Lost Little Lambs: Andrew Jackson Jihad Won Over Old and New Fans Alike at Red 7

Andrew Jackson Jihad Red 7

Written by Dylan Garsee
Photography by Carlos J. Matos, All Rights Reserved

If punk broke in 1991 , why the hell were all of these 17 year olds at Red 7? Phoenix, Arizona’s Andrew Jackson Jihad has grown from their humble beginnings of two guys, a guitar, and songs about crystal meth to five guys, a cellist, and songs about Slap Chops. Yet like any good punk band, they have an endless supply of teenage fans screaming every word.

They’re newest record Christmas Island is a mixed bag, and they seemed to know it, only occasionally dipping into tracks from the album, opening with “Temple Grandin.” Heavy on oldies and rarities, even covering Austin legend Roky Erickson’s “I Think of Demons,” most of the audience sang along with full breath and confidence.

Going to a show for a band you’re only marginally aware of can be a daunting and dangerous feat. Music is a conversation between artist and consumer and when you’re talking with a stranger, unless you instantly click, everything is uncomfortable. Especially seeing a band with such a passionate fan base, a show can feel like a birthday party you weren’t invited to.

Andrew Jackson Jihad Red 7
Thankfully Andrew Jackson Jihad can keep it all inclusive with fun stage banter, tee shirt giveaways, and a setlist to please even the hardest of hardcore fans. About an hour into the set, a sea of fans screamed their requests almost ignorant to the fact that a) this was a sold out show at the biggest stage of Red 7 and b) they already have a setlist. The band almost lost control of their crowd who simply loved too much, before just barreling into their under appreciated classic “Hate, Rain on Me.” At that point everyone, even lost little lamb me, couldn’t help but smile.