Veteran rockers Toadies and Local H, along with alt-country outfit Vandoliers, rolled into New York City for a show at the historic Webster Hall on May 21, 2026.
Vandoliers kicked off the night and brought some good ol’ folk jams to the stage. I enjoyed them just as much as they seemed to enjoy being up there. They were clearly excited not only to be playing with Toadies, but also to be performing at the legendary Webster Hall. Their set showed off a little bit of everything they had to offer, and with a trans frontperson leading the charge, they made it clear that anyone can get up there and do it.
Local H came out next and absolutely tore through their set. I’m a little upset I didn’t plan to catch them in Yonkers on the 23rd, because this was a super long, intense, and intimate performance. I was hoping to see frontman Scott Lucas mess around a little more with feedback and guitar noise, but he seemed to run into some issues with his vocal mic and got visibly frustrated while swapping XLR cables mid-set. Sometimes that kind of frustration can lead to some remarkable moments live. Either way, they ripped from start to finish, closing strong with Toadies bassist Doni Blair joining them on “Manifest Density Pt. 2” for a great jam on stage.
When Toadies hit the stage, the audience erupted. For a moment, it felt like the ’90s were back, though I was surprised by how many younger fans were mixed in with the 40-somethings in the crowd. The real question, though, is: have you heard the new album? It feels like a more mature version of the Toadies. Maybe there was a little pressure working with the late producer Steve Albini, because the album carries a very experienced and thoughtful vibe. It’s not as in-your-face or instantly gripping as some of their older material. It’s more like sipping scotch instead of taking a shot of whiskey. In classic Albini fashion, the record was cut entirely live in the room straight to two-inch analog tape.
One thing I realized seeing them live this time around is that I actually like the new songs better on stage. Being performed live really brought them to life, and they fit naturally into the Toadies catalog. The material felt both familiar and fresh at the same time. They played a great set and even brought out Lucas, who always knows how to command a stage. The visuals added a lot too, including anti-swastika imagery and the dramatic reveal of the band’s backdrop midway through the show. It painted the picture that not much has changed over the years. They still know how to speak up and speak out!
One of the most powerful moments of the night came when the band opened up about depression. They didn’t just talk about it briefly; they also encouraged people to seek help and shared resources for anyone struggling, including the 988 hotline. It was a meaningful reminder to check in on your friends and family, because people need each other now more than ever.
Check out photos of Toadies, Local H, and Vandoliers live in NYC, shot by Dylan Lappin, below.
Vandoliers:
Local H:
Toadies:
Local H setlist:
Back in the Day
The One With ‘Kid’
Eddie Vedder
Hands on the Bible
California Songs
Bound for the Floor / T.V. Eye / Bound for the Floor
John the Baptist Blues
High-Fiving MF
Manifest Density, Part 2
(With Doni Blair of the Toadies on bass)
Local H are preparing to release the As Good as Dead 30th Anniversary Edition this summer via G&P Records (pre-order).
Toadies setlist:
Ash’s Theme
I Come From the Water
No Deliverance
Away
I Walk a Line
ATF Theme
Long Time
Song I Hate
Happy Face
Jigsaw Girl
The Charmer
Mexican Hairless
Little Sin
Closer to You
I Call Your Name
Possum Kingdom
Damage
Normal
Tyler
I Put a Spell on You
(Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover) (With Scott Lucas of Local H on guitar)
I Wanted to be Everywhere
Get Out of Your Head
I Burn
