Live Shows: Wheatus | Los Angeles, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Echo - April 4, 2025
On the night of April 4th, I had the opportunity to see the New York band Wheatus (best known for their hit song Teenage Dirtbag) live in concert at The Echo on Sunset Boulevard for their 25th Anniversary tour. From the moment they stepped on stage, the energy in the room was undeniable—both nostalgia and pure joy. Whether you grew up with their music or just discovered them, this show was a celebration of everything that’s kept Wheatus alive for two and a half decades: heart, humor, and an unshakable connection with their fans.
The night began with the first of two opening acts, an LA-based band by the name of Chemical Therapy. A group of very confident and animated performers, the rapidly-filling audience couldn’t resist feeding off their energy.
Following Chemical Therapy was a fellow Los Angeles act, a singer with a powerful voice by the name of Talker who brought an emotional and introspective sound that was a very clear shift from the loud, high-octane energy that came before. A change in pace that still hit just as hard and thoroughly engaged everyone in attendance. Seeing the city’s musical diversity on display is one of my favorite things about photographing concerts, and this lineup did exactly that.
When Wheatus finally arrived, their show kicked off with their song A Little Respect, picked on the spot by frontman Brendan B. Brown after asking the crowd what they wanted to hear. Fans screamed their picks without hesitation, fully locked in and ready to shape the night themselves. “This is how we do it, we have no setlist,” Brendan said with a grin, giving the whole night a spontaneous energy that made everyone feel like part of the band’s world.
For fans of Wheatus, this wasn’t just a throwback night or another show to have a drink at; this meant something to people. You could tell that numerous audience members had waited years to get the chance to see their favorite Wheatus songs performed live, and that’s what makes the best concerts. Not just the music, but the connection you make with the artist/band when you get to see them perform in person.
Of course, a Wheatus concert would be incomplete without their 2000 smash hit “Teenage Dirtbag.” As soon as that drum beat with the scratches we all know and love came on, the crowd was ecstatic. Phones started coming out, the voices of fans filled the room singing along, and everyone at The Echo (including myself) was thirteen again–loud, angsty, and loving every second of it. In conclusion, Wheatus’ stop in LA for their 25th Anniversary Tour was an amazing experience that blew me away. The band made a very special connection with their audience and put on an incredible performance that we’ll never forget.
