The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Rock City
The Brian Jonestown Massacre are one of the most infamous and prolific bands to ever emerge from the golden state of California. They’ve ridden their rock and roll rollercoaster of manic highs and crushing lows around the globe since the ’90s, a decade in which they stamped their own brand of psychedelic sound onto the world. Their story seems to grow more extreme with each passing year. The seminal documentary Dig! captured their legendary tales of excess and chaos, balanced by moments of true musical brilliance—sometimes even genius. It inspired countless aspiring rock stars by offering a raw glimpse into one of the most unpredictable and fractious bands in history.
Frontman Anton Newcombe became an icon of sorts among fans, thanks to moments like his now-infamous line, “Motherfucker broke my sitar.” Dig! provided a kaleidoscopic lens through which to witness the band’s eccentricity in all its guts and glory. I first saw The Brian Jonestown Massacre in 2023 at Rock City, a night I’ll never forget—not just for their music, but for the onstage chaos that Anton has become known for over decades of touring and studio tinkering. The music was as solid as ever, but between songs, the band seemed to teeter on the edge of complete implosion, barely hanging on to deliver an erratic but unforgettable set. Some fans left early after an extended argument over 12-string tunings, while others (myself included) left wanting more.
There’s a perverse thrill in watching a frontman who’s seemingly lost control of the metaphorical steering wheel, but tonight, I hoped to see the other side of their yin-yang existence—the inspired, passionate band that created classics like Anemone, a song that will always stand as a masterpiece in my eyes. I walked up to Rock City’s glowing entrance, buzzing with excitement for what was bound to be a mind-blowing night of psychedelic treasures.
Project Gemini
Project Gemini might just be one of the best support acts I’ve ever seen. These guys know how to mesmerise a crowd through sheer musical expression and talent. Their funk-infused basslines were some of the grooviest I’ve heard in a long time, and their guitar solos were both melodic and catchy. It was impossible not to move along to their Stereolab-esque sound, which seemed to send the audience into a trance-like state. Krautrock-style drumming locked in perfectly with deep, rhythmic bass riffs, blasting the room to another planet before seamlessly launching us into yet another effortlessly cool sonic adventure.
At times, they reminded me of a harder-edged, more psychedelic Khruangbin—a band that helped revive the instrumental music scene in recent years. Instrumental music allows the listener to form their own interpretations, forging a deeper connection with the rhythm and melody. Project Gemini leaned into this strength, proving that you don’t need a flashy, Jagger-style frontman to captivate a massive crowd. If these guys keep touring and releasing new music, I can see their popularity exploding. What a warm-up act.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
The anticipation in the room reached fever pitch as The Brian Jonestown Massacre strode onstage, looking like the coolest group of grizzled LA rock and rollers—feathered hats, leather jackets, and beautiful vintage guitars in hand. Anton didn’t say a word, but he didn’t need to. Instead, he spoke through music, launching straight into Maybe Make It Right, a recent track that proves their creative fire is still burning. A wall of sound hit like a tidal wave, setting the tone for the night.
Next came two classics from their heyday, Vacuum Boots and That Girl Suicide—tracks that embody the band’s signature blend of ’60s psych-rock energy with a modern edge. Notably absent was Anton’s usual between-song ranting. Had he been banned from speaking? Maybe. Either way, his silence was a blessing. The music was finally allowed to shine without the usual detours into anger and paranoia. Compared to their last Rock City show, this was already a thousand times better.
Joel Gion—perpetual tambourine wizard and the band’s beating heart—played with laser-like focus, his signature energy keeping the rhythm tight. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, flowing seamlessly between the old and the new. Do Rainbows Have Ends? brought a slower, more atmospheric moment, followed by Fudge from their 2023 album The Future Is Your Past—a record that has quickly become one of my favourites.
Then came You Think I’m Joking, which grew into a swirling mountain of sound, its shimmering guitars sending the room into euphoric overdrive. And then, the moment we’d all been waiting for: Anemone. This track towers above the rest, its hypnotic guitar and organ melody wrapped around Joel’s tambourine rhythms, creating a trance-like groove that could go on forever without losing its magic. A true highlight of the night.
Days, Weeks and Moths followed, bringing a bluesy, swampy feel—like trudging through molasses in the best way possible. By this point, I was floored—not just by the sheer number of brilliant songs I’d never heard live before, but by the fact that Anton still hadn’t uttered a word. Had he finally gained the self-control needed to let the music take centre stage? If so, it was a decision that paid off massively. For the first time, I felt like a proper fan of this elusive band.
Ending with Supersonic was the perfect move. Its sitar-like guitars built into an electrifying, raga-infused climax, sending the crowd into a final psychedelic frenzy. As I walked out of Rock City, my head was spinning. I suddenly found myself dreaming of driving through the Nevada desert in a Chevrolet, Brian Jonestown Massacre blasting at full volume—the way their music was always meant to be heard.
This was, without a doubt, one of the best comebacks I’ve ever witnessed. It was proof that The Brian Jonestown Massacre are alive, kicking, and more focused than ever on giving their audience the best possible show. I’m so glad I finally got to see the other side of this yin-yang band, the side that really makes them legendary.
Later, I heard from a friend that Anton had recently suffered serious heart issues but still powered through the tour. That made the performance even more impressive and emotionally resonant. Say what you will about his antics—he remains one of the most dedicated, productive, and uniquely talented frontmen of his generation. I hope he makes a full recovery soon.
What a night. What a band. Psychedelia is well and truly alive in 2025.
If you get the chance to see The Brian Jonestown Massacre live, don’t hesitate. You won’t be disappointed. They’re still on tour across the UK for the next month or so. You can also check out the full setlist from this show on the Spotify playlist I made—enjoy!