Just a little taste of what’s ahead: Blink and their sense of humor, Sublime With Rome make a big announcement, Kat makes out with Dave Navarro, Cage The Elephant perform a special Christmas song for Kevin & Bean and much, much more.

The 2011 Almost Acoustic Christmas was brought to you by Napoleon Dynamite. Don’t mess with Dynamite! Napoleon Dynamite is coming to Fox! Part of Animation Domination! It’s gonna be freaking sweet!

BLINK-182

“ A job in urology, I can see myself having that job.
” Tom DeLonge When Nicole sat down with Mark & Tom from Blink-182, there was little chance that she expected the onslaught of potty humor. Yes, we’re always prepared for Blink’s patented banter, but this particular interview has to be one of the funniest they’ve done in a while. The boys were relaxed, comfortable and yet, on fire. It’s incredible how the pair writes songs that have moved teens for a decade yet they can turn on their faucet of comedy at a moment’s notice.

The interview was going along fine till Nicole asked them what jobs they’d have if their music career had never taken off. They’re answers are classic Blink-182.

BUSH

“ Each day it's the same thing, just try and be great.
” Gavin Rossdale Kevin & Bean talk about the last time they were together with Bush – at Kevin & Bean’s Bush Bash at Morongo Casino – and how they haven’t slowed down since. Fans were screaming for Gavin Rossdale, prompting Bean to yell “Stop screaming! I know I’m dreamy.”

They also talked about managing expectations, what it’s like being back together, and how Rossdale met a certain someone in one of the dressing rooms backstage years ago.

CHEVELLE

“ We're glad to be here. It's like 10 degrees in Chicago right now so this is really warm for us.
” While Kevin scrambled to get to the show, Bean sat down with Chevelle to kick things off Saturday night at the Gibson Amphitheatre.

They discussed their new album Hats Off To The Bull, what’s in store for 2012, bull-fighting, Bean’s favorite song off the new album and “the produce girl at Trader Joes.”

NEW FOUND GLORY

“ I think we're the ones with the most spirit on this show.
” Stryker chatted with Steve, Jordan and Cyrus from New Found Glory, who had just finished their set during night 1 of Almost Acoustic Christmas. They discussed NFG’s holiday spirit, Jordan spending the night with Stryker on the couch, and how the band took over the KROQ Twitter.

Stryker poked fun at Steve, asking why he doesn’t get to sing during the shows. The band also laughed about having the most Christmas spirit, even though 3 out of the 5 members are Jewish. “We have more Jews than NOFX,” said Steve. Stryker also asked the tough questions like “Is there anyone in the band that does more dirty stuff than others?” and “How many of you are circumcised?” Yeah, that happened…

“ Dear Mike Ness, please excuse the double gesture you received from me.
” Joanna - Miss DD 2012 Let me first say THANK YOU to everyone who made this weekend happen. Watching Acoustic Christmas online is one thing, perfect angles, great shots, good lighting, sound-impeccable. But in person, I was astounded at the amount of effort and synchronization that had to have gone into such an incredibly fun, smooth, and bitchin’ event.

I am SO glad I was chosen to be a part of the experience. And I am sorry to say that everything I saw and experienced was not even a tenth of what was happening around me. I am going to have to watch all the highlights to see what I missed when I was mingling on the patio and in line for cocktails and (thank you bartender) chips and skittles, yum!

Night one, as some may know, started off like a train wreck at someone’s funeral…

“ What a fun and crazy experience. I love people, so bring it on. Pictures with me and my jugs for all!
” I arrived VERY fashionably late, about two hours later than I had hoped, and as mentioned, running, panting, and flagging my arms around to let the production team know I was there… and ready to party…. “You missed it…just go get a drink….and don’t be late tomorrow…..” Oh boy. As Lucille Ball once said, ”[what] a swell way to get off to a lousy start.” Hopefully that was the end of my flakey phase. And yes, I did have to pull up the arm in the parking structure to let my friend out of the parking lot. (That was at 6:30) and with plenty of cars and people around to see me, the prom queen on steroids….

At the amphitheater, I was pleasantly greeted by KROQ friends and “family” and not to mention lots of men who like boobs and taking pictures with girls with boobs. What a fun and crazy experience. I love people, so bring it on. Pictures with me and my jugs for all!

The music was incredible! I am SO thrilled that Sublime with Rome stepped up to the plate and rocked it! YES! I can now forever say, I saw them live!!!! and for Dear Mike Ness, please excuse the double gesture you received from me, I had to…in honor of my old man! WE LOVE YOU, and I think I still have your tape somewhere…Now, if I could only find some place to stick it….DING.

Night one ended with (of course) beers at Johnny Rockets, and I’d like to give a shout out to their buffalo wings, SPICY!

Click next to read more and watch my interview with Kevin & Bean!

Photo: Alex Rauch @deadspacebeyondbelief

The interview was going along fine till Nicole asked them what jobs they’d have if their music career had never taken off. They’re answers are classic Blink-182.

*

The 2011 Almost Acoustic Christmas was brought to you by Napoleon Dynamite. Don’t mess with Dynamite! Napoleon Dynamite is coming to Fox! Part of Animation Domination! It’s gonna be freaking sweet!

[Photo Gallery] KROQ Epicenter…

[Gallery] Blink-182, My Chemical…

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Night 2…

11:31pm

Thank you for coming to the 22nd Annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas! You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Or, well, we guess you could. How often do you think they check to see if someone is shacked up in the Bates Motel?

We’ve lived with creepier people. 

Best 6 hours of my life!! #KROQXMAS—
Kristina Turcios (@TheSeventhDevil) December 12, 2011

11:30pm

Dave Navarro with Kat Corbett

“Yeah, I saw Jane’s Addiction. It was a f**king good year. And if you’re having trouble getting gifts you can do what I do: you can f**king steal them,” Perry Farrell exclaimed before launching into the eternally sonically-forward funk-rock tune “Been Caught Stealing.” Her even threw a little scat in their to up the ante, although his fingerless leather gloves, neck bling, and their present-throwing babes in black lingerie were really enough.

“ Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all those other religious things that I never really think about.
” Perry Farrell Of course, there is always more so while Farrell quipped that he “always like this time of year; I hope up and get fucked up. Because no one is calling, what else am I gonna do?,” Dave Navarro loomed mysteriously in the background, and Stephen Perkins requested that they do “this right” while playing “Irresistible Force,” Jane’s Addiction brought out a miniature laser show followed by the funky “Stop!”

Jane's Addiction (Photo: Alex Rauch)

They ended the night on a high note by playing “Jane Says” and with Farrell vocalizing his feelings on the holidays: “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all those other religious things that I never really think about. I just like the holidays because I get to give presents. I also like the holidays because I get to get presents. C’mon ladies.”

Ladies and gentlemen @janesaddiction img.ly/bqbZ #kroqxmas—
Kat Corbett (@KatCorbett) December 12, 2011

10:45pm

Black Keys Get Their Testosterone On

Despite the background players, it’s impressive just how much sound Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys get from their instruments alone. It almost seems like a sonic conundrum, but the proof if there when they are vibrating the whole building with their power and Auerbach’s passionate, soul-fueled vocal overtures.

And the sex appeal of the duo is could seem puzzling to some, not because the Black Keys aren’t sexy, but because Carney and Auerbach do such a good job being stoic and normal “everyday” dudes, not outrightly showing their penchant for sultry,gritty music and a pocketful of dirty secrets.

The Black Keys (photo: Alex Rauch)

Just like last year, The Black Keys were definitely a crowd favorite, sending the audience into a dancing frenzy with songs like “Howlin’ For You,” “Next Girl,” ”Everlasting Light, ”Chop And Change,” my personal favorite, “Gold On The Ceiling,” and the popular “Tighten Up” and “Lonely Boy.”

Judging by crazy enthusiasm, pretty sure hetero dudes @ this show would switch teams for Black Keys right now #KROQxmas #yaytestosterone—
Kara Warner (@karawarner) December 12, 2011

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9:55pm

Mumford & Sons Get Jiggy

“In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die/Where you invest your love, you invest your life,” the talented, ever poetic Marcus Mumford sings plaintively in “Awake My Soul.” The 24-year-old London folk singer evokes a sense of westernized Americana that might seem contradictory to his British roots, but in fact, the Mumford of Mumford and Sons was born in Southern California–right down the street in Anaheim.

And it seems that locals love this almost “local” band intensely; most of the audience was mouthing the lyrics to most of their songs in perfect synchronicity. With their multi-instrumental talent, Mumford & Sons are true musical talents and it’s hard not to watch them play banjo, kickdrum, or blaring away on a harmonica all at the same time. It’s also hard not to sing-a-long to their infectious songs like “Roll Away Your Stone” (during which Mumford’s strings broke–three times), “Awake My Soul,” “White Blank Page,” “The Cave,” or “Little Lion Man.”

Mumford & Sons said that this is their last show of the year and they are going to spend time with their families for Christmas. They are also working on completing their upcoming album which included the song “Lover Of The Light,” a song infused with a more soulful sound.

Perhaps inspired by the popularity of that one (the audience seemed to know that song as well, despite its newness), Mumford & Sons also played another new song called “Ghosts That We Knew.” A moody love song, the silent moments let hordes of girls scream things like “I love you” and “I want your baby.” We do believe that he is taken by the graceful young ingenue, Carey Mulligan, girls.

But, in those intimate musical moments, Mumford lets us pretend that his unabashed romantic sentiments are for us alone.

Mumford & Sons ending an amazing set with The Cave.. #KROQXMAS—
Yannick Luna (@CadenceImprfect) December 12, 2011

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9:10pm

Death Cab For Cutie (Photo: Alex Rauch)

In what was essentially a righteous indie-rock jam session, a very bearded Ben Gibbard from Death Cab For Cutie came out with a look of rock ‘n roll disdain in his eyes, one we wouldn’t expect from this normally softspoken gentleman and tore it up on stage. There wasn’t any words, diatribes, audience meanderings.

Death Cab For Cutie just came on stage, turned the lights down low, soaked in the collective energy of the room, and played, for the most part, extended versions of their songs like “Doors Unlocked And Open,” “Crooked Teeth,” “You Are A Tourist,” “I Will Possess Your Heart,” and “Soul Meets Body.” 

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9:05pm

Giada DeLaurentiis is backstage? Can she come up here and whip up some polenta for me? I’m starving.

Loved running into you backstage @GDeLaurentiis and @toddmthompson! #KROQXMAS @kroq—
Jaime Geffen (@YourBASHjgeffen) December 12, 2011

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8:55pm

Maybe a remnant of Novem-beard?

Since when did Benjamin Gibbard grow a mountain man beard? #KROQXMAS—
Mike Anderson (@MikeAndersonWA) December 12, 2011

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8:30pm

Florence + The Machine

“Can you hear the voices because here they come?” sings Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, wildly dancing in a paisley and floral-print caftan. The gorgeous British chanteuse is an anomaly in the modern music industry with a musical-style evoking Kate Bush, Creatures-era Siouxsie Sioux, and a more soulful Bjork.

Welch has a way of sending the audience into a trance with her voice; her singing voice sends the audience soaring into ecstatic cries while her sweet speaking voice coos shyly.

Despite being a unique gem, the world has allowed Florence Welch to shine brightly and, in conjunction with Adele, Welch is changing the state of the music industry for women. Her newest album Ceremonials, from which she sang “Only If For A Night,” “Shake It Out,” “What The Water Gave Me,” “No Light, No Light,” and “Never Let Me Go,” is an artstic treasure that highlights her femininity–a femininity that Welch is not afraid to embellish on stage with flowing gowns, graceful dance movements, and ladylike engagement. Welch is truly a magical, life-altering performer.

I love the way you can feel the beat through your heart! #KROQXMAS—
Kristina Turcios (@TheSeventhDevil) December 12, 2011

7:55pm

Kevin & Bean with Noel Gallagher

This is completely biased, Noel Gallagher is one of the most talented musicians/singers-songwriters of our time, whether or not he’s playing one of his many iconic Oasis songs or one of his fabulous songs off his new album High Flying Birds.

Gallagher didn’t talk at all, really, only to “thank” the audience in a low inaudible mumble but he played some of the best songs off his new album like “Everybody’s On The Run,” “If I Had A Gun,” “AKA…What A Life?,” “The Death Of You And Me,” and Oasis songs like “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and a magically-arranged acoustic version of “Wonderwall.” 

Noel Gallagher is so on point right now. I want to jump out of this skybox, writhe through the audience, & fan girl all over him. #kroqxmas—
nadianoir. (@nadianoir) December 12, 2011

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7:34pm

Agreed. Noel Gallagher is amazing. Get back to your seats, children. Listen to one of the biggest Britpop icons ever and one of the best songwriters of our generation.

@NoelGallagher's voice is so incredible. #lovehim #kroqxmas—
Mal (@sha_la_la_la) December 12, 2011

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7:19pm

“ I have to get something off my chest or I don't think I can carry on.
” Matthew Schultz of Cage The Elephant Dirty, grungy Southern rock boys, Cage the Elephant, know that they way to win over a woman’s heart is grandfather sweaters, torn up band t-shirts, long locks, stage diving, and lots of bass. Lead singer, Matthew Schultz, is out of control, but in a good way, balancing precariously on the audience member’s hands while screaming at the top of his lungs and singing songs like “Aberdeen,” Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” and “Shake Me Down,” gyrating wildly all over the floor, and making absurdist jokes about how if the stage kept on spinning it would be like the world’s best game of “peekaboo.”

“I have to get something off my chest or I don’t think I can carry on. Wouldn’t it be cool if this stage spun the whole time?.” Matthew continued, probably not joking, ‘It would be like the greatest game of peekaboo of all time. Peekaboo, where’d the band go?

Not like you could ever miss a band like Cage The Elephant.

cage the elephant doesn't make filler – period ( #kroqxmas live at ustre.am/FxZr)—
Liu. (@sonicliuth) December 12, 2011

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7:07pm

Seriously think Matthew Schultz from Cage the Elephant is my Soul(Asylum)-Mate.

the greatest game of peek-a-boo #KROQXMAS—
Mike Harrington (@eXaggerate) December 12, 2011

Wait! Was the lead singer of Cage the Elephant in Soul Asylum? #kroqxmas—
lacy marie (@lacyloo821) December 12, 2011

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6:54pm

Mark Foster - Foster The People (Photo: Alex Rauch)

Speaking personally, I have seen so many Foster The People live shows this year, starting from their gigs at the Echo earlier in 2011 (oh my god, I can’t believe that wasn’t even a year ago) and when Mark Foster told the audience that this was “one of the most fun years of our lives,” I can only assume being born or losing his virginity could possibly top Foster The People’s rapid ascent to fame this year.

And, personally speaking again, Foster the People never, ever puts on a bad or boring show.

From the sparkly laser lights that add to the frenetic pace of the songs to Foster’s spastic dancing to the primal-style drumming and the inevitable dubstep-style dance breakdown that Foster the People bring out towards the end of their set, whether the band is playing “Houdini,” “Call It What You Want,” “Don’t Stop (Color On The Walls),” “Helena Beat,” or their hit single, “Pumped Up Kicks,” this band is going to continue to get huge. After all, it’s impossible when they “focus” on “their ability.”

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6:43pm

Florence Looking Gorgeous

Our golden girl, Florence Welch apparently has a good sense-of-humor about her infamous stage turn last year while she was in the middle of “Dog Days Are Over” and had just flown in from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

The redhead chanteuse laughed about the incident during her interview, talked a bit about Muppets, and Smurf-ette Katy Perry acting as her on last night’s Saturday Night Live.

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6:39pm

Noel is French for CHRISTMAS

This just hilariously in–”drunk guy in the crowd yelling ‘Where’s your brother?’ (to Noel Gallagher during interview). Noel’s reply, “Working the merch booth.”

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6:20pm

The Naked And Famous

It’s hard not to fall in love with the sultry stare Alisa Xayalith from The Naked & Famous gives or the band’s collective New Zealand accents.

The band brought their sex-drenched literatire indie electro-rock to the stage with few words, just a thank you and seamless integration of their songs like “All Of This,” “Girls Like You,” “The Sun,” “Frayed,” and their current hit radio single, “Young Blood.” 

Young Blood, musica delicinha #KROQXMAS—
indiedadepressao (@indiedadepre) December 12, 2011

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5:55pm

Group Love

Admittedly, all we really knew of Grouplove is their amazing single “Colours,” Foster The People‘s Twitter professed love for them, and how they met at an artist’s residency on Crete. The quirky, exuberant Los Angeles-based band has received some of the biggest uproars of critical attention this year; likewise they received a huge burst of approval from the audience at Almost Acoustic Christmas despite being the first band to play.

Alternating lead singers, Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi, are absolutely dynamic on stage, Hooper’s girlie, twee style covering up a raucous stage swagger while Zucconi look is totally ’90s-grunge sex symbol. Those two disparate images play off each other well with songs like “Don’t Say Oh Well,” “Lovely Cup,” and “Tongue-Tied.” 

Grouplove are definitely a group to fall in love with for 2012.

Yes! @GROUPLOVE seriously set the standard for the entire night. They're the best. #kroqxmas kroq.radio.com/kroq-almost-ac…—
Justin Cornwall (@WhatJustin) December 12, 2011

5:52pm

Cage The Elephant

Cage the Elephant performed an acoustic christmas song for their, ummm, Acoustic Christmas interview! Written especially for today!

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5:47pm

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5:45pm

Joanne, Miss Double D-cember 2012 & Friend

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5:38pm

Bean says watch the webcast!

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5:30pm

Foster The People Have A Heart-On For Kenny G

Grouplove, fresh from Portland, bringing some lovin’ to the KROQ Almost Acoustic Stage. We caught them doing a little Lion King during soundcheck.

Outside in interview-land, Foster The People talked about traveling all over the world and had literally just gotten off a plane from LAX–all dressed up with somewhere awesome to go. Here, obvs.

Foster the People also talked about how much they love Kenny G, how he loves them, and their SNL stint with him. SNL, Foster The People, and Kenny G? Will we be getting something akin to Lonely Island’s “Jack Sparrow?” One can only hope.

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5:00pm

Totally powernapping high-school-math-class-style before Night Two of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas (and after the jingle-balls-out after-partying last night).

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Night 1…We made it here alive and in relatively one piece, minus the chunks missing from our liver (poor liver) because how could we miss some of our favorite bands?! 

Jane’s Addiction said it best:

#KROQXMAS festivities with @kroq @noelgallagher @flo_tweet @dcfc @mumfordofficial @theblackkeys @cagetheelephant @GROUPLOVE and more!—
Jane's Addiction (@janesaddiction) December 11, 2011

Photos – Alex Rauch @deadspacebeyond

*

While Kevin & Bean sat and chatted with the members of Sublime With Rome out in front of the Gibson Amphitheatre this evening, they broke some news to fans and listeners everywhere – drummer Bud Gaugh will be leaving the band and tonight will the the band’s final show together (as the trio).

Wilson said he’s expecting a baby and is planning to focus his time on his family and their newest addition. Congratulations to Bud, we wish him the best. As for the future of the band, drummer Josh Freese (who’s worked with A Perfect Circle, Devo, Nine Inch Nails, and several more) will be taking over the drumming responsibilities.

*

The 2011 Almost Acoustic Christmas was brought to you by Napoleon Dynamite. Don’t mess with Dynamite! Napoleon Dynamite is coming to Fox! Part of Animation Domination! It’s gonna be freaking sweet!

[Music Video] Sublime With Rome “Take It Or Leave It”

[Photo Gallery] The Unity Tour Featuring 311 And Sublime With Rome

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Night 1…

“All these demons, they keep me up all night,” Blink-182 sings while they lay heavy into their guitars, metal-ish riffs, different, but somehow just as musically-comforting as their early happy-go-lucky pop songs. It’s hard to remind oneself that Blink-182 aren’t a young band anymore when they play songs like “The Rock Show” and “What’s My Age Again?”

But when they are headlining KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas and giving props to “younger” bands like Young The Giant and Chevelle (whom they “fell” in love with), it’s clear that Blink-182 are “old” pros. Probably why they dedicated a song to all the “old people.” 

But beyond being musically-tight, incredibly comfortable on stage, and hilariously charming, Blink-182 don’t show their age.

Between getting thrown a “36-B” bra onstage, saying said stage reminded them of the “Fibonacci Code,” asking audience members if they are going to “f**k,” and “setting the mood” for some “reverse cowgirl with strobe lights,” Blink-182 played songs like “Feelin’ This,” “Up All Night,” “I Miss You,” “After Midnight,” “First Date,” ”All The Small Things,” “Josie,” and “Dumpweed.” 

Their rollicking sound, their playful attitudes, their aggressive Christmas tune “Happy Holidays, You Bastard,” and their crude jokes about Travis’ bedroom demeanor (“The way that Travis plays drums is exactly how he f**ks.”) show that Blink really stick to their over a decade-old exclamation of “I never want to act my age. What’s my age again?” 

But, “I Guess This Is Growing Up.” 

Dammit #blink182 live on #KROQXMAS Well i guess this Is growing up !!!—
Hernan Galvez (@hgb2431) December 11, 2011

10:28pm

Blinkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.

@311 was awesome. Follow me ( @cyrusbolooki ) @newfoundglory . Time for @blink182 . @markhoppus @tomdelongeslegs ? @travisbarker #KROQXMAS—
KROQ (@kroq) December 11, 2011

10:21pm

Nicole Bonding With Mike Ness

10:20pm

With lyrical entreaties like “I said before/I’ll say it once more/Knew you would make me feel so good/Wanna do you right/Can’t get enough” and ethnic-infused reggae-electro-funk-rap (yes, so many apt descriptors), it’s hard not to be one of those “positive people” that Nick Hexum says 311 makes music for.

The fact that many people haven’t seen 311 since their high school days playing hacky sack, going to drum circles, and smoking lots of ganja with friends is unfortunate because 311 is seriously an amazing, talented, wave-of-the-future, hyper-mind-altering sort of band that can truly turn your negative energy “Amber.” 

The audience was treated to old (and new) favorites like “Beautiful Disaster,” “All Mixed Up,” “Come Original,” “Amber,” “Happy Slam Dance Song,” “Applied Science,” and “Don’t Stay Home.” Mid-set the group began a funky-tribal percussive set with Japanese taiko drumming.

311 truly taps into the primordial subconscious while expanding the mind as reflected best in their song “Creatures (For A While)” where they encourage you, conscientiously, to “make a mess,” “blow off stress,” “stoke the fire, and be “just creatures for a while.” We are definitely “Down” to get a little crazy.

So…in closing! Happy Holidays! Much love! ! As we all know…"Stay Positive! Love YOUR LIFE! ( #kroqxmas live at ustre.am/FxZr)—
Ella M. (@brodElla311) December 11, 2011

√

Nicole got to sit down with Blink-182 in what New Found Glory deemed as “Stryker’s Living Room” and the crimped-out joq asked Mark and Tom what they would be doing if they weren’t in Blink. While Tom talked about being a Urologist and a creepy doctor’s appointment he recently had, Mark said ”probably living at my Mom’s house playing video games until 2pm.” He also talked about how the laser from the Honda Civic Tour burned his retina, a laser strong enough that the roadies used to light their cigarettes on it.

9:30pm

Beer Mug was chugging a beer while on camera. Hahahahahahaa. Oh man, we love that dude.

9:27pm

Social Distortion Educates The Youngins' With Classic L.A. Punk

The fact that Bush‘s Gavin Rossdale took his children to see Social Distortion in their dressing room is telling for how important Social D has been in shaking up the climate of rock ‘n roll, especially in the Los Angeles punk rock scene. Mike Ness elaborated on Social Distortion’s Southern California lifestyle when he told the story behind the appropriately titled “California.”

“This next song is a song about growing up in Southern California,” explained Ness. “Running the streets…all over the motherf**ker…there’s not one alley that we did not drink in…we didn’t drink in no motherf**king bars….we drank behind the bars.”

Ness continued, “Growing up as a punk rocker and eventually turning into a grown a** man, I guess. Hopefully.” 

Social Distortion is full of “grown-a**” men who have maintained their raucous, wry energy without skipping a beat, both literally and metaphorically. The band played note-tight versions of their songs “Bad Luck,” “So Far Away,” “Machine Gun Blues,” “Story Of My Life,” and “I Was Wrong.“

Emphasizing the importance of the generations that have grown up on Social Distortion, Ness said dedicated their song “Prison Bound” to his son Julian.

Social Distortion ended their set with a “real Christmas song,” no “Jingle Bells sh*t” which ended up being Johnny Cash‘s “Ring Of Fire.” We’re not sure where the Christmas comes into that song, but as Ness said ever so eloquently: “Merry Christmas, Motherf**kers.” 

8:40pm

Sublime Lights Up The Stage With Rome

“Loving is what I got,” and by “I,” We mean the quintessential California reggae-funk band, Sublime with Rome. Soaking the weed-clouded audience with their groovy, lackadaisical reggae-tones, Sublime is one of those bands that typifies the Southern California vibe with songs like “Smoke Two Joints, “ “Garden Grove,” “Date Rape,” “Bad Fish,” and “Santeria.” 

Tonight was full of moving moments with Rome’s exclamation of “Rest In Peace, Bradley!,” his statement that ”a couple years ago, I moved to this city to be doing this…thank you Bud. Thank you Eric Wilson. And thank you Los Angeles  for being such an inspiring place to be,” and the breaking news tonight that this is the last show the band will play together as Bud goes forward on his adventure into fatherhood.

All which really does show that “life is short, so love the one you got.” 

Sublime with rome rocked it! #kroqxmas—
lauryn kline (@laurynnicoleee) December 11, 2011

8:23pm:

It seems a lot of people in the audience got inspired to “take their medicine” by the reggae-tones of Sublime with Rome.

Sublime* just came on and it smells like straight bud!!! #KROQXMAS—
Remo Popolizzio (@Remo182) December 11, 2011

8:20pm:

Kat's Big, Beautiful Hair

Nicole's Big Crimpin'

Lookin’ fab girls.

5 hours til rock n roll time. Gotta get my big hair ready. Watch Acoustic Christmas here: kroq.radio.com/kroq-almost-ac… #kroqxmas—
Kat Corbett (@KatCorbett) December 10, 2011

Acoustic Xmas Night 1…because crimping my entire head will NEVER get old. instagr.am/p/YcZHK/—
Nicole Alvarez (@Nicole1067) December 11, 2011

7:55pm

Bush's Gavin Rossdale Obviously Works Out

The minute Gavin Rossdale stood onstage, standing seductively in the purple-hazed spotlight during “Glycerine,” shredded t-shirt giving way to sweaty muscles, we guarantee multitudes of young women were texting their friends things like “Remember when I had that poster of Gavin Rossdale in my room in sixth grade? Still crushin’.”

London-formed alternative rock band, Bush, were one of the iconic bands to usher in the grunge era with songs like other songs like “Everything Zen” and “Machinehead.” As KROQ were huge supporters of Bush in their beginning, Rossdale gave a graceful shout-out to Kevin Weatherly, Lisa Worden, Jed the Fish, Kevin & Bean, Stryker and called this show the ultimate hometown show–especially since Rossdale lives “seven minutes away.” 

Some of the show highlights include Rossdale jumping into the pit, covered with ladies, and dancing through all of “Afterlife,” doing a sexy snippet of the Talking Heads‘ “Once In A Lifetime,” covering the Beatles‘ “Come Together,” and the audience singing a moving thirty-seconds of “Comedown.” 

Come Together @bushofficial @GavinRossdale #kroqxmas His hair is down! AND wet! lockerz.com/s/163873333—
FAVORITE GIRL (@StareAtMeJORDAN) December 11, 2011

7:31pm

Bush just did a sexy, sweaty slow jam in the middle of “Everything Zen” and Gavin sang the lyrics to “Once In A Lifetime” by the Talking Heads!

Oh, and now he’s in the crowd and his giant muscles are getting fondled by screaming hordes of women.

is gavin singing talking heads? ( #kroqxmas live at ustre.am/FxZr)—
lewis garcia (@lewis6arcia) December 11, 2011

7:19pm

Chevelle's Pete Loeffler Looks Festive In Lumberjack Plaid

The hard-rocking Chevelle definitely made a statement–by ostensibly crashing this computer when their huge sound made it vibrate off the ledge and crash to the floor. It was almost like a sign from the rock gods to stop typing and start paying attention.

Which we did and found an audience totally enthralled with this band that had once played Acoustic Christmas six years ago. The band played both older and new songs like “The Jars,” “Send The Pain Below” “The Red,” and “I Get It.”

6:52pm

Young The Giant's Sameer Gadhia Wants You To Rock The Eff Out

Literate, quirky indie rock band from Irvine, Young the Giant, showed off their giant sound on the “harder” night of KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. A lot of people wondered why such a decidedly indie band was playing such driving night, but Young The Giant showed them why with their deliriously lush wall of sound. 

With tambourine in hand, Sameer led his talented band through favorites like “Apartment, “ “Guns Out,” “Shake My Hand,” “Cough Syrup,” “Streetwalker,” and “My Body.” Lead singer Sameer wouldn’t let the audience get away with acting “indie,” calling out the audience members sitting in their seats with their “arms crossed” and emphasizing that this is a “rock concert” at which Blink-182 is going to play.

Take notes, kids. Young the Giant can hold their own among rock and punk giants with their newly-minted, albeit huge sound. 

@Youngthegiant just rocked our hearts out at #kroqxmas ! <3 amazing!—
stephanie ruvalcaba (@stephhybear) December 11, 2011

6:48pm:

Chevelle is making my laptop vibrate so hard I can barely type..fsdjfkldj…

Chevelle is killing it!!! #KROQXMAS—
Richard Soto (@richardsotoa) December 11, 2011

6:34pm

Last Sublime With Rome Show?!? WHAT!

Our heroes who spontaneously saved the day when Rome called in and offered to fill-in for the unfortunately sick Incubus, Sublime with Rome, just said in their interview outside that THIS IS THEIR LAST SHOW TOGETHER because drummer, Bud Gaugh, is having a kid.

WHAT? Say it isn’t so. This is a pretty epic show for goodbyes. But still.

Rudy, We Mean Psycho Mike, Makes An Appearance

Rudy a/k/a Psycho Mike sure picked a good time to crash the party.

6:29pm

Damn, Young The Giant is so effin’ amazing. Give it up to the local boys.

Sameer sure gets jiggy wit his tambourine @Youngthegiant #kroqxmas—
FAVORITE GIRL (@StareAtMeJORDAN) December 11, 2011

6:15pm

New Found Glory Got Our Chestnuts Roastin'

Explosive, entertaining, engaging: New Found Glory was the perfect jolt of pop-punk energy to wake up the dreamy, sleepy crowd wandering into the wintertime wonderland that is Acoustic Christmas.

Even though we were supposed to be intently live blogging, it was impossible not to “get up” and “jump” around when the Florida-bred boys commanded us to “jump” and “get up” while playing their high-energy tunes like “All Downhill From Here,” “Radiosurgery,” and “Don’t Let Her Pull Her Down”–which has a video featuring KROQ’s own Stryker.

The boys also dedicated their song “Hit Or Miss” to all the “old-school New Found Glory fans that came early to the show,” absolutely tore through an amazing cover of “Blitzkrieg Bop” by their punk rock icons, The Ramones, and even sang a politically-correct version of “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” (Hanukkah and Kwanzaa included) with their inflated back-up band, Saxophone Santa and the Ho Ho Ho’s.

6:10pm

Young The Giant looking pretty young and getting pretty giant…career-wise that is. But still humble enough to get some Christmastime joy from taking a jaunt on the Universal Studios Tram.

Young The Giant are a very "I wanna light up a cig and chill" kinda band. #kroqxmas—
Cesar Serrano (@cesarito12) December 11, 2011

6:03pm

Gavin Shows Us His Best JAZZ Hands

Back in Santa’s workshop i.e. interview land, Bush talked about the Bush Bash at Morongo and Daddy Gavin talked about how he brought his adorable progeny (with Gwen Stefani) into Social Distortion‘s dressing room.

Awww, so many musical generations of awesomeness.

5:54pm

YES, HEY HO HO HO LET’S GO! New Found Glory is ripping through the Ramones ”Blitzkrieg Bop!”

Nevermind, Chad says the backing band is actually called Saxophone Santa and the Ho Ho Ho’s. Why didn’t we think of that?

Live feed of #kroqxmas kroq.radio.com/kroq-almost-ac… NFG just started and Jordan is wearing a santa suit. HOTTEST SANTA EVER!—
Melissa Wesley (@melizawes) December 11, 2011

5:40pm

Right on time, Stryker just announced his buds, New Found Glory. They brought their Christmas back-up band onstage– The Over-Inflated Festive Foursome. To add to the holiday spirit, Jordan is dressed as Santa.

If you had the chance to sit on his lap and ask for a present, what would you ask for? Only if you’re naughty of course.

NEW FOUND GLORY!! Woop woop! #KROQXMAS—
Syahadat M. Fakhry (@himynameisdath) December 11, 2011

5:30pm:

Bean interviewing Chevelle

Ran outside to check out Chevelle interview with Bean, bean the magical…oh, you know. The band talked about their new album and Bean’s favorite song, “Ruse.”

Ruse which could be defined as in the wool Bean would have had to pull over his wife’s eyes in order to not get in trouble for bidding $7000 for a date in New York with We Bought A Zoo starlet, Scarlett Johansson.

5:00pm:

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2011…So far we’ve seen Gavin Rossdale of Bush playing with his child and ran into Chad from New Found Glory backstage whilst he was in the middle of live tweeting! Check back at @kroq and @xchadballx for Twitter updates from the madness.

Hey @newfoundglory took over the @kroq twitter account tonight! Follow @KROQ to see what's going down!—
Chad Gilbert of NFG (@XChadballX) December 11, 2011

Dat shh cray! #kroqxmas lockerz.com/s/163820614—
KROQ (@kroq) December 11, 2011

Photos by Alex Rauch / @deadspacebeyond

Photos from around the Gibson Amphitheatre as we prepare for the 22nd Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas. Photos by Cody Black.