HOT WATER MUSIC

Hot Water Music, the legendary punk rock band hailing from Gainesville, Florida, is thrilled to announce their momentous 30-year anniversary tour to mark an incredible milestone. Since their formation in 1994, the band has been a driving force in the punk rock scene, captivating fans worldwide with their raw energy and heartfelt lyrics.

This three-decade celebration promises to be a landmark event for both the band and their devoted fanbase. Hot Water Music has built a legacy as one of the most influential bands in the punk rock genre, and this tour is a testament to their enduring passion for music.

“We are humbled and thrilled to have reached this incredible milestone of 30 years together,” say the band. “Our fans have been with us through thick and thin, and this tour is our way of saying thank you for all the love and support over the years. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!”

In 2017, Hot Water Music vocalist/guitarist Chris Wollard stepped away from playing live with the band in order to focus on his mental health. While the other members –Chuck Ragan (vocals/guitar), Jason Black (bass) and George Rebelo (drums) – understood and supported his decision, it did nevertheless bring the future of the band into question. After a chance encounter between Rebelo and The Flatliners’ Chris Cresswell, Cresswell ended up stepping into Wollard’s shoes for a performance at The Fest that year, which would eventually lead to him becoming a permanent member (with Wollard continuing to record with the band).

Recorded at Black Bear Studios in Gainesville, FL, the band’s latest album Feel The Void (2022) marked the return of producer Brian McTernan, who worked with the band on 2001’s A Flight And A Crash, 2002’s Caution and 2004’s The New What Next, often thought of as Hot Water Music’s classic period. From the moment the dark, portentous intensity of 'Another Breath' kicks the record off, it’s clear that this is a band at the peak of their powers. McTernan’s involvement was incredibly instrumental in channeling that spirit and energy – the intense urgency of 'Killing Time', 'Newtown Scraper' and 'Scratch On,' the nervous but positive emotional energy of 'Hearts Stay Full' and the title track, the soaring chorus of 'The Weeds,' the surging, powerful roar of closer 'Lock Up.'

Feel The Void also found Wollard and Ragan singing dual vocals again – and to devastating effect – something that should definitely please longtime fans of the band. Ultimately, it’s a spirit of perseverance, defiance and hope that defines this record, and which also demonstrates how steadfast Hot Water Music has remained in its beliefs and ideas. The world might have changed drastically in the past 25 or so years, but the reason why the band makes music has remained exactly the same as it ever was. What’s more, the music is just as powerful, vital and full of meaning, and just as effective at counteracting the emptiness, pain and suffering that, sadly, is an inherent part of life.