When Laura Jane Grace takes the stage, it’s not just a gig—it’s a reckoning. The scene at Scala on 27 November was charged with the kind of energy only an artist with Grace’s pedigree can summon. Formerly fronting Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace has become a symbol of defiance, introspection, and punk rock truth. And on this night, she wasn’t just performing—she was laying bare her soul for a packed house that, for a brief moment, felt like the safest space in the world.
Pet Needs: The Perfect Warm-Up
Opening the show were Pet Needs, a band whose infectious energy set the tone for the night. Hailing from Colchester, the quartet tore through a punchy, high-octane set that felt like an ideal prelude to what was to come. Mixing up elements of punk, alt-rock, and the occasional pop-punk swagger, Pet Needs brought the heat early on. Tracks like “Ibiza In Winter” and “Sleep When I’m Dead” were electric, showcasing their ability to walk the line between abrasive and anthemic. Their dynamic stage presence was a perfect pairing for the main event, with frontman Johnny hitting every note with cheeky abandon while bassist Lucy Hope anchored the band’s thumping rhythm section. The crowd seemed immediately on board, and by the time the set ended, they had more than earned the right to pass the torch to Laura Jane Grace.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation built to a fever pitch, Laura Jane Grace took the stage, guitar slung over her shoulder with her new band The Trauma Tropes. If you’ve seen Grace perform before—either with Against Me! or as a solo artist—you know she exudes a rare combination of vulnerability, defiance, and raw power. On this night, it was more personal than ever.
She opened with the raucous “Walls”, a song that set the tone for what would be an emotionally charged set. Grace’s voice cut through the noise like a knife, her delivery sharp, yet soulful. The crowd immediately responded, singing along with every word, and you could feel the energy building from the floor to the rafters. But what set this show apart was the space Grace created for reflection amid the chaos of punk rock. Her solo material has always been deeply introspective, and in the intimate setting of Scala, it felt like a confessional, a space where Grace was completely herself and allowed the crowd to join her in that process.
The show was a perfect mix of old and new, solo tracks and Against Me! classics. Songs like “Mine Me Mine” and “WW3” from her solo catalog came across as gritty and poignant, with a healthy dose of Grace’s signature blend of political bite and personal exploration. These were the songs of someone who has lived through the fire and is still standing, someone who’s never stopped fighting for both herself and for the people she loves.
Another standout moment came during “Wearing Black To The Pride Parade”, a track that, in a different context, could’ve been a simple punk anthem. But in Grace’s hands, it was a manifesto—an unapologetic assertion of identity and resistance. As the crowd shouted back the chorus, it was clear: this was more than a song, it was a declaration.
By the time she hit “I’m Not a Cop” and “I Love To Get High”, Grace had the crowd firmly in her grip, and the energy was absolutely off the charts. These tracks, with their infectious rhythms and scathing lyrics, served as a reminder of just how sharp Grace’s pen can be when she wants to take down the establishment. The mood shifted when she played the beautiful “Hole in My Head”, a more vulnerable moment that gave the crowd a chance to breathe, but only for a moment, as the show quickly ratcheted up again with the brutal “Active Trauma”.
There were moments of pure punk rage, like “God’s Dick” and “New Year’s Day 2019”, where Grace’s unflinching voice and searing guitar work were enough to light the room on fire. But then, she would pull back, letting songs like “The Swimming Pool Song” and “Karma Too Close” take center stage—reminders that she’s not just a punk icon, but a gifted storyteller.
As the first notes of “White People For Peace” hit, the crowd erupted in recognition. Hearing Against Me! songs live in such an intimate venue was a reminder of just how powerful these tracks are in their ability to rally a crowd to action.
Of course, the biggest moments of the night were reserved for Against Me! classics. “Pints of Guinness Make You Strong”, “Don’t Lose Touch”, and “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” were delivered with all the ferocity they deserve, and it was impossible not to feel the collective energy swell as Grace led the crowd through each anthem. The highlight, however, was when “Black Me Out” started—Grace was joined by Johnny Marriott of Pet Needs, and together they turned the already thunderous song into something that felt like a riot, a cathartic release of years of pent-up energy.
The night closed with “True Trans Soul Rebel”, the song that has become a lifeline for so many in the trans community. When Grace sang “I’m a true trans soul rebel, and I’ll show you the world,” the crowd took over, belting the lyrics back at her with such intensity that it felt like an entire room full of people, each one in their own way, were reaffirming their own truths.
What sets Laura Jane Grace apart is her ability to transform raw pain, anger, and joy into something universal. Each song she performs is a piece of her heart, a shard of a larger, ever-evolving story. And that story, both personal and political, continues to resonate. That night at Scala was a testament to Grace’s unshakable bond with her audience and her unparalleled skill as a performer. It was a show that left you with a sense of empowerment, a reminder that punk rock is more than just music—it’s a lifeline, a movement, and a way of being.
If you get the chance to catch Laura Jane Grace live, don’t think twice. It’s a night you won’t forget.
High Fives & Stage Dives 