Jack Kays Brings Raw Energy and Emotion to the El Rey Theatre
February 20, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA
Jack Kays Washed Up Dried Out Tour 2024
Jack Kays has built a reputation for blending chaotic punk energy with deeply personal lyricism, and his headlining show at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles proved why he’s one of the most compelling rising artists. His genre-blending sound—mixing punk, folk, alternative, and hip-hop—explores mental health, addiction, and isolation through raw lyrics and stripped-down acoustic melodies. His music aims to make others feel less alone, a message that rang loud and clear throughout the night.
Games We Play opened the show, and from the moment Emmyn Calleiro stepped on stage, it was clear he knew exactly how to please a crowd. His mix of self-deprecating humor, quick-witted stage banter, and energetic performance kept the audience hooked—whether or not they were familiar with his music. Between songs, he cracked jokes, told stories, and made the set feel like a mix of stand-up comedy and a punk show.
Even if someone walked in without knowing a single lyric, they were entertained. His ability to make everything feel relatable and unfiltered set the night’s energy. No one could forget his request for all the couples in the crowd to French kiss for the duration of “Girl Shaped Crater”, which was definitely a sight to see.
As soon as Jack Kays and his band took the stage, the energy in the room hit a new level. Before breaking into the first song, one thing immediately stood out—the band's bold statement T-shirts. Each member wore a shirt with messages that left no room for ambiguity:
"F**k Your Tesla" (front) / "Deport Elon Musk" (back)
"Protect Trans Kids" (front) / "F**k the Cis-tem" (back)
"Artists Deserve Healthcare" (front) / "& DSPs Should Pay for It" (back)
"Pay Artists" (front) / "Tax Billionaires" (back)
Jack Kays and band sporting activist t-shirts (front)
This silent protest made a loud impact, signifying where Jack and his band stand on social and industry issues. More than just a performance, it was a statement, proving that this night wasn’t just about the music, but about the message.
From the first song, “Throwaway”, the crowd was captivated—mosh pits erupted, bodies flew over the crowd, and fans screamed every word back at the stage. Jack’s perfectly paced setlist kept the adrenaline high before pulling things back for more intimate moments.
Much like his music, the show followed a deliberate flow—starting with high-energy anthems, slowing mid-set to honor those who have struggled with addiction, and closing with a climactic burst of intensity that sent the night off on a high.
Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get more unpredictable, a fan was invited onstage to have their head shaved by another fan from the crowd. The person doing the shaving had the entire length of “Middle of the End” to finish, and once the last strand fell, the newly shaved fan and the "barber" dove straight into the crowd, crowd-surfing through a sea of exhilarated fans.
It was a moment of pure, unfiltered chaos—the kind of unforgettable energy that makes a Jack Kays show feel like a community experience rather than just a concert.
At one point, Jack reflected on his journey, recalling that his first time playing the El Rey, he was opening for Role Model, which he admitted felt like a good idea at the time. Now, he was the one commanding the stage as the headliner in front of a near-sold-out crowd. The excitement in his voice made it clear—this wasn’t just another stop on tour, but a milestone in his career.
For all the high-energy, punk-fueled mayhem, one of the night’s most powerful moments came with the performance of "My Promise", a deeply emotional tribute to those lost to addiction. The contrast between "Sideways", a mosh pit-inducing punk anthem, and "My Promise", a gut-wrenching, introspective ballad, perfectly captured why fans connect so deeply with Jack’s music.
At its core, his music isn’t just about genre-blending, it’s about capturing the human experience in all its messiness. His stripped-down acoustic melodies and unapologetically raw lyrics create a space where fans can thrash in the pit or find solace in the music’s emotional depth.
It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s honest. And it makes you feel something.
As the night ended and fans spilled out onto Wilshire Boulevard, it was clear this show had left an impact. Jack’s live presence doesn’t just entertain, it creates an experience. Whether it was the relentless crowd energy, the unapologetic political statements, or the deeply personal songwriting, this show wasn’t just about music—it was about connection, chaos, and catharsis.
Jack Kays isn’t just making music—he’s building a space where people feel seen, heard, and less alone.
If you ever get the chance to see Jack Kays live, brace yourself—because you’re in for one hell of a night.
Jack Kays and band sporting activist t-shirts (back)
Written by Alyssa Suarez
