Concert Review: REDD KROSS & THE MELVINS ROCK THE VOGUE IN INDY!

Saturday night was another honor—another electric jolt to the soul—to witness The Melvins in all their glorious variations and side-project splendor. King Buzzo, as he’s affectionately known to his loyal tribe, returned once again, this time with a lineup that felt like a fever dream of rock royalty.

Despite technical hiccups and a stage that could barely contain energy, the opening act, Service, exploded with presence. I stood shoulder to shoulder with their lead singer after her set, watching the rest of the show together—laughing even when rogue crowd surfers kicked us in the back of the head. We tossed them back onstage like confetti and kept rolling. That’s punk communion.

Service is an Indianapolis-based band featuring Russell Simins and Jilly Weiss, known for their high-voltage performances and groove-heavy sound. They’ve been tearing up the touring circuit, recently sharing the road with The Darts in 2025. Their lineup—Brandon Beaver, Erica Strout, and Tony Ash—rounds out a sonic force that demands attention.

And let me tell you: Service was a revelation. A pleasant surprise of raw energy and heart- pounding punk rock that screamed loud enough to rattle your ribcage. The women in this band—especially the lead singer and guitarist—are ones to watch. They’ve got that rock star magnetism, already channeling their inner Nirvana with a wink and a snarl.

Then came Redd Kross! Formed by Steve McDonald (of The Melvins), Dale Crover (also of The Melvins), Steve’s brother Jeff, and lead guitarist Jason Shapiro, this band brought a funky retro vibe that felt like a glitter-drenched time warp. Steve laid down bass grooves that made your spine shimmy, Jeff’s vocals soared, and Dale—oh Dale—was a wildfire on drums. The whole ‘70s aesthetic was a mood, especially with “Neurotica” closing out their set like a psychedelic exclamation point.

And then—cue the sacred hush—King Buzzo appeared. Cody Scott Willis joined him, and Steve and Dale returned in their black, green, and gold custom outfits, dripping in Melvins-style artistic chaos. I’ve seen Buzz five times this year: King Dunn Tour, Imperial Savage Tour, and now this Redd Kross/Melvins mashup. This show? One of the best. Only Louisville last year at Headliners Music might top it.

Buzz was in a particularly joyful mood, opening with a 12-minute rendition of “Working the Ditch.” The band flowed effortlessly from one song to the next, like a wave of rock rolling through the venue, sometimes crashing into pure joy, sometimes sweeping us into chaotic mosh pits. I saw a guy nearly trampled, but someone pulled him out. That’s the kind of crowd this music cultivates: wild, but watchful.

Musically and collaboratively, this was the tightest, most satisfying show this crew of rockers and rebel rousers could have delivered. Fans got their favorites— “Billy Fish,” “History of Bad Men”—plus gems like “Evil New War God” and “Your Blessened.” That’s just a taste of the setlist that left us breathless.

Watching Dale and Cody power through songs, sometimes kicking things off with drum solos that pulsed through your body like a heartbeat, was a visceral joy. Bravo to the artistry. Bravo to the talent. Bravo to the fans who make up this ever-evolving family of Melvins collaborators. We are never disappointed! They never dial it in. They deliver—every damn time.