Year 2025 in Concerts: Memorable Live Shows Recap

It has dawned on me that the year is coming to an end, and thus it feels relevant to make a brief recap of the concerts I’ve attended during the past year.

We started the year strong with Porter Robinson, which was a really solid gig and an artist that i’ve wanted to see live for a couple of years. It lived up to the hype. A few days after this gig i finally got to see Yung Lean live, who brought a few friends – Gud, Yung Sherman, Bladee, Ecco2K & Thaiboy Digital, this was such a cool gig, to see them play in Globen, the most iconic venue in Sweden. A few days after this gig i went to see Lambrini Girls – this was such a fun time, the energy was through the roof, the music was rough and the vibes immaculate.

In June i went to Rosendal Garden Party, where i attended the day when Kraftwerk & Gesaffelstein performed during one of the best summer days of the year, i love the feelings of festivals where you’re walking around, with a beer in your hand, looking at people having the time of their life – time just sort of stand still, its like a microkosmos of sorts. A few days later in June i attended the Rise Against show, this was my second time seeing Rise Against perform live – the time before that was in 2015. Rise Against holds an important spot in my heart, as it was the band that introduced me to heavier music. Late August i went to Almostafestival in Uppsala, where i saw Karakou, Division 7 and Terra which are three Swedish indie rock/indie pop groups – not my usual cup of tea, but really good and fun live. Mid September i saw Division 7 once again, as part of my brothers 30th celebration – this time they brought out the legend Janne Schaffer on stage to perform a few songs together with them, impeccible.

In October, i managed to see one of my biggest bucket list bands ever, whom are Pendulum. I waited 15 years for this gig, as the last time Pendulum performed in Sweden i was too young to attend, and then the band stopped playing/touring together only to resume. It was an insane atmosphere, and it felt like the majority of the attendees had waited as long as me, to see Pendulum live. Late November i attended the Snow Strippers show – this was fun, but nothing that had a big impact. A few days later i saw Viagra Boys, this was the second time i saw them perform live and it’s always such a good and fun show. I’ve been keeping The Hives in first place of ”Best swedish live bands” for a while now, but i think Viagra Boys is trying to snag this spot. Last show of the year was with the legendary Swedish punk band Refused, as part of their ”good bye-tour”, as they announced they are calling quits after this tour – which ended in their hometown of Umeå, with 3 gigs in 3 days. I attended their 2nd gig in Stockholm, and it was amazing and truly felt cathartic, and that the band gave everything they had. It felt incredible to be able to see them perform, as their album ”The Shape of Punk to come” is one of the most influential albums ever made.

There’s been too many warm up acts to mention, which i feel a bit bad about, but i see you – and i see the hard work you put in.

I’ve already so far booked a few concerts for 2026, to which i am looking forward. We’re starting off by seeing Earl Sweatshirt in January, and Danny Brown in March, Tame Impala in April, followed by Foo Fighters in June. I’ve also bought a one-day festival pass to Rosendal Garden Party for 2026, as i did in 2025. They’ve not yet released any artists for Rosendal 2026, but i am very eager to know.

It’s been a busy year, full of interesting and great shows. And all i know is that next year will be even better.

Until next time, take care.
SLQT

Cracker Island – Gorillaz

Yesterday there was some news that Gorillaz is releasing a new album in February 24th, 2023! And let me tell you, i am very intrigued! I got their debut album Gorillaz, as a kid and it blew me away – ever since i’ve been a very big fan of theirs. I even had the fortune of being able to attend their first ever live concert in Sweden a couple of years ago, and it was amazing. So, new music from Gorillaz always gets me intrigued.

We’ve gotten two singles so far, and my first impression of them is that they are very nice, and very promising!

The first single is called Cracker Island (feat. Thundercat) and it shares the name of the upcoming album. The second single that has been released is called New Gold (feat. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown). One of the things that is so fun with Gorillaz is these sometimes bonkers collaborations on tracks, and that big artists really want to be on Gorillaz tracks, it opens up so many possibilities of potential bangers. And most of the time the Gorillaz projects and tracks has a very interesting way of utilizing the featuring artists in ways that make the whole track pop off.

Both of these singles are, in my opinion certified and absolute bangers, i couldn’t help myself but dance along as i’ve been listening to them. I think the features are used in very good, and interesting ways. Thundercat absolute nails his participation on Cracker Island and how Tame Impala and Bootie Brown bounces off of eachother on New Gold is just beautiful. Thundercat and Tame Impala’s music am i familiar with, but this is the first time i get to experience Bootie Brown, and i like what i’m hearing – and i’ll make sure to inspect what more he has been doing.

I’m sure it’s been seeping through this text, but i am very much looking forward to the release of the new music from Gorillaz. Cracker Island is out February 24, 2023. It’s far away, but i have faith that the waiting is worth it!

Until next time, take care.
SLQT.