Goldfinger returned to The NorVa in Norfolk, VA, in December 2025 with a setlist that promised pure ska-punk and punk rock chaos, and they delivered every single note with precision, energy, and charisma. From the moment the “Intro” hit, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and it only intensified as the opening chords of “Get Up” erupted through the venue. Longtime fans packed the floor and balconies, ready to relive the band’s anthems, while newcomers quickly got swept up in the unrelenting momentum of the night.
Launching into “Get Up” was the perfect way to start the show. The driving guitars, punchy bass, and explosive drums immediately set the tone for the evening, and John Feldmann’s commanding stage presence made it impossible not to be drawn into the chaos. The audience responded instantly, fists pumping in the air, voices singing along, and a pit forming almost immediately in the center of the floor. Goldfinger thrives in this kind of environment—where audience and band feed off each other—and The NorVa became a perfect arena for that energy to explode.
“Spokesman” and “Counting The Days” followed, each track ratcheting up the intensity. Feldmann’s vocals soared over tight guitar riffs, punctuated by punchy bass lines and drums that hit with surgical precision. The crowd sang along word for word, and the energy in the venue was palpable. By the time “Freaking Out A Bit” came around, the pit was in full swing, a whirlwind of movement and chaos that matched the music’s relentless pace. Goldfinger has always had a knack for creating an immersive experience, and here, every fan was part of the show.
One of the standout moments of the evening was “Here In Your Bedroom,” a classic that has been a fan favorite for decades. As soon as those iconic chords rang out, the crowd erupted in a wave of singing and cheering, arms waving, bodies bouncing, and fists punching the air. It’s one of those songs that transcends the stage, pulling the audience into a shared nostalgia that spans generations. The band’s performance was tight and energetic, with Feldmann’s vocals carrying the emotion of the track perfectly, while the guitar and rhythm sections locked in to create a powerful, unified sound.
The mid-set portion, featuring “Get What I Need” and “Just Like Heaven,” provided a slight change of pace without losing momentum. These tracks highlighted the band’s ability to mix high-energy punk with catchy melodic hooks, allowing the crowd to catch their breath just enough to prepare for the next surge of chaos. The musicianship was impeccable, with each member contributing to the collective force of the performance, creating a live sound that felt both polished and explosive.
As the set progressed into “A Million Miles” and “Tijuana Sunrise,” the energy in the room was electric. Fans were singing along to every lyric, dancing, and jumping in unison, creating a communal frenzy that perfectly matched the band’s intensity. The songs showcased Goldfinger’s signature ska-punk sound, with tight brass-influenced guitar lines and rhythmic grooves that made it impossible to stay still. Feldmann’s interaction with the crowd—pointing, smiling, and encouraging sing-alongs—added an extra layer of intimacy, making each fan feel like they were part of the performance.
The addition of guest vocalist Justin Malek for “Open Your Eyes” and “Linoleum” brought a fresh dynamic to the night. Malek’s presence added new textures to the songs while seamlessly integrating with the band’s established sound. The audience responded enthusiastically, singing along to both tracks and feeding the band with energy that elevated the performance. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why Goldfinger remains a staple of punk and ska music decades into their career—they know how to innovate live without losing their essence.
“Mable” and “Superman” closed out the main set with high-octane intensity. “Mable” had fans jumping and moshing to the infectious rhythms, while “Superman” turned the venue into one massive sing-along. These songs, in particular, demonstrated the band’s ability to keep momentum high throughout the night, balancing technical musicianship with the raw energy that punk and ska audiences crave. By the time the main set concluded, the crowd was drenched in sweat, exhilarated, and fully immersed in the shared euphoria of the performance.
The encore added a playful and festive touch to the evening. Starting with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” the band injected humor and seasonal cheer into the high-energy performance. Fans cheered and sang along, showing that Goldfinger thrives not only on their signature punk energy but also on connecting with the audience in a fun, personal way. “Chasing Amy” followed, bringing back the aggressive punch and sing-along hooks that have defined the band’s live shows for years. “Miles Away” added a melodic contrast while keeping the energy up, and the show reached its climax with the iconic “99 Red Balloons,” leaving the crowd in euphoric chaos.
What makes Goldfinger’s live performances so memorable is their combination of technical skill, energy, and crowd interaction. Every member of the band is a powerhouse on stage, yet the performance never feels overproduced or mechanical. The pit, the sing-alongs, and Feldmann’s engagement with the audience create a feedback loop of energy, where band and fans are equally responsible for the show’s intensity. The NorVa’s intimate yet spacious layout only enhanced this experience, allowing fans to feel close to the action while giving enough room for safe moshing and movement.
Throughout the night, it was clear that Goldfinger thrives on the live environment. Each song had a purpose, whether to incite chaos, encourage sing-alongs, or showcase musicianship. The transitions between songs were smooth, maintaining momentum without losing the audience’s engagement. By blending classics, fan favorites, and collaborative performances, Goldfinger crafted a setlist that felt both nostalgic and fresh, keeping fans of all ages enthralled from start to finish.
The NorVa itself proved to be the perfect venue for a show like this. Its acoustics allowed the sharp guitar riffs, driving bass, and precise drum work to hit with clarity, while the intimate design let the audience feel connected to the performance. Fans packed the floor and balconies, creating a shared energy that felt electric, a communal celebration of music, movement, and punk spirit. The crowd fed off the band’s energy, and the band fed off the crowd’s, creating a symbiotic relationship that defined the night.
By the final notes of “99 Red Balloons,” the audience was exhilarated, breathless, and shouting for more. Goldfinger had delivered a masterclass in ska-punk performance, blending decades of experience with relentless energy and audience engagement. The show was a testament to why the band remains a cornerstone of punk and ska music, and why fans continue to flock to their live performances year after year.
Setlist:
Intro
Get Up
Spokesman
Counting The Days
Freaking Out A Bit
Here In Your Bedroom
Get What I Need
Just Like Heaven
A Million Miles
Tijuana Sunrise
Open Your Eyes (ft. Justin Malek)
Linoleum (ft. Justin Malek)
Mable
Superman
Encore:
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
Chasing Amy
Miles Away
99 Red Balloons
Goldfinger at The NorVa in December 2025 was a night of high-energy ska-punk, nostalgic anthems, and interactive chaos. From start to finish, the band captivated the audience with precision, charisma, and relentless intensity, leaving fans buzzing long after the final chord and reaffirming their status as one of punk’s most enduring and electrifying live acts.