performance.
This was another unexpected show that rose to the top of the shows I’d seen throughout 2025. Getting to see the legendary Iggy Pop again after 30 years and getting to experience this with some old friends was as perfect as they come. Pop delivered his trademark exuberance with a gusto I don’t see in artists half his age. From Stooges era rockers to tons of solo material, Iggy Pop gave a master class in pure punk rock.
The Darkness at The Lincoln Theatre – 9/7
A new album (Dreams On Toast), a new tour, and a chance to see one of the best rock bands around again? Count me in! It’s hard not to love The Darkness. Whether it’s the over-the-top fun these guys exhibit or the way singer, Justin Hawkins plays to the crowd, you just can’t help but have a great time when you see them live.
I hadn’t had the opportunity to see Garbage before and finally having the chance I was blown away by Shirley Manson and the band. To hear that this may be the last time seeing them perform live (at least in the US) made the night even more special.
Kerry King at the Baltimore Soundstage – 2/8
How often do you get to see a real guitar hero perform a foot away from your face? Getting the chance to see and photograph the legendary Kerry King at the Baltimore Soundstage hot off the heels of his first solo album was incredible! Heavy riffs and more head banging than should be allowed by law. And to have the show include Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry was just the cherry on top.
Chuck Ragan at the Ottobar – 3/19
Perhaps better known for his work in Hot Water Music, Chuck Ragan has put out several amazing solo albums with his latest, Love & Lore perhaps one of his best. My first time seeing him solo was this year at the Ottobar and the energy and graciousness he displayed was unmatched. Seeing fans and friends join him onstage with everyone singing along was one of those moments that makes those live experiences stand out.
Jason Isbell at Pier Six Concert Pavilion – 7/15
Summer came with it some of the best shows of the year, including the first time seeing Jason Isbell perform. And it was the perfect venue – outdoors, on the water, and surrounded by fans singing along to every tune. Isbell was great and his band was amazing!
The Warning at the Fillmore Silver Spring – 7/16
The Warning is one of those bands that after you see them once you can’t wait to see them again. This hard rocking trio from Monterrey, Mexico have become massively popular across the globe and it’s only a matter of time before they are selling out huge venues in the US.
Nice work. Stage lighting is difficult to deal with and these are really nice and sharp.