Review and Photos: Alan Welding
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you already know who The Melvins are and their significance in rock history. To say they are an influential band is an understatement, considering the thousands of musicians and bands they’ve inspired. While Kurt Cobain of Nirvana is often cited as one of their most notable admirers, that barely scratches the surface of their impact.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the current lineup—Buzz Osborne (vocals and guitar), Dale Crover (drums), Steven Shane McDonald (vocals and bass), and Cody Willis (drums)—took the stage at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, PA, co-headlining alongside grindcore pioneers Napalm Death. For me, witnessing this legendary quartet perform in such a unique venue was a bucket list experience.
Mr. Smalls Theatre, a converted Catholic church dating back to 1924, offers an atmospheric backdrop with its vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. The setting contributes to excellent acoustics and an intimate ambiance, pairing perfectly with the band’s signature sound that arguably helped ignite the grunge movement.
But The Melvins are far from a nostalgia act. Since their formation in 1983, they’ve continued to release an extensive catalog of sludge-alt-hardcore-metal, including their latest album, Thunderball (2025). Their setlist drew from across their vast collection, staying true to the sonic elements that define them while proving their continued relevance.
Hearing tracks like “Blood Witch,” “Honey Bucket,” “The Bloated Pope,” and “A History of Bad Men” live felt like being hit with a barrage of sonic thunder. Buzz delivered solid vocals and punishing guitar riffs, moving around the stage fully immersed in the music. McDonald, formerly of Redd Kross and OFF!, added showmanship—making faces, striking poses, and clearly loving every minute behind his massive Thunderbird bass.
A standout element of the performance was the dual drumming of Dale and Cody. Their synchronized pounding was both an auditory and visual highlight. The timing was flawless, and their combined energy created a sonic experience that hit hard and stayed with you.
The tour continues westward through early June before The Melvins head to the UK and EU with Redd Kross for a summer run that lasts into August.
