Spike & The Gimme Gimmes Launch “Wet, Hot American Summer” 2025 Tour Across North America

Punk rock’s most beloved cover band, Spike & The Gimme Gimmes, are back and bolder than ever with their electrifying 2025 summer tour, “Wet, Hot American Summer.” Bursting with energy, wild antics, and an all-star lineup, this coast-to-coast adventure kicks off July 24 in Denver, CO, and winds its way through major cities and iconic venues across the U.S. and Canada.

Known for their tongue-in-cheek humor and genre-bending covers, Spike & The Gimme Gimmes have always brought irreverent fun to punk fans everywhere. Now, with a fresh summer twist and a supercharged roster of punk rock royalty, the “Wet, Hot American Summer” tour promises to be one of the standout live events of 2025.

A Legendary Lineup: Punk Icons Take the Stage

At the heart of this fiery summer tour is the powerhouse collective that makes up Spike & The Gimme Gimmes. A rotating supergroup of punk veterans, the Gimmes are known for their hilarious stage personas and spirited renditions of pop classics, show tunes, and oldies.

The 2025 lineup includes:

• Jake Kiley – Best known for his work with Strung Out, Jake brings shredding guitar riffs and a fast-paced melodic edge to the band’s sound.
• CJ Ramone – A punk legend in his own right, CJ keeps the spirit of The Ramones alive while adding his gritty vocals and bass lines to the Gimmes’ already chaotic charm.
• Pinch – Former drummer for The Damned, Pinch anchors the band with high-octane percussion that keeps the crowd moving from start to finish.
• John Reis – Also known as Speedo from Rocket From The Crypt, Reis brings rock ‘n’ roll swagger and garage-punk firepower to the stage.

This killer combination of talent guarantees each night of the tour will be unpredictable, hilarious, and filled with jaw-dropping musicianship.

Tour Dates and Cities: Coast-to-Coast Mayhem

The “Wet, Hot American Summer” tour will stop in 25 cities, starting in Denver and wrapping up in Dallas, TX on August 24, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of where fans can catch the mayhem live:

July 2025

• July 24 – Denver, CO @ Summit
• July 25 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
• July 26 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
• July 27 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
• July 29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian
• July 30 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

August 2025

• Aug 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
• Aug 2 – New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
• Aug 3 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes
• Aug 4 – Rochester, NY @ Anthology
• Aug 6 – Toronto, ON @ History
• Aug 7 – Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Centre Theater
• Aug 8 – Victoriaville, QC @ Rock La Cauze
• Aug 9 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
• Aug 10 – Boston, MA @ The Wilbur
• Aug 13 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
• Aug 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Heaven)
• Aug 16 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
• Aug 17 – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz
• Aug 19 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
• Aug 20 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
• Aug 22 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
• Aug 23 – Austin, TX @ Radio/East
• Aug 24 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

Whether you’re in the Midwest, East Coast, South, or Canada, there’s a stop near you to dive into this wild, punk-infused summer ride.

Supporting Acts: Pet Needs, Kate Clover & The Schizophonics

Adding even more heat to the lineup are three dynamic supporting acts, each bringing their unique energy and style to the stage:

1. Pet Needs

Hailing from the UK, Pet Needs deliver high-energy punk rock with heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. Their live shows are a whirlwind of movement, emotion, and pure punk spirit — a perfect match for the chaos of the Gimmes.

2. Kate Clover

Channeling the best of 1970s punk and new wave, Kate Clover is a rising star with swagger to spare. With a retro aesthetic and gritty vocals, she brings a powerful blend of style and substance that commands the stage.

3. The Schizophonics

If you haven’t seen The Schizophonics live, you’re in for a shock. Known for explosive performances and manic energy, their fusion of garage rock, soul, and punk is something you have to see (and feel) to believe.

Each band is set to rotate across tour stops, ensuring a variety of opening acts that will keep fans on their toes from night to night.

A Nostalgic Nod with a Modern Twist

The “Wet, Hot American Summer” branding isn’t just a fun reference to campy retro themes — it’s a clever wink to the absurd, over-the-top nature of the Gimmes themselves. The poster artwork, which features cartoon illustrations of the band cruising in a convertible with a giant pink flamingo floatie and boom box, captures the band’s signature mix of humor, satire, and punk mischief.

This tour isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about pushing boundaries and turning every show into a full-on party. Fans can expect surprises, costumes, and plenty of musical curveballs, with each night feeling more like a punk rock variety show than a standard concert.

A Setlist of Covers You Didn’t Know You Needed

Spike & The Gimme Gimmes are famous for turning unexpected pop hits, show tunes, and soft rock anthems into thrashing punk rock bangers. Their past setlists have included everything from Elton John’s “Rocket Man” to John Denver’s “Country Roads,” and you never know what they’ll dig up next.

While the official 2025 setlist hasn’t been revealed, fans can expect classic favorites from their many themed albums, such as:

• Are a Drag (Broadway show tunes)
• Have a Ball (classic pop covers)
• Love Their Country (country music covers)
• Go Down Under (Australian pop hits)
• Blow in the Wind (1960s classics)

Expect fast tempos, big sing-alongs, and punk renditions of songs that were never meant to rock — until now.

Why This Tour Matters: Punk Unity and Pure Fun

Spike & The Gimme Gimmes occupy a unique space in the punk landscape. Unlike traditional bands focused on original material, the Gimmes offer something rare: pure entertainment and genre fusion that bring people from all backgrounds together.

In a time when the music industry can feel hyper-serious or divided by subgenres, the Gimmes remind us that punk rock is supposed to be fun, rebellious, and inclusive. Their mission has always been to make fans laugh, dance, and sing their hearts out — and “Wet, Hot American Summer” is the next chapter in that legacy.

Tickets and Merch: Don’t Miss Out

Tickets for the “Wet, Hot American Summer” tour are now available through major platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation, as well as through venue box offices. VIP packages and early access deals are expected at select locations, so fans are encouraged to act fast.

In addition to the concerts, exclusive tour merch will be available, including:

• Limited edition T-shirts and tank tops
• Tour posters and vinyl pressings
• Summer-themed accessories like beach towels, sunglasses, and koozies

Get your hands on these while they last — Spike & The Gimme Gimmes merch tends to sell out fast, especially when it features their outrageous cartoon branding.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Punk Rock Summer Spectacle

The “Wet, Hot American Summer” 2025 tour isn’t just another punk tour — it’s a celebration of absurdity, nostalgia, and high-octane musicianship that only Spike & The Gimme Gimmes can deliver. With an elite lineup, killer support bands, and a fan base ready to party, this tour is set to be one of the highlights of the live music calendar.

So dust off your inflatable pool toys, iron your Hawaiian shirts, and grab your tickets now — because when the Gimmes roll into your city, summer officially starts.