Redd Kross bring The Party back to Phoenix on a school night

When Redd Kross hits the stage at Valley Bar this Tuesday night, expect more than just a show — expect a vibe that only 45 years of being the coolest guys in the room can produce. Fronted by the eternal McDonald brothers, Jeff and Steven, this is the band that essentially birthed the bridge between L.A. punk and glittery power-pop.

They’ve been on a hell of a run lately, too. Between a successful 2024 self-titled record, a documentary (Born Innocent), and their book Now You’re One of Us, the McDonald brothers (alongside Jason Shapiro and the legendary Dale Crover) are operating at a peak intensity that most younger bands can’t touch. We’re catching them at the perfect time — March 24 — just as they’re passing through the Valley on their way to board Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise.

Rounding out the bill is Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends. If you’ve listened to a music podcast in the last decade, you know Neutron. He’s one of the hardest-working "lifers" in the game, and since Dale Crover plays drums on several of Neutron’s records, keep your eyes peeled for some rhythmic synergy on Tuesday.

There are still a few tickets floating around, but don’t sleep on ‘em. Grab yours from the Valley Bar site or show up early. Doors are at 7:30 p.m.

Check out the full article and my deep-dive interview with Steven McDonald over at the Signal and Noise PHX Substack.