Rock Revolution in Golden Gate Park: A night of electrifying debuts | Music in SF®

Golden Gate Park is no stranger to legendary music festivals, but last night marked the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history. In the wake of Outside Lands, the park hosted an inaugural rock concert that electrified San Francisco like never before. Promising an eclectic mix of genres and energy, the lineup – including VOWWS, Viagra Boys, Deftones, The Mars Volta and System of a Down – exceeded all expectations.

The evening began with VOWWS, an Australian duo known for their dark wave and industrial sound. Their set was a moody, atmospheric opener that set the tone for what was to come. With dark synths and haunting vocals, they created a cinematic experience that felt like the calm before the storm. As the crowd trickled in, those in attendance were clearly enchanted by VOWWS’ unique blend of post-punk and electronic music. Their performance was a slow start that gradually drew the audience into their world, echoing in the cool San Francisco air.

Next up were the Viagra Boys, the Swedish post-punk band who made waves with their raw, unfiltered energy. From the moment they took the stage, the mood went from introspective to chaotic in the best way possible. Frontman Sebastian Murphy, shirtless, tattooed and brimming with confidence, commanded the stage with a punk rock bravura that was both reckless and magnetic. Their set was a frenetic explosion of sound, with tracks like “Sports” and “Punk Rock Loser” sending the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s mix of humor and intensity made for a wild ride that left the audience breathless and ready for more.

As the sun went down, Deftones took the stage and the atmosphere was electric. The Sacramento-based band members are veterans of the alternative metal scene and their experience was evident in every note. Chino Moreno’s ethereal vocals combined with the band’s powerful instrumentation created a soundscape that was both heavy and beautiful. With “Be Quiet and Drive” as the opening song, Deftones immediately had the crowd in their hands. The energy only increased with hits like “Change (In the House of Flies)” and “My Own Summer (Shove It)”, proving that Deftones are still masters at combining aggression with emotion.

The Mars Volta followed, bringing a dose of progressive rock to the evening. Known for their complex compositions and virtuoso musicianship, the band delivered a set that was both intellectually stimulating and sonically overwhelming. Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s frenetic stage presence, coupled with Omar Rodríguez-López’s sophisticated guitar work, made for a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Tracks like “L’Via L’Viaquez” and “Roulette Dares” showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend genres from jazz to punk to Latin music, all within the framework of rock.

Finally, System of a Down closed the night with a set that can only be described as explosive. The Armenian-American band has always been known for their politically charged lyrics and genre-bending sound, and they did not disappoint. With “Genocidal Humanoidz,” a first-time opening number, they immediately set the tone for a performance that was both intense and thought-provoking. Serj Tankian’s powerful vocals combined with the band’s aggressive riffs and complex rhythms created a cathartic experience for the crowd. Hits like “Chop Suey!” and “Toxicity” got the entire crowd singing along, creating a sense of unity that only live music can achieve.

Photos by Louis Raphael