Look, I’m going to just write it right here: It does feel weird to think about going to see live bands (or doing anything fun, really) when Donald J. Trump, the president of the United States of America, is on the verge of starting a third world war. I don’t know what else to say about that, other than it really crushes me to think that the world didn’t used to suck this bad. I fear that we are all about to have to learn a whole new set of coping mechanisms for whatever realities lie at the end of his murderous, dementia-hastened trajectory. Is there a segue into a list of notable shows in April that will not be read as glib, facetious, or nihilistic? Probably, though I haven’t yet been able to drum one up. The best I can do is exhort you to spend as much time together, in person, in the moment, because strengthening the bonds within your community is one of the few things that have been effective in resisting the authoritarian moves of this administration. Anyway, here are some recommended shows for April. Go see some bands and hug your friends when you get there.
Tulips FTW
On Wed, Apr 29, Melbourne, Florida’s deathcore band Bodysnatcher’s Road to Carnage tour comes to Tulips FTW (112 St. Louis Av, Fort Worth, 817-367-9798), with support from 200 Stab Wounds, Gates to Hell, and BODYBOX. These bands all have Florida death metal in their DNA, though you could probably say those infernal nucleotides are floating in equal proportion to the same from metalcore bands like the Acacia Strain and August Burns Red. I suspect that the same person who might say of these groups, “I just can’t do the Cookie Monster-vocal-type bands” is also someone who still thinks it’s funny to call athletics “sportsball,” so don’t bother asking that person to go with you if that sounds annoying, unless they also happen to enjoy being designated driver.
The Cicada
In addition to regular programming like the jazz jams on the first and third Sundays of the month, karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Nightshade Burlesque every first Friday night of the month, the SoMa venue’s April calendar is pretty solid. This Saturday, The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth) is the Fort Worth stop of the Oddballs & Outlaws tour, which features IV & the Strange Band (fronted by Hank Williams’ great-grandson Coleman Emmet Williams), “crooning comedy sensation” Clownvis, and King Sickabilly, a.k.a. “Psycho” Dave Sasquatch, whose brand of honkytonk is described as dark and apocalyptic — probably appropriate given that the president of the United States threatened to obliterate a “whole civilization” Tuesday morning. On Sat, Apr 17, weed-scented Haltom City fuzz-lords The Me-Thinks anchor a bill that also features pop-punkers Heavy Petal and, in the opening spot, The Spectacle, the 2026 Weekly Music Awards winners for Best Metal Band.
The Owl
Yes, shows at the Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth) are kind of like watching a band in someone’s living room — they do have to set up in front of a sectional couch, after all — but I see that as a bonus, because what better way to experience a live band in all its raw reality than from three feet away? OK, fine. From five feet away is probably better, but whatever. I work there, so I’m biased, but in any case, Fort Worth emo-dude Ryker Hall and his band are the main draw at the Owl on Sat, Apr 11, with Abilene-based indie-rockers PIPEDOG starting the show at 9:30pm. The following Friday (Apr 17), Arlington alt-rockers Yellowbelly (the Sunny Day Real Estate influence on this band is delightfully apparent) headline the Owl with Depression Nap opening.
Tannahill’s
Tannahill’s Music Hall and Lounge (122 E Exchange Av, Fort Worth, 817-900-9300) has Saliva booked on Fri, Apr 17, and that will certainly appeal to some people, and if you are one of them: Hey! Did you know Saliva is playing at Tannahill’s on April 17? I bet you did, and have a good time! Personally, I’d prefer to go see Americana troubadour Phil Hamilton the next night at this same venue, but to each their own. I wish I knew a Saliva lyric that would make a good stinger for that line. There’s a Tom Petty tribute at Tannahill’s on Sat, Apr 25, called the Broken Hearts, and that sounds pretty fun, too.
Like I said, it does seem weird to do anything fun right now, but art, culture, community, love, and grace for your fellow humans — these are all stubborn obstacles to the goals of the fascist war criminals in the White House and all their craven enablers in the Congress and tech. Show up for one another. We’ve got to have each others’ backs, whether it’s filling a room for your friends’ band or standing by their side at a protest rally. Maybe none of it will ultimately matter, but we still have to fucking try.
This column reflects the opinions of the editorial board and not the Fort Worth Weekly. To submit a column, please email Editor Anthony Mariani at Anthony@FWWeekly.com. He will gently edit it for clarity and concision.
