Published by New Jersey Stage
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
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.
MORE NEWS
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
UPCOMING SHOWS
2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.
MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview
West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series
Jersey Arts Podcast: Jorma Kaukonen and Hot Tuna Bring New Tour to New Jersey
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