Innings Festival 2025

The Black Keys: A Garage Rock Dynamo

The Black Keys, hailing from Akron, Ohio, burst onto the scene in 2001 as a raw, two-piece force. This gritty garage rock duo, consisting of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums), honed their sound in basements, self-producing their early records. Their independent spirit and dedication to their craft soon propelled them to the forefront of a garage rock revival in the early 2000s.

Influenced by blues legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson, the Black Keys' music drips with a raw, bluesy intensity. Their story is one of true grit and perseverance. Friends since childhood, Auerbach and Carney formed the band after dropping out of college, and they quickly gained a loyal following through relentless touring, frequent album releases, and strategic licensing of their music.

Their 2004 album, Rubber Factory, solidified their status as a critical darling, earning them a major label deal with Nonesuch Records in 2006. After years of self-production, they embraced a more professional approach for Attack & Release (2008), collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, who became a key player in their sound.

The Black Keys' commercial breakthrough arrived in 2010 with Brothers. This Grammy Award-winning album, featuring the hit single "Tighten Up," cemented their place as a major force in contemporary rock, and their journey from basement sessions to international stardom is a testament to their raw talent and dedication to their unique, blues-infused garage rock sound.

Fall Out Boy: From Chicago Punk to Pop-Punk Royalty

Fall Out Boy, the Chicago-born rock band, burst onto the scene in 2001, crafting a unique blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics. The band's core – Patrick Stump (vocals, rhythm guitar), Pete Wentz (bass), Joe Trohman (lead guitar), and Andy Hurley (drums) – emerged from the city's vibrant hardcore punk scene.

Wentz and Trohman, initially looking for a creative outlet, formed the band as a side project. Stump soon joined, bringing his powerful vocals and songwriting prowess to the mix. After several drummer changes, Hurley solidified the lineup, setting the stage for their explosive debut.

Their 2003 album, "Take This to Your Grave," became an underground sensation, fueled by relentless touring and a dedicated fan base. The album established their distinct sound – a fusion of catchy melodies, sharp riffs, and introspective lyrics penned by Wentz.

Fall Out Boy's breakout moment arrived in 2005 with "From Under the Cork Tree," a major label release that propelled them to mainstream success. The album spawned two iconic singles, "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and "Dance, Dance," turning the band into pop-punk superstars. Wentz, with his charismatic persona and insightful lyrics, became a tabloid fixture.

Their success continued with "Infinity on High" in 2007, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's worldwide hits, "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs," solidified their status as pop-punk royalty. Fall Out Boy's journey, from Chicago's underground to the top of the charts, is a testament to their enduring songwriting, captivating performance, and ability to connect with a generation.


The band is recognized as an energized powerhouse during their live performances. Their shows are a space where all bullshit and ego is left at the door - everyone is welcome, equal and needs to get on their fucking feet.

The All-American Rejects: From Oklahoma to the Charts

The All-American Rejects (AAR), hailing from the heartland of Stillwater, Oklahoma, burst onto the music scene in 1999. This rock quartet, spearheaded by the songwriting duo of Tyson Ritter (vocals, bass) and Nick Wheeler (guitar), became known for their infectious energy and catchy tunes. With Mike Kennerty (rhythm guitar) and Chris Gaylor (drums) rounding out the lineup, they've become a staple of the pop-punk scene, leaving their mark on the musical landscape.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, propelled them into the spotlight with the hit single "Swing, Swing." This platinum-selling album established their signature sound, a mix of pop sensibilities and rock attitude. Their 2005 follow-up, Move Along, solidified their mainstream success, producing chart-topping hits like "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight," all reaching the top fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself went double platinum, cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with.

Their third album, When the World Comes Down, came out in 2008 and saw the release of their biggest hit to date, "Gives You Hell." This track became an anthem, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts globally. "Gives You Hell" alone has sold over 4 million copies in the US, earning a 4x multi-platinum certification.

Their fourth album, Kids in the Street, landed in 2012, showcasing their continued evolution. After a five-year hiatus, they returned in 2015 with the single "There's a Place," reminding fans of their undeniable presence.

The All-American Rejects have sold over 10 million albums worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on rock music with their unique blend of pop-punk melodies and relatable lyrics. They remain a testament to the power of songwriting and performance, captivating audiences with their energy and undeniable talent.

Slightly Stoopid, the San Diego-based rock band hailing from Ocean Beach, California, have carved a unique niche in the music world. Their sound is a potent brew, blending folk, rock, reggae, and blues with dashes of hip-hop, funk, metal, and punk. This eclectic mix has fueled their impressive catalog of thirteen albums, including four live releases.

Their unlikely launchpad was a high school garage. Childhood friends Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, along with drummer Adam Bausch, were discovered by Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell. Nowell, while in rehab, happened upon the band rehearsing and was immediately captivated. He signed them to his Skunk Records label, a remarkable feat for still-in-high-school musicians.

Their debut, the punk-infused Slightly $toopid, dropped in 1996, featuring a guest appearance by Nowell himself on "Prophet" (later covered by Sublime and included in their Everything Under the Sun box set). This was followed by 1998's surf-rock-infused The Longest Barrel Ride. Adding to the early lineup was Adam's brother, Eric Bausch, on keyboards.

The band's journey continued with the self-released Acoustic Roots: Live & Direct in 2001, a 40-minute acoustic set recorded live for San Diego's rock 105.3 radio station. This marked the launch of their own label, Stoopid Records. Their 2003 release, Everything You Need, marked a stylistic shift and a commercial breakthrough for the band on Surfdog Records, selling over 185,000 copies. This era also saw the departure of Adam Bausch in 2000, two years after the release of The Longest Barrel Ride.

Neon Trees, hailing from Provo, Utah, exploded onto the national scene in late 2008. Their electrifying performances opening for The Killers on several North American tour dates catapulted them to wider recognition, quickly leading to a record deal with Mercury Records. Their debut single, "Animal," became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and conquering the Alternative Songs chart at No. 1.

Since then, this indie-rock powerhouse has solidified their place in the music world, releasing five studio albums: Habits (2010), Picture Show (2012), Pop Psychology (2014), I Can Feel You Forgetting Me (2020), and Sink Your Teeth (2024). Their prolific output also includes eight EPs (two exclusive to iTunes) and fourteen singles, showcasing their diverse musicality and sustained creative energy.

The band's history began with childhood friends Tyler Glenn (vocals, keyboards) and Chris Allen (guitar, vocals), originally from Murrieta, California. Relocating to Provo, Utah, they formed the core of Neon Trees, later adding Branden Campbell (bass guitar, vocals) and Elaine Bradley (drums, percussion, vocals) to complete their powerful lineup. David Charles rounds out the live experience as their touring guitarist.

Indie rock duo Boyish, formed by India Shore and Claire Altendahl, exploded onto the scene after meeting at Berklee College of Music. Initially christened "The Blue," the Boston-based band quickly relocated to New York City in 2019 and rebranded as Boyish. Their sound quickly gained traction, leading to the release of two critically acclaimed studio albums: Carnation and Garden Spider. Carnation earned an Independent Music Award nomination and a coveted feature in The New Yorker, amassing over one million streams. The Garden Spider single, "FUCK YOU HEATHER," premiered on Atwood Magazine and racked up over 3.5 million Spotify plays.

The band's momentum continued with the February 2021 release of "Superstar," the lead track from their four-song EP, We're all going to die, but here's my contribution. Released in May 2021, the EP garnered positive reviews from Lyrical Lemonade, Highclouds, and Atwood Magazine, and "Superstar" itself soared past 1.6 million streams, landing on prominent editorial playlists including Lorem, All New Indie, Indie Pop & Chill, and Fresh Finds.

Boyish further solidified their presence with the May 2022 release of their My Friend Mica EP. Preceded by the singles "Smithereens," "Congratulations," and "I Think I Hate It Here," the EP reflects the duo's raw honesty, described by Shore and Altendahl as "one long journal entry" capturing the emotional landscape of the previous year.

Hailing from Calabasas, California, Incubus emerged from the ashes of Calabasas High School in 1991. The initial lineup featured vocalist Brandon Boyd, guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer José Pasillas. They later added bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich and DJ Lyfe (Gavin Koppel), before solidifying their classic lineup with bassist Ben Kenney and DJ Kilmore. In 2024, Nicole Row took over bass duties from Kenney.

Incubus' journey to multi-platinum success wasn't overnight. While their early albums, Fungus Amongus (1995) and S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997), laid the groundwork, it was 1999's Make Yourself that propelled them into the mainstream. The album spawned several hits, most notably the chart-topping anthem "Drive." This success continued with Morning View (2001) and A Crow Left of the Murder... (2004). The band cemented their status with their #1 debut album, Light Grenades (2006), followed by the greatest hits compilation Monuments and Melodies (2009), and the studio album If Not Now, When (2011). Incubus further demonstrated their creative output with the Trust Fall (Side A) EP (2015) and their eighth studio album, simply titled 8, in 2017. Their enduring career showcases a band that consistently evolved and delivered, establishing them as a cornerstone act of alternative rock.

The Kills, the acclaimed English-American rock duo, are a force to be reckoned with. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Alison "VV" Mosshart (USA) and the sharp guitar work of Jamie "Hotel" Hince (UK), theyve carved a significant niche in the alternative rock landscape. Signed to Domino Records, their distinctive sound has propelled them to success, with their first four albums – *Keep on Your Mean Side*, *No Wow*, *Midnight Boom*, and *Blood Pressures* – all charting in the UK. Their fifth studio album, *Ash & Ice*, released in 2016, further solidified their position, reaching the UK Albums Charts top 20.

Before their 2001 formation, Mosshart and Hince each honed their skills in other bands. Mossharts raw energy was previously unleashed in the punk rock outfit Discount, while Hince contributed to acts like Scarfo and Blyth Power. Their collaboration began serendipitously; a chance meeting in London during Discounts UK tour, where Mosshart was staying in an apartment below Hinces, led to an undeniable creative spark. Mossharts persistence paid off, convincing Hince to form a band. He even provided her with a four-track recorder, encouraging her to compose music in addition to lyrics while touring. The exchange of musical ideas, initially through tapes, laid the foundation for the unique sound that defines The Kills.

Fifteen-year-old identical twins, Hallie and Dylinn Mayes, formed the Scottsdale, Arizona-based band Good Boy Daisy. Emerging in 2020, their distinctive alt-pop sound blends exciting originality with a comfortable familiarity, drawing inspiration from the grunge, alternative, and pop aesthetics of the 1990s.

The Killers: From Vegas Strip to Global Domination

The Killers, born in the neon-drenched heart of Las Vegas in 2001, are a rock band who've gone from underground buzz to international stardom. The band's core is a dynamic duo: frontman Brandon Flowers, with his soaring vocals and shimmering keyboard lines, and lead guitarist Dave Keuning, whose riffs are as sharp as a casino's edge.

After a few revolving door bassists and drummers, the Killers found their rhythm section in 2002, solidifying their sound with Mark Stoermer on bass and rhythm guitar and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. behind the kit. Their name, Inspired by a fictitious band featured in the New Order music video for "Crystal," with a logo emblazoned on a bass drum.

Since their breakout debut, "Hot Fuss" in 2004, The Killers have consistently hit the bullseye with every album, scoring seven consecutive chart-topping albums in the UK. From the anthemic anthems of "Sam's Town" to the electronic explorations of "Day & Age," the band's music has been a soundtrack to a generation. They've also delivered a plethora of releases including B-sides collections, live albums, greatest hits compilations, and even a Christmas album.

The band's recent history has seen some shifts in line-up. Both Stoermer and Keuning have taken extended hiatuses, with Stoermer citing touring fatigue and injuries while Keuning pursued solo ventures. Despite this, both have rejoined the band officially, with Stoermer recording contributions and Keuning returning to the fold for "Pressure Machine." To fill the live performance gaps, veteran touring musician Ted Sablay stepped up on lead guitar for Keuning, while Jake Blanton took on Stoermer's role on bass.

Through lineup changes and creative explorations, The Killers continue to evolve, proving that their Las Vegas roots are fertile ground for musical innovation, keeping their fans hooked and their place at the forefront of rock music secure.

Jack`s Mannequin, the acclaimed American rock band, emerged from Orange County, California in 2004. Initially a solo project for Andrew McMahon, formerly the frontman of the popular piano rock band Something Corporate, the project quickly gained traction.

Signed to Maverick Records, their debut album, Everything in Transit, dropped in August 2005, reaching a respectable #37 on the Billboard 200. Their follow-up, The Glass Passenger, released in 2008 on Sire Records, enjoyed significant success, selling 49,000 copies in its first week and peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200. People and Things followed in October 2011, but shortly after its release, McMahon announced he would cease releasing music under the Jack`s Mannequin moniker, focusing instead on a solo career.

The bands legacy wasnt over, however. In November 2015, McMahon announced a tenth-anniversary tour for Everything in Transit, reuniting Jack`s Mannequin for a highly anticipated run of shows. The reunion proved successful, leading to further performances in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this influential rock act.

Early Days and Everything in Transit (2004-2007):

Andrew McMahons musical journey began as the lead vocalist and pianist of Something Corporate. The genesis of Jacks Mannequin stemmed from a single song, "Locked Doors," recorded in December 2003, which fueled McMahon`s vision for a new, distinct musical project.