THE SUICIDE MACHINES LIVE!! | RITZ

Coverage by Chris Sturk

The Suicide Machines lit up The Ritz in Raleigh with a fiery, crowd-hyping set that proved ska-punk is alive, well, and still kicking shins with a smile. Fans showed up in full force for the Detroit legends, who’ve been blending punk urgency with ska swagger since forming in 1991.

For me, this night was personal. I’ve been riding with this band since their explosive 1996 debut Destruction by Definition—an album that permanently etched itself into my rotation. That cover image of frontman Jason Navarro caught mid-air, chaos erupting in the crowd behind him? Iconic. The whole album still holds up, no skips, no filler. It’s easily in my top records of all time.

Now decades in, The Suicide Machines haven’t lost a step. Seven full-length albums later, Jason Navarro remains the lifeblood of the band—equal parts frontman, crowd conductor, and punk rock preacher. At The Ritz, the energy was full throttle. Fans screamed every word, fists in the air, hearts on their sleeves.

And then came one of those moments you don’t forget: Jay leapt off the stage, pressing himself right up against the barricade, singing face-to-face with fans who were both stunned and overjoyed. Phones came out. Photos were snapped. But honestly? Even I forgot I had a camera in my hands—I was too busy belting along. The Suicide Machines brought more than a performance. They brought joy, connection, and an adrenaline rush for every kid (or grown-up kid) who ever wore Vans and blasted “Vans Song” at full volume.

They’re not just still touring—they’re still thriving. Let’s hope they keep making music and igniting pits around the world. Because the world still needs music that moves both your soul and your sneakers.