An Explosive Night at Dingbatz with (Hed) P.E.

Sunday night was an explosive celebration of nu-metal as (Hed) P.E. brought their eclectic fusion of rap, rock, punk, and reggae to an intimate affair at Dingbatz in Clifton.

We wrapped up the long holiday weekend with a drive to Dingbatz, nestled in downtown Clifton—a charming town filled with restaurants and shops. At first glance, the venue seemed a bit out of place in its setting, but stepping inside, you’re immediately captivated by its intimate club vibe paired with big performance energy.

At 10 p.m., (Hed) P.E. hit the stage, igniting the crowd with their rap-metal anthem “No Way Out.” Known for its raw, confrontational lyrics and powerful driving beat, this track set the tone for a night of energetic nostalgia. The audience—a mix of rock enthusiasts sporting tattoos and classic band tees—responded with enthusiasm, moshing and dancing while maintaining a friendly, supportive vibe.

Throughout their hour-long set, (Hed) P.E. delivered a dynamic mix of hits, including fan favorites like “Bartender,” “Let’s Ride,” and “Raise Hell.” Lead singer Jahred Gomes impressed the crowd with a reggae-infused cover of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up,” adding a refreshing melodic layer to the set. His versatility shone further when he played the melodica, enriching the band’s sound with unique melodies. The rest of the band matched Gomes’ energy, fueling the night’s high-octane atmosphere.

Though short, the set was sweet, leaving the crowd wanting more. The show wrapped up with “Renegade,” sparking a final mosh pit among the crowd. Fans, arms outstretched, helped those caught in the pit stay within the chaos, while a couple enjoying the show quietly moved aside to avoid getting swept in. My husband, thrilled by the energy, jumped into the pit, savoring the brief burst of aggressive dancing that stood out in contrast to the night’s otherwise laid-back vibe.

(Hed) P.E.’s electrifying show at Dingbatz was a powerful reminder of their enduring appeal and genre-defying sound. It was the perfect example of how thrilling a small, close-knit concert experience can be, seamlessly blending nostalgia with an exhilarating live performance. It made for a memorable end to the weekend.

For more information on (Hed) P.E. check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) pages. Get their music now on Amazon.

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Concert Montage of (Hed) P.E.

About (Hed) P.E.

Huntington Beach, California’s (Hed) P.E. were founded in 1994 by frontman Jahred Gomes, whose goal was to fuse the region’s long-standing punk rock heritage with G-funk-inflected hip hop – (Hed) P.E.’s “G-punk“ was born! The group found mainstream success in the early 2000s via their second and third albums, Broke and Blackout.

In 2023 (Hed) P.E. released their full-length album Detox which debuted at #1 on Apple Itunes. The album was recorded at frontman Jared Gomes’ private studio compound with additional production and songwriting alongside Remy Dovianus, before being mixed and mastered by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Deftones, Static-X).

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