Lords Of Acid Drop Beats And Bops At Varsity
A wild night ahead at Varsity, five acts would take the stage. Little did I know how much fun and pure joy would be channeled on a chilly Tuesday in May.
Was in the mood for some pizza before, so scored a free parking spot in the Dinky Town neighborhood thankfully before popping into Frank And Andrea’s before doors. Just across the street from Varsity, they have tasty looking cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and pizza to pick from. Snagged a slice of pepperoni for about $6 after tax, was very tasty. Highly recommend if you need an affordable bite before a show (or after! They are open till 2AM during the week and a shocking 3AM on weekends.)
Mz Neon was opening up the night, and they did so with a bang.
Sultry and sexy, corsetted and painted for the Gods, California based Mz Neon brought the high toned energy right away. Slinking around the stage while wielding a long red whip to command every eyeball in the crowd was a fantastic way to start the show. Very catchy beats and a vaultful beautiful voice? Don’t need anything else but that. The femme fatale had all the vibes right throughout their brief but thrilling set. Excited to see them again, Mz Neon won everyone over and made a lot of new fans, myself included. Have had their song “Straight To Hell” in my head ever since, catch myself singing it under my breath as I type this.
Tony And The Kiki is the duo to watch. Singer Anthony “Tony” Alfaro and keyboardist/singer Rodney Bush are the moment. Their chemistry is undeniable, and after every song, had me mothing “wow” to fellow members of the audience. Channeling old school glam with funk and disco, the songs are immediately compelling. Feeling right at home in Minneapolis, Tony told the crowd that they were in spired by Prince And The Revolution for their namesake while donning in a shiny violet fringe corset, the homage was definitely adhered to. Kiki also had some bedazzled aspects, his keyboard was encrusted with glittering rhinestones to assure no light when to waste.
With echoes of Freddy Mercury from moustache to anthem arena-ready trills, Tony has the sauce. And I want an extra heaping ladle of it pronto.
Little did I know at the time, this wouldn’t be the last moment of the night we’d be witnessing their masterful abilities.
Princess Superstar was a treat to see live. Having one of the best earworms in the game, “Perfect” was her opening song as well as the closer. Didn’t mind at all, it’s a certified banger. She had a few outfit changes throughout her set. Pink latex onesie, monster big giant neon green faux fur coat, cheerleader outfit with the pom poms. This show is proving to have some of the best dressed acts of the year so far. The crowd was a little mild at first, but got into the dancing mode a few tracks in. The cash cannon spewed fake fifty dollar bills into the audience, security grabbed me and my fellow photographer one to keep. They are very convincing until you spy “TEACHING CHILDREN MONEY” on the front facade. Short but sweet, enjoyed hearing “Licky” and “Bad Babysitter” (love how Princess Superstar pronounces “showaaaaah.) What a trip back down memory lane. Still sounds as good as ever, also with oodles of energy.
Wasn’t sure how Dead On A Sunday would translate onto stage, since mostly have listened to more chill tracks by them. My typical genre to see in concert is more boisterous and amped, but really enjoyed the soft ballads and synthy tones DOAS has. The dark punk and emo vibe was great, Ross Ryan has the perfect voice for it. Also has some fantastic facial movements while singer, really entertaining to watch. Covers are some of my most juicy guilty pleasures, and dang, Dead On A Sunday did a sick one, and expertly executed it. “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus is one of those legendary songs everyone loves. Oh you don’t? Sorry, you’re wrong. Whether a “Silence Of The Lambs” cinephile or just a person who enjoys chillax vibes, one of the best songs of the late 80s that isn’t just one phrase repeated (though the chorus is loved hard in it.) Hearing it presented in 2026 like it leapt out of vibes long thought lost was amazing.
Time for Lords Of Acid! Started back in 1988 in Belgium, these guys have had their fair share of shows and changes throughout the years. Having been a fan for literal decades, many times my mother closing my bedroom door to avoid listening to their saucy lyrics, was so so ready for them to hit the stage.
A succulent blend of house and techno, the venue was quickly filled with hands in the air and bodies moving to the music. OG members Praga Khan on keyboard and Olivier Adams excellent mastering, but someone new was in the crew. Formerly from Butcher Babies, Carla Harvey is the new singer for Lords Of Acid. Starting off a new tour, of course named “Cheeky Freaky,” with a new vocalist shouldn’t be this seamless. But it was. Her energy matches the rest of the band perfectly. Not only is she lovely just to watch her on stage (she’s definitely easy on the eyes) but she can command an audience to her bidding along with belting every word perfectly. Completing an excellent crowd walk, then hopping on someone’s shoulders to give the rest of the venue a front row seat to fun. She made a quick loop throughout the Varsity floor to everyone’s delight. Bassist DieTrich Thrall is effortlessly so cool, watching him strum and find the light in every angle with collection and calmness is a fun contrast from the bouncing beats.
Tony from Tony And The Kiki came on stage for a collaboration song, hope they make a whole album together. Ahhhh so good.
Can’t believe I waited this long to see Lords Of Acid. They were the blissful break everyone needs in their life.
