X Dazzles LA Crowd on Night One of Two, On Their Final Smoke & Fiction Tour 2024

Gallery & Review by Caitlin Schmidt

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Los Angeles punk rock legends X ignited The Regent Theater in DTLA on Friday, July 25th, with the first of their two back-to-back, sold-out shows. With the original lineup still intact after 46 years—Exene Cervenka on vocals, John Doe on vocals and bass, Billy Zoom on guitar, and DJ Bonebrake on drums—it was no surprise that they hit the mark song after song.

The Regent was packed with fans of all ages, eagerly anticipating what might be the last X show they’ll ever see. For me, it was also my first. The atmosphere was both electric and comforting, and despite the tight quarters, the energy was more intimate and upbeat than crowded. A strong sense of camaraderie began to build among die-hard fans who have followed the band since their humble beginnings in 1977.

The band kicked off the night with “Beyond and Back” from their second studio album, Wild Gift. This instant crowd-pleaser set the tone for the evening. They seamlessly moved through classics like “Nausea” and “Los Angeles” from their debut album Los Angeles, to later tracks like “Water and Wine” from their eighth studio album, Alphabetland. We were even treated to their latest masterpiece, “Smoke & Fiction,” from their newest and final album of the same name.

Towards the end of the evening, just before the encore, John and Exene took to the stage solo, and performed an acoustic duet of “See How We Are.” A wave of calmness and sorrow swept through the crowd as we silently absorbed every powerful word. This beautifully sentimental moment will not soon be forgotten.

The night concluded with the band’s final two songs, both covers—Chip Taylor’s “Wild Thing” and The Doors' “Soul Kitchen.” It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening. With deep gratitude, the band left stage, leaving us all with cherished memories.