LESS THAN JAKE LIVE!! | RITZ
Coverage by Chris Sturk
Less Than Jake brought the party to Raleigh’s Ritz Music Venue, delivering a high-octane set packed with ska-punk energy and fan-favorite anthems. Formed in 1992, the band burst onto the scene with their debut album Pezcore in 1995, quickly following it up with Losing Streak (1996) and Hello Rockview (1998)—records that cemented their status as staples of the ‘90s ska-punk explosion.
Known for their infectious blend of ska, punk, and rock, Less Than Jake helped define an entire subculture alongside bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, The Pietasters, Suicide Machines, Rancid, and Goldfinger. Each track pulses with feel-good chaos, horn-driven hooks, and a DIY spirit that keeps fans coming back for more.
Live, they’re every bit the party you’d hope for. At The Ritz, the band fed off the crowd’s energy, trading banter, grins, and call-and-response choruses that turned the show into one massive sing-along. From the brassy blast of “All my best friends are metal heads” to the fan-beloved “Look What Happened” and “Automatic,” Less Than Jake proved once again why they’re one of the most enduring and fun-loving acts in the genre. If you’re a fan of ska-punk or just need a reminder of how live music can lift you up and shake you free, don’t miss Less Than Jake when they roll through your town. It’s more than a concert—it’s a celebration.
