Pinhead Gunpowder - First Avenue - Minneapolis MN - October 7th 2026

First Avenue presents Pinhead Gunpowder with special guests the Scrunchies and Night Shop

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

A Night of Pure Punk-Rock Energy

Scrunchies kicked off the night with a blast of raw, high-energy Minneapolis punk rock! Their noisy guitars, driving rhythms, and infectious intensity made them a perfect opener for Pinhead Gunpowder. The band brought a fierce, unapologetic sound that balanced heavy, gritty riffs with melodic hooks and plenty of attitude.

Their performance showcased everything that makes the local Minneapolis music scene so exciting: originality, passion, and a willingness to get loud and push boundaries. Scrunchies set the tone for an unforgettable night at First Avenue, winning over the crowd with their explosive sound and authentic punk spirit.

A killer opening set from a band that deserves to be heard loud and often!

Night Shop brought a cool, understated vibe to First Avenue, providing an excellent change of pace before the punk-rock explosion of Pinhead Gunpowder. Justin Sullivan’s project has a distinctive indie-rock sensibility, blending melodic songwriting with a relaxed, lived-in sound that made for a compelling opening set.

The highlight was “People Who Died,” a memorable song that added a punchy moment to the performance. Night Shop offered a welcome reminder that a great concert isn’t just about volume and speed — strong songs, personality, and atmosphere count just as much.

A solid, engaging set that helped make the entire evening at First Avenue feel like a celebration of different sides of independent rock music.

Pinhead Gunpowder absolutely tore it up at First Avenue! From the opening notes of “MPLS Song” to the final moments of the set, the band delivered a thrilling reminder of what makes punk rock so much fun: fast guitars, infectious hooks, relentless energy, and songs played with genuine heart.

Billie Joe Armstrong and Jason White trading off vocals gave the performance a fantastic dynamic, while Aaron Cometbus and Bill Schneider kept everything driving forward. The band ripped through 27 songs in about an hour, barely letting the audience catch its breath. The sound was raw, tight, and gloriously unpretentious — exactly what you want from a night of great punk rock at First Avenue.

The setlist was packed with highlights, including “Life During Wartime,” “Reach for the Bottle,” “Beastly Bit,” “Here Goes the Neighborhood,” and “Find My Place.” The sped-up, punk-infused take on Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” was a delightful surprise, while the unexpected closing cover of “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” gave the night a memorable final twist.

What made the show special was its sense of fun. There was no need for elaborate production or over-the-top theatrics. Just four musicians, a mountain of great songs, and the unmistakable chemistry of a band playing because they love doing it. First Avenue was the perfect venue for this kind of no-frills, high-energy performance.

An outstanding night of punk rock from a band that still knows how to make every minute count. Pinhead Gunpowder brought the noise, the hooks, and the attitude. Twenty-seven songs in an hour? That’s punk rock done right!