[DID NOT ATTEND: October 16, 2026] Pinhead Gunpowder / Night Shop / Hammered Hulls
There’s not much that could get me to go back to the First Unitarian Church. There’s nothing wrong with the venue per se, and they have AMAZING bands playing there. But my one experience was marred by so many logistical nightmares that I don’t even consider it when bands play there (it’s a me thing).
But when this show was announced, I did consider it, and then it sold out in a second. Why? Because Pinhead Gunpowder has Billie Joe Armstrong on the band. And when would you ever be able to see Billie Joe up close like that? I don’t even know what they sound like.
“Pinhead Gunpowder started writing songs in 1990 and made our first 7-inch the following spring. Nearly every year since, we’ve met up to play. Some years we recorded-five albums and eleven EPs-and some years we played shows. But since 2010, we’ve been playing just for ourselves, something bands forget to do. A new record and tour was only a matter of time, but between the members’ other bands projects, and families, that was hard to find. When we finally did, we were all surprised. We think it’s our best yet-our catchiest, most collaborative, and most poignant.”
– Aaron Cometbus
The rest of the band is full of members who have been in other bands as well (although I only recognized one). They play simple, catchy poppunk songs, as you might expect.
I hadn’t heard of the other two bands
Night Shop is from Los Angeles.
Led by Justin Sullivan, Night Shop delivers captivating music that combines elements of folk and indie rock. With heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, Night Shop creates a unique sound that resonates with listeners, drawing inspiration from various genres and artists such as Dougie Poole, Holiday Ghosts, and Bonny Doon [I haven’t hear do of any of them].
The songs I listened to were simple and catchy.
Hammered Hulls is a kind of supergroup who have only one album out.
The band sees Alec McKaye (younger brother of Ian) playing with experimental/jazz guitarist Mark Cisneros and Mary Timony, yes that Mary Timony, on bass. The album also features Chris Wilson, who I just saw with Ted Leo, on drums. I’m not sure if he’ll eb with them as I think he’s touring with Ted. But maybe that tour is over. There’s a kind of Fugazi vibe to the album. Kind of 80s punk but with some experimental things going on too. They might be the most interesting band on the bill, actually.
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