Shot by @_cremedelachemphotography_
X Dazzles LA Crowd on Night One of Two, On Their Final Smoke & Fiction Tour 2024
Los Angeles punk rock legends X ignited The Regent Theater in DTLA on Thursday, July 25th,
with the first of their two back-to-back, sold-out shows. With the original lineup still intact after
46 years—Exene Cervenka on vocals, John Doe on vocals and bass, Billy Zoom on guitar, and
DJ Bonebrake on drums—it was no surprise that they hit the mark song after song.
The Regent was packed with fans of all ages, eagerly anticipating what might be the last X show
they’ll ever see. For me, it was also my first. The atmosphere was both electric and comforting,
and despite the tight quarters, the energy was more intimate and upbeat than crowded. A strong
sense of camaraderie began to build among die-hard fans who have followed the band since their
humble beginnings in 1977.
The band kicked off the night with “Beyond and Back” from their second studio album, Wild
Gift. This instant crowd-pleaser set the tone for the evening. They seamlessly moved through
classics like “Nausea” and “Los Angeles” from their debut album Los Angeles, to later tracks
like “Water and Wine” from their eighth studio album, Alphabetland. We were even treated to
their latest masterpiece, “Smoke & Fiction,” from their newest and final album of the same
name.
Towards the end of the evening, just before the encore, John and Exene took to the stage solo,
and performed an acoustic duet of “See How We Are.” A wave of calmness and sorrow swept
through the crowd as we silently absorbed every powerful word. This beautifully sentimental
moment will not soon be forgotten.
The night concluded with the band’s final two songs, both covers—Chip Taylor’s “Wild Thing”
and The Doors' “Soul Kitchen.” It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening. With deep
gratitude, the band left stage, leaving us all with cherished memories.
We’d like to thank X for having us, and allowing us to share this experience with them.
The Smoke & Fiction Tour of 2024 is X’s final farewell tour, and their last album of the same
name will be released on August 2nd via Fat Possum Records. LA fans can get an exclusive
early sale and record signing at Amoeba Music on July 31st at 5pm PST.
Be sure to catch them live on their remaining tour dates. Tickets are available at xtheband.com
“The End Is Near!”
Belly Up Solana Beach, CA / 7.30.24
The Guild Theatre Menlo Park, CA / 8.19.24
The Guild Theatre Menlo Park, CA / 8.20.24
Knitting Factory Boise, ID / 8.22.24
Knitting Factory Spokane, WA / 8.23.24
The Aladdin Portland, OR / 8.25.24
The Depot Salt Lake City, UT / 8.28.24
The Summit Denver, CO / 8.30.24
The El Rey Albuquerque, NM / 9.01.24
Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NH / 9.22.24
The Wilbur Boston, MA / 9.23.24
Empire Live Albany, NY / 9.25.24
Water Street Music Hall Rochester, NY / 9.26.24
The State Theatre Falls Church, VA / 9.28.24
Keswick Theatre Philadelphia, PA / 10.01.24
Patchogue Theatre Patchogue, NY / 10.02.24
Town Hall New York, NY / 10.03.24
Harbor Park Middletown, CT / 10.05.24
The Paramount Theatre Austin, TX / 10.18.24
Empire Theatre San Antonio, TX / 10.19.24
White Oak Music Hall Houston, TX / 10.21.24
Granada Theater Dallas, TX / 10.22.24
Minglewood Hall Memphis, TN / 10.24.24
Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, TN / 10.25.24
The El Rey Albuquerque, NM / 9.01.24
Iron City Bham Birmingham, AL / 10.26.24
Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA / 10.27.24
Neighborhood Theatre Charlotte, NC / 10.29.24
The Senate Columbia, SC / 10.30.24