Hey Punks welcome to Las Vegas! A city named “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” the place with a vibrant energy that captivates visitors from across the globe. While the famous strip is known for big gambling and flashy shows, Vegas has lots of different kinds of fun, and it is the home of punk rock music
A Legacy of Rebellion: The Origin of Vegas Punk Rock Bands
It all started back in the mid-1970s when punk rock burst onto the scene bringing with it a rebellious spirit and raw energy. Punk in Vegas wasn’t just about the music – it was a whole lifestyle, with bold fashion choices and a commitment to individuality. It was about being yourself, standing up for what you believe in, and having fun. And for real, the punk rockers in Vegas knew how to have a good time.
As the years passed, the punk scene grew, with new bands and venues keeping the spirit alive. Today, you can still catch killer punk shows at places like the Dive Bar and the Double Down Saloon, where the drinks are cheap and the music is loud.
Now what are the most popular punk rock bands from Las Vegas formed after 2000?
From where punk rock began to all the cool types it turned into, we’ve got a list of the top bands from Vegas formed after 2000.
The Top Best and Famous Punk Bands from Vegas in the 2000s’
1. The Killers: Redefining Punk
They are an American band formed back in 2001 in Las Vegas. Founded by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning, and later joined by Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr in 2002 to form a historical band that the world will always remember. The band is still active to date.
These guys brought their unique flavor to the genre. Mixing in elements of indie rock, new wave, post-punk revival, heartland rock, and even a bit of pop, they created a different sound. The Killers managed to carve out their niche in the punk rock scene. Their music was a breath of fresh air, injecting some much-needed energy and attitude into the mainstream.
The Killers have released seven studio albums, each of which reached the top spot on the UK Albums Chart:
I. Hot Fuss (2004)
ii. Sam’s Town (2006)
iii. Day & Age (2008)
iv. Battle Born (2012)
v. Wonderful Wonderful (2017)
vi. Imploding the Mirage (2020)
vii. Pressure Machine (2021)
The killers have won four NME Awards for “Best International Band”, in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2013.
They have also won a BRIT Award for “Best International Band” in 2007 as well as an MTV Europe Music Award for “Best Rock Group” in 2006.
They also won for “Best Video” for “When You Were Young” at the Q Awards in 2006.
2. Panic! At the Disco: The Theatrical Innovators
Founded by high school friends Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson, this punk rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada emerged in the music scene in 2004 to last until 2023, only to become popular and to take punk rock music to the next level. The band quickly gained attention with its eclectic blend of punk, pop, and emo influences. Led by Brendon Urie’s dynamic vocals and the band’s innovative songwriting.
With their debut album, “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” released in 2005, Panic! At The Disco propelled to fame, achieving widespread commercial success. The album’s lead single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the band their first platinum certification.
Since then, the Band released 5 more albums to make a list of six
i. A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (2005)
ii. Pretty. Odd. (2008)
iii. Vices & Virtues (2011)
iv. Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! (2013)
v. Death of a Bachelor (2016)
vi. Pray for the Wicked (2018)
Throughout their career, the band has maintained a reputation for their electrifying live performances and theatrical stage presence. From sold-out arena tours to headlining major festivals, the band has consistently delivered unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide.
After an impressive 19-year run, Panic! At the Disco announced disbandment following their European tour, in Jan 2023, because of family reasons.
Tell then the band is decorated by 25 known big awards including:
– American Music Awards, “Alternative Artist” in 2018
– Billboard Music Awards, “Top Rock Song” in 2019 and 2020, “Top Rock Album” in 2019, and “Top Rock Artist” in 2020
– MTV Video Music Awards, “Video of the Year” in 2006, “Best Rock Video” in 2019, and “Best Visual Effects” in 2019.
Panic! At The Disco’s impact on the punk rock genre and the broader music landscape is undeniable. They may be now gone, but their legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 21st century is firmly cemented.
3. Escape the Fate: Metalcore Meets Punk
Escape The Fate, emerged onto the punk rock music scene in 2004, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed by Ronnie Radke, Max Green, Bryan Money, Robert Ortiz, and Omar Espinosa, the band quickly gained attention and traction in punk rock music fans all over the world.
Their music style is characterized by a fusion of punk rock energy with metalcore intensity, incorporating fast-paced guitars, pounding drums, and emotive lyrics. Mixing in the elements of post-hardcore, metalcore, screamo, and emo.
Despite lineup changes and challenges along the way, where Robert Ortiz is the only founding member of the band. Escape The Fate has remained resilient, staying true to its roots and evolving its sound with each release. Their latest album, ” Out of the Shadows” released in 2023, showcases their continued growth and creativity, earning praise from fans and critics alike.
The Band has a total of 8 albums released to date
i. Dying Is Your Latest Fashion (2006)
ii. This War Is Ours (2008)
iii. Escape The Fate (2010)
iv. Ungrateful (2013)
v. Hate Me (2015)
vi. I Am Human (2018)
vii. Chemical Warfare (2021)
viii. Out of the Shadows (2023)
The band has not won any major awards such as Grammy Awards or Billboard Music Awards. However, they have received critical acclaim and have built a dedicated fanbase through their energetic live performances and chart-topping albums.
Their second album “This War Is Ours”, was released in 2008 and debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in the first week!
4. Falling in Reverse: Punk Evolutionaries
Falling in Reverse, an American rock band has been making waves in the music scene since it was born in 2008. It was originally called “From Behind These Wall” but was quickly renamed “Falling in Reverse”.
Founded by Ronnie Radke, former frontman of Escape the Fate. He collected the group during his five years in prison after his involvement in an altercation in Vegas that resulted in a friend fatally shooting an 18-year-old boy.
The band has undergone significant transformations, adapting to the ever-changing music landscape while maintaining its unique sound and style. Their music style defies categorization, blending elements of punk, metal, and pop to create a unique and captivating sound. They quickly made a name for themselves with their dynamic sound and electrifying performances.
Statistics and achievements
| Studio albums | 4 |
| Music videos | 22 |
| Eps | 1 |
| Singles | 32 |
| Notable Awards | 15 |
List of albums by Falling in Reverse
i. The Drug in Me is You, (2011)
ii. Fashionably Late, (2013)
iii. Just Like You, (2015)
iv. Coming Home (2017)
Their debut album, “The Drug in Me Is You,” peaked at No.19 on the Billboard 200, and sold 18,000 copies in its first week.
It was later certified gold by the RIAA, equivalent to 500,000 copies sold. The single “Popular Monster” has nearly 300 million streams on Spotify.
5. THE USED
The Used punk rock band formed in Orem, Utah but was based in Las Vegas and has been a staple in the music scene since its formation in 2001. The band was founded by Bert McCracken.
In their early days, the band faced poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse, and they had to beg for change to buy food. Despite these challenges, they continued to write songs together and recorded a demo album in drummer Steineckert’s bedroom titled “Demos from the Bedroom.”
Beyond their studio recordings, The Used’s live performances have become the stuff of legends. From intimate club shows to headlining slots at major festivals, the band’s dynamic stage presence and energy leave audiences spellbound. Their ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level has solidified their status as one of punk rock’s most compelling live acts.
Statistics and achievements
| Studio Album | 9 |
| Live Albums | 2 |
| notable awards | 4 |
List of albums from The Used
i. The Used (2002)
ii. In Love and Death (2004)
iii. Lies for the Liars (2007)
iv. Artwork (2009)
v. Vulnerable (2012)
vi. Imaginary Enemy (2014)
vii. The Canyon (2017)
viii. Heartwork (2020)
ix. Toxic Positivity (2023)
The debut album, “The Used” was certified gold by the RIAA, after selling 500,000 copies.
The single “The Bird and the Worm” reached No. 9 on the US Billboard chart in 2007.
Currently the single “Under Pressure” ranks at position 41 on the US Billboard chart.
Keeping the Spirit Alive: Venues and Bands of Vegas Today
Today in Vegas punk rock music culture is pushing its boundaries to more modern venues and bands that keep the spirit alive. Whether you are a die-hard punk fan or just seeking something different on your Vegas vacation, having fun with punk music is a fun thing to do, and here are the upcoming bands and cool venues where punk fans meet.
Upcoming Bands in Vegas
- Terror Attack
- Gob Patrol
- Wheelchair Mosh Pit
- Sticker
Venues for Punk Music You Can Visit
- Double Down Saloon
- Punk Rock Museum
- Triple Down
- Punk Rock Bowling
- Dive Bar
Wrapping it Up.
Las Vegas is more than just bright lights and casinos; it’s a hub for punk rock music culture. Even with all the fancy stuff in Vegas, there’s a raw energy through the city’s underground venues that thrive with diverse sounds and talents. Las Vegas is the capital of punk music in the U.S.