In January Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman posted a video along with Dance Hall Crashers co-lead singer Elyse Rogers announcing what many thought would never happen: The ska band would be reuniting at this year’s Warped Tour.
Although the “tour” will only be three dates this year, the band is playing on the Long Beach and Washington D.C. stops. As for any hopes of any other shows, the band announced a one-off show at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on June 7th, but made it clear there were no plans to play any future shows this year.
The band had its roots in the Bay Area, formed by Rancid lead singer/guitarist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman after their legendary ska-punk band, Operation Ivy imploded in 1989.
Armstrong and Freeman would eventually bow out to start Rancid, and the lineup was completed with co-lead vocalists Rogers and Karina Deniké, along with guitarists Jason Hammon, and Jaime McCormick. Dance Hall Crashers were famously listed in the blink-182 love song, “Josie,” (“and my girlfriend likes UL [Unwritten Law] and DHC”).
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The influence they have had on modern-day ska is undeniable (think about bands like Catbite, Bite Me Bambi, Half Past Two).
They had moderate success, including playing at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, however, the band has been mostly dormant for the past two decades before announcing their Warped Tour reunion.
But, fret not if you weren’t able to score Warped Tour tickets. Riot Fest in Chicago just announced this year’s lineup, which will include Dance Hall Crashers.
Anaheim, California
September 13th, 2025
And for Southern Californians not able to make the trek across the country DHC just announced they will be playing the House of Blues in Anaheim on September 13th with the mighty Hepcat opening up for them.
Either one of those bands have packed in that venue, so this show will definitely sell out. Do not sleep on this one. Pre-sale goes up Wednesday at 10 a.m. PST with code word STICKY. General on sale is this Friday at 10 a.m. PST.
