The Dandy Warhols Mark 30th Anniversary with New Album and December Celebrations

Norman van den Wildenberg | August 26, 2024 | News | No Comments

‘They tell me it’s been 30 years, but it feels like about six… Maybe seven,’ reflects Courtney Taylor-Taylor of The Dandy Warhols, as the band gears up to celebrate their three-decade milestone. ‘Well, I guess we’ve had a pretty long run.’

Formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1994, The Dandy Warhols have spent the last 30 years carving out a unique niche in the music world. With thirteen studio albums and countless international tours, their sound has evolved while maintaining the ability to captivate audiences. Their latest release, “ROCKMAKER,” has been met with critical acclaim, featuring collaborations with industry legends like Frank Black of the Pixies, Slash from Guns N’ Roses, and Blondie’s Debbie Harry. This album is hailed as one of their best, standing as a testament to their enduring creativity.

To commemorate their 30th anniversary, The Dandy Warhols have planned a series of December events. They will kick off their celebrations with three consecutive nights of live performances at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles, from December 2nd to 4th. Following that, they will head to San Francisco for shows on December 6th and 7th at Bimbo’s 365 Club.

Their anniversary festivities don’t stop there. The band will return to their hometown of Portland, Oregon, for a series of special events. On December 11th, they will co-host the Little Clouds Records showcase at the Mission Theater, a nod to the label that recently reissued their catalogue. This will be followed by a concert at the Crystal Ballroom on December 12th, with a DJ set by Zia McCabe (also known as DJ Rescue) in Lola’s Room afterwards. A fan party at their Odditorium studio is scheduled for December 13th, offering fans a unique opportunity to celebrate with the band in a more intimate setting.

“ROCKMAKER” has been described as a kaleidoscope of sound and style that only The Dandy Warhols can deliver, with their infectious and psychedelic vibes defying genre classification. The album has been praised as a sonic evolution for The Dandy Warhols, marked by a deliberate focus on guitar riffs over chords and melodies. The Dandy Warhols have never conformed, so it’s no surprise that “ROCKMAKER” doesn’t just meet or exceed expectations—it sets its bar.

The band’s live performances continue to draw rave reviews. At a recent show in Boston, the experience was described as wrapping the audience in a sonic blanket that exuded a warm, almost narcotic energy. Their Washington, DC, performance highlighted the band’s ability to maintain their classic psych-rock roots while introducing a grittier edge that borders on post-punk and even goth. Their Toronto concert was lauded for its sheer power and badassery, creating an unparalleled live experience.

The anniversary tour concludes with two nights in Tacoma, Washington, at the Spanish Ballroom on December 14th and 15th. The final event, a fan brunch, will provide an informal and personal setting for fans to engage with the band.

The current lineup of The Dandy Warhols consists of Courtney Taylor-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Peter Holmström (guitar, keyboards), Zia McCabe (keyboard, bass, percussion), and Brent DeBoer (drums, backing vocals). “ROCKMAKER,” released on March 15, 2024, via Sunset Blvd, was produced by Peter Holmström and Courtney Taylor-Taylor. The album was mastered by British DJ and producer Keith Tenniswood (known for his work with David Holmes, Primal Scream, and Rotters Golf Club) and mixed by acclaimed British producer Jagz Kooner (who has collaborated with Massive Attack, Kasabian, and Garbage).