I walked into the House of Blues in Anaheim on a February evening in 2025 with no real expectations other than a casual night out, but Goldfinger had other plans for the audience. From the moment the lights dimmed and the familiar strains of John Williams’ “Theme from Superman” played as an intro to “Get Up,” the energy in the room shifted. The crowd surged forward instinctively, phones raised, fists pumping, and the band launched into one of their most iconic songs with a precision and raw energy that immediately erased any trace of casualness from the night. “Get Up” set the tone for the rest of the evening, a track that blends the familiar ska-punk rhythms Goldfinger is known for with that unmistakable punch of adrenaline, and the audience was hooked from the first note.
“Counting the Days” came next, and its driving beat, crisp guitar riffs, and punchy brass sections made it impossible not to bounce along. The vocals were tight, clean, and delivered with the type of urgency that only live performance can truly convey. Watching the crowd respond was like seeing a wave ripple through the audience, the energy contagious and escalating with every chorus. Goldfinger has always excelled at creating a communal experience in their shows, and songs like this make it clear why.
“Spokesman” hit the stage next, bringing the mix of punk aggression and ska bounce that has defined the band for decades. The track was tight, the horns sharp and bright, and the guitars provided that punchy rhythmic backbone that has become a signature of their sound. Even in a venue as intimate as the House of Blues, the band commanded the stage effortlessly, moving with a confidence that made it impossible to look away. Fans sang along, knew every lyric, and joined in on the shout-along moments, making it immediately apparent that this was more than a nostalgia trip—it was a fully engaged, living, breathing celebration of Goldfinger’s music.
“Wallflower” followed, and it brought a slightly more introspective mood to the set without losing the edge. The song’s melodic lines and poignant lyrics created a contrast to the high-octane tracks that preceded it, allowing the audience a brief but meaningful breather while still remaining captivated. The dynamics of the band were on full display here, showing how they can transition between full-on punk energy and more emotionally resonant moments seamlessly.
“A Million Miles” and “My Head” brought the audience right back into full-on high energy. The fast tempos, sharp guitar riffs, and signature ska-infused rhythms made the crowd move in unison, bouncing and clapping to the beat. It was one of those moments where the room feels like a living entity, with the audience and band feeding off each other. Vocal harmonies were tight, brass accents punctuated the arrangements perfectly, and every instrumentalist was locked in, making the songs feel as fresh and exciting as the day they were written.
By the time “Here in Your Bedroom” came on, the energy had reached a fever pitch. Fans sang along with almost every word, a mix of nostalgia and sheer excitement carrying through the room. Goldfinger’s performance was tight, precise, and yet still full of spontaneity, allowing for small improvisational moments that kept it from feeling like a rigid replay of a studio recording. The crowd responded instantly to every cue, creating a wave of collective energy that filled the House of Blues from front to back.
“Tijuana Sunrise” brought a slightly more reflective tone but kept the rhythmic intensity alive. Its melodic horn lines and guitar work were intricate but never overshadowed the driving beat. The audience was engaged, nodding along and reacting to the lyrical storytelling, proving that Goldfinger’s songs work on multiple levels—they entertain, provoke emotion, and demand attention simultaneously.
The band then shifted gears into something unexpected but perfectly executed: a cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” The audience’s reaction was instantaneous and enthusiastic. Goldfinger’s version kept the song’s dreamy quality intact while injecting their own punk energy, creating a bridge between two very different musical worlds that somehow felt completely natural. This cover, layered seamlessly into the set, reminded everyone present why Goldfinger has always been more than just a ska-punk band—they are adept at taking unexpected risks and making them feel entirely their own.
“Open Your Eyes,” featuring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills and El Hefe of NOFX, brought a collaborative energy to the stage that elevated the night further. The chemistry between the performers was palpable, the vocals interweaving flawlessly, and the crowd responded to the unique combination with unrestrained enthusiasm. The addition of guest artists throughout the night gave certain songs a fresh feel, turning familiar tracks into once-in-a-lifetime moments.
“Linoleum,” a NOFX cover performed with El Hefe and Spencer Charnas, was another highlight. The song had an infectious energy, with the crowd instantly recognizing the iconic riff and joining in on every shout and chorus. It was one of those rare moments in a live show where the audience is fully aware of the history behind a song and participates as both fans and co-performers, creating a sense of community that transcends mere observation.
“Mable” was particularly heartwarming, with kids joining the band on stage. Their energy and enthusiasm amplified the crowd’s excitement, reminding everyone that Goldfinger’s music spans generations and continues to inspire young fans. The inclusion of younger performers added a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability, making it clear that Goldfinger thrives on connection and interaction.
Of course, “Superman” delivered exactly what fans came to hear—its instantly recognizable riff, driving beat, and uplifting chorus had the entire venue singing along. It’s a song that has endured for decades for a reason, and hearing it live was a reminder of Goldfinger’s ability to create timeless anthems that never lose their impact. The energy in the room was electric, and the band’s performance didn’t just meet expectations—it exceeded them, leaving everyone in the crowd fully engaged and exhilarated.
The encore kicked off with a Metallica cover, “Enter Sandman,” featuring Joe Manganiello. The transformation from ska-punk to heavy metal was seamless, and the crowd reacted with unrestrained excitement. The performance was tight, high-energy, and showcased Goldfinger’s versatility as a live band, capable of delivering a wide range of musical styles without losing cohesion or identity.
Following that, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” provided a fun, unexpected twist, demonstrating the band’s sense of humor and willingness to engage in playful performance moments. It was a brief, lighthearted interlude that highlighted the band’s theatrical instincts and kept the audience fully entertained.
The final songs, “20¢ Goodbye,” “Miles Away,” and “99 Red Balloons,” closed the night with a mix of nostalgia, emotion, and energy. Fans sang along with everything from the heartfelt lines to the iconic hooks, leaving the venue buzzing with the thrill of having experienced a set that balanced precision, chaos, humor, and genuine connection. The entire performance reinforced why Goldfinger remains such a beloved live act—their ability to blend musicianship with audience interaction and stage charisma is unparalleled.
Throughout the night, Goldfinger’s stage presence was magnetic. Each member contributed to both the music and the visual energy, moving with confidence and charm while executing intricate musical parts flawlessly. The interplay between instruments, vocals, and brass sections was tight and professional, yet never felt stiff or rehearsed. Every song had moments of spontaneity, whether in vocal improvisations, audience interaction, or instrumental flourishes, making the show feel alive and immediate.
The House of Blues itself was the perfect venue for this performance—intimate enough that you could see the smiles, nods, and energy of the band up close, but large enough to accommodate a crowd fully engaged in the performance. The acoustics and lighting were excellent, supporting the show without overwhelming it. Spotlights highlighted moments of performance, while subtle lighting changes accentuated dynamic shifts in songs, enhancing the visual and auditory experience.
Goldfinger’s ability to interact with the audience was remarkable. Throughout the set, the band engaged the crowd with call-and-response sections, sing-alongs, and direct acknowledgment. Fans of all ages participated enthusiastically, from longtime devotees who have followed the band for decades to younger listeners experiencing the music live for the first time. The dynamic between band and audience created a sense of shared celebration, making everyone feel like part of the performance rather than mere spectators.
The setlist was expertly curated, balancing high-energy hits, fan favorites, rare covers, and collaborative surprises. Opening with “Get Up” set an immediate tone of excitement, while mid-set tracks like “Here in Your Bedroom” and “Tijuana Sunrise” allowed for brief moments of reflection without losing momentum. Covers like “Just Like Heaven” and “Linoleum” added variety and unexpected delight, while collaborations with Spencer Charnas, El Hefe, and Joe Manganiello elevated the energy and excitement further. Ending with “99 Red Balloons” was both nostalgic and satisfying, leaving the audience buzzing with energy and joy.
Musically, the performance was impeccable. The blend of guitars, bass, drums, and brass was perfectly balanced, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing others. Vocals were clear, dynamic, and expressive, while the band’s timing and precision ensured that even complex arrangements landed flawlessly. The combination of technical skill and live spontaneity kept every song fresh and engaging, demonstrating why Goldfinger’s live shows remain highly regarded and consistently thrilling.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Goldfinger had delivered a performance that exceeded expectations. What began as a casual, almost accidental evening transformed into an unforgettable experience filled with high-energy punk, ska, emotional resonance, unexpected collaborations, and audience participation. Fans left buzzing with excitement, discussing favorite moments, and reliving iconic songs, a testament to Goldfinger’s enduring appeal and their ability to create live shows that are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.
Setlist:
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Get Up (John Williams’ “Theme from Superman” intro)
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Counting the Days
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Spokesman
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Wallflower
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A Million Miles
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My Head
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Here in Your Bedroom
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Tijuana Sunrise
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Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover)
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Open Your Eyes (with Spencer Charnas & El Hefe)
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Linoleum (NOFX cover) (with El Hefe & Spencer Charnas)
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Mable (with kids on stage)
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Superman
Encore: -
Enter Sandman (Metallica cover) (with Joe Manganiello)
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Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (Harry Reser and His Orchestra cover)
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20¢ Goodbye
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Miles Away
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99 Red Balloons
Goldfinger’s night at the House of Blues was a masterclass in live performance, blending tight musicianship, playful energy, collaborative moments, and deep audience engagement. What started as an unplanned evening became a show that will be remembered for years by everyone in attendance.