originally published: 05/28/2023
Photo by Casey Pinckard
Santa Barbara, CA's Versus The World have released their Cameron Webb-produced album “The Bastards Live Forever” via SBÄM Records. A post-punk unit from Santa Barbara, California featuring members of Lagwagon and Good Riddance, Versus the World issued its eponymous debut album in 2005 on Kung Fu Records. Drawing from their dense pedigree the band blends elements of pop-punk, melodic post-hardcore and troubadour-style vocals by founding frontman Donald Spence.
You can stream the album online here.
Of the album, singer Donald Spence says, "I can’t tell you how much work went into this collection of songs. I’d always been taught that if what you were working on wasn’t (what you thought) was your best... start over. Never put anything into the world that you were not absolutely sure of."
"The Bastards Live Forever" consists of 11 songs crafted to perfection. VTW's unique style of melodic post-punk elevates every member's skill from their other projects including Chris Flippin of Lagwagon. Obviously, Versus The World is not all about musical craft but you can hear a passion and an urge to scream out deeply rooted feelings in every syllable throughout the record.
Versus the World has toured extensively worldwide on subsequent releases Drink.Sing.Live.Love (2012) and Homesick/Roadsick (2015) in support of bands such as No Use for a Name, The Ataris, Lagwagon and MxPx. In 2021 the band teamed up with producer Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Megadeth) to make 'The Bastards Live Forever' which is due out in May 2023 on SBÄM Records.
West Coast Shows:
June 16 - Long Beach @ Supply and Demand w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death
June 17 - Los Angeles @ Permanent Records Roadhouse w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death
July 7 - Portland @ Dante’s w/ Diesel Boy
July 8 - Seattle @ El Corazon w/ Diesel Boy
Versus The World will be on tour in Europe this summer.
28.07. Berlin @ Wild At Heart
29.07. Hohenstaufen @ Vert Rock w/ Urethane
30.07. tbc
01.08. Erfurt @ Tiko w/ Urethane
02.08. Brussels @ Le Lac
03.08. Wermelskirchen @ AJZ w/ Authority Zero & Cigar
04.08. tbc
05.08. Duffel, B @ Brakrock
06.08. Düsseldorf, D @ Pitcher w/ Diesel Boy
08.08. Stuttgart @ Im Wizemann w/ Pennywise
09.08. Vienna, AUT @ Rhiz w/ Diesel Boy
10.08. Tolmin, SLO @ Punkrock Holiday
11.08. Bologna, ITA @ Freakout Club
12.08. Rimini, ITA @ Bayfest
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 27 to February 2, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 27 to February 2, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
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The Newton Theatre presents Dar Williams
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Dar Williams comes to The Newton Theatre on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. She's touring in support of her 13th album, Hummingbird Highway, which was released in September 2025.
The Landis Theater presents BOSTYX - The Ultimate Boston & STYX Tribute Band on Friday
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Born This Way - A Lady Gaga Tribute show on Thursday
ParkStage announces first concerts: Sublime, The Head and The Heart, and The B-52s
McCarter Theatre presents Lucius - A History Worth Repeating
The Penguin Rocks
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