Skegss Kick Off U.S. Tour, Bringing Positivity to SOMA San Diego

SAN DIEGO — As the first stop on the U.S. leg of their tour, Skegss delivered a warm and energetic performance for fans at SOMA San Diego on Feb. 25.

From wavy-haired headbangers to vest-wearing swayers, the buzzed San Diego crowd embraced the Australian alternative rock band's performance.

Ben Reed of Skegss opens the night with “Valhalla” at the SOMA’s mainstage on February 25, 2025 in San Diego. (Katie Flores)

The lights went black at 9:45 p.m. as “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes played, with the crowd singing along. Three men—two wearing flatbacks and one a baseball cap—walked onstage with calm demeanors and smiles. As “Valhalla” started playing, the U.S. officially welcomed Skegss.

Consistent crowd surfing and jumping filled the venue’s main stage throughout the show, with fans singing along most to songs like “Up in the Clouds,” “LSD,” “Got on My Skateboard,” “Spring Has Sprung,” and “Stranger Days.”

Lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Reed smiled as he made direct eye contact with the audience, his expression almost proud as he watched fans dance, hug, and bask in the warmth of the stage lights.

After playing an unreleased single and seeing the crowd’s positive response, he leaned into the microphone and, in his raspy Australian accent, said, “You guys are alright.”

Ben Reed of Skegss sings to the crowd at the SOMA on February 25, 2025 in San Diego. (Katie Flores)

The band also features drummer Jonny Lani and a newly added guitarist and bassist who joined them for the tour.

Skegss’ style leans indie, blending elements of surf rock and other subgenres, while delivering refreshing, feel-good messages. Their lyrics and calming nature highlight positivity and growth, with each song boasting a catchy, singalong quality.

On their latest album, Pacific Highway, standout tracks like “High Beaming,” “Stuck in Cheyenne,” and “Out of My Head” offer compelling stories and lighthearted messages.

San Diegan concertgoers showcased notable fashion choices that meshed with the music. Butterfly bangs and jorts were visible from any angle, alongside knitted clothing, Vans and Docs, newsboy hats, beanies, and, of course, plenty of denim.

Between sets, longtime fan Julia Dinerman, who has followed the band for six years, shared her connection to their music. Her favorite song is “Heart Attack,” and she said she would cry if they played it.

The Mainliners open the stage for Skegss at the SOMA on February 25, 2025 in San Diego. (Katie Flores)

“It’s just so powerful and awesome, and it makes me feel all of my emotions,” she said. “I just feel like I connect to it the most with my six-years-ago self.”

Openers The Mainliners and Metal Neck complemented Skegss with high-energy performances.

Playing their first-ever gig, Metal Neck kicked off the night at 8:09 p.m., with their English lead singer ripping the bass to a funky tune. Just three weeks old as a band, they mixed hard rock with funk and played a few original songs, even naming one on the spot.

The Mainliners took the stage next, greeted by a group making monkey noises, and got the pit rolling from their first song with a 2000s punk rock sound. Vocalist Cash Mathieu pranced around the stage with a boastful demeanor, sunglasses shielding his eyes as he sang with the voice of an angry, rebellious teen.

Skegss perform their song “High Beaming” at the SOMA on February 25, 2025 in San Diego. (Katie Flores)

When asked about the sunglasses, he said, “’Cause it's bright out there, and it's easy to hide behind the glasses.”

Both bold acts reflected The Skegss' eclectic style and set the stage for the rest of the night. 

As the night wrapped up, Reed chugged a Modelo before finishing with “Stranger Days.” A sense of refreshing positivity lingered as the band and crowd fed off each other, singing the lyrics: “The highs and the lows will come and go, and may your dreams never die.”

On his way out, attendee Rory Edelbrock reflected on the experience.

“San Diego needs more music like this; it gets people dancing,” he said.

Written By Erin Seitzler

Photography By Katie Flores

Skegss perform at SOMA’s mainstage on February 25, 2025 in San Diego. (Katie Flores)