The Lemonheads

Monday 5 October 2026, The Lemonheads arrive at Digital, Newcastle upon Tyne. Formed in Boston in 1986, Evan Dando’s project has evolved from punk’s nervous energy and college rock toward a more melodic alternative rock, sitting between power pop, jangle and touches of folk. The early albums — Hate Your Friends, Creator and Lick — mark the band’s beginnings; Lovey broadens the playing field, and It’s a Shame About Ray consolidates a set of more direct songs, including their well-known cover of “Mrs. Robinson.” Come On Feel the Lemonheads reinforces the balance between bright guitars and hooky choruses, while Car Button Cloth opens a darker vein. After a hiatus in the late ’90s, their 2005 comeback was captured on The Lemonheads and led to two collections of covers, Varshons and Varshons 2. Around Dando the lineup has remained flexible, but the core is unchanged: to temper punk’s inherited drive with pop melody and an open acoustic sensibility. In concert, the band moves through different phases of their catalogue and presents this unadorned blend, with songs ranging from electric sparks to the barest intimacy, featuring guest performers.