The last time we saw English post-punk legends Gang of Four on the West Coast was during a brief 2023 visit that included an appearance at the Cruel World Festival, and was bookended by shows in San Francisco and Pomona.
In October of last year, Gang of Four announced the 2025 Long Goodbye Tour, in which the band would be performing their 1979 debut album “Entertainment!” in its entirety, followed by a second set of “hits and fan favorites.”
In 2022, the band mounted a 19-city U.S. tour which included – for the first time in 11 years – two founding members, vocalist Jon King and drummer Hugo Burnham. Joined on that tour by returning bassist Sara Lee and guitarist David Pajo (of Slint), these shows reminded us of the sheer controlled chaos the band has been known for since 1979.
The decision to reactivate Gang of Four without founding guitarist Andy Gill (who passed away in 2020) was met with some skepticism by loyal fans, but Pajo proved a capable replacement, and the tour was successful both at the box office and with critics.
Initially, it looked like original singer Jon King and drummer Hugh Burnham would be joined once again by Pajo, but in January, photos were posted showing Ted Leo was now on guitar, and that Gail Greenwood of Belly and L7 would be filling the bassist spot.
FONDA THEATRE
May 28th, 2025
Los Angeles, California
Original bassist Dave Allen died just last month of early-onset dementia, and according to Burnham, there was hope he may have been able to join them onstage, albeit very briefly.
In fact, the band is donating a portion of their tour proceeds to his family to help defray the significant treatment costs.
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Home to “Damaged Goods,” “Love Like Anthrax,” “Not Great Men,” “I Found That Essence Rare,” “Natural’s Not In It,” and “Guns Before Butter,” Rolling Stone once dubbed “Entertainment!” the fifth best punk album and one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
As for the “hits and fan favorites,” we can hope for “I Love a Man in a Uniform,” “He’d Send in the Army,” and “To Hell With Poverty!”
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So far the tour has been selling out and bringing on special guests, so do not miss it!
Gang of Four is appearing locally at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown on May 26th, Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on May 28th, and Music Box in San Diego on May 29th.
