By SoDak and Jonnie Dames Rio
April 25 and 26, 2025, the two of us saw Alice Donut play at the Brooklyn Monarch. For both shows, we were at the front of the stage, sharing this moment with other fans. After the second show, we jotted down some general reflections about the build-up to the shows and our experience. Over a year later, as we prepare to post these reflections, we learned of Chet Mazur’s death on August 8, 2026, following a hit-and-run by a driver of a USPS truck. Chet was featured on several Alice Donut record covers and in videos by the band. At the shows in 2025, Chet graced the stage, dancing, rubbing himself, and singing along to classic Alice Donut songs. His kindness was on full display.
There are bands whose significance only grows as the years pass. Alice Donut is one of them. From hearing the first record to seeing them long ago to watching the documentary, there are many entry points to the world of Alice Donut. Their songs are catchy, while being tragic, demented, and scathing critiques of the inhumanity that festers from the capitalist world system. The odd time signatures and twisted sections in songs add to the quirky and cerebral curiosities. While they officially disbanded in 1996, only to reunite from time to time from 2001 on, CDs and LPs kept their unconventional music present in our lives. The documentary Freaks in Love (2011) helped satiate some of the yearnings for more Alice Donut. It also seemed to promise that while the members resided in different states, they continued to play music, which would manifest in new releases. Every now and then, such as in 2014 and 2017, Alice Donut played shows. Thus, in November 2024, when they announced a show at Brooklyn Made, a small club in Brooklyn, New York, anticipation was high. While chatting on the phone, SoDak informed Jonnie Dames Rio about the show. Anticipating that the concert would quickly sell out, Jonnie Dames Rio (due in part to his excitement as well as extreme lack of impulse control) purchased tickets during the phone call. As predicted, the show sold out quickly. A second show was added. People from all over the United States and European nations booked flights and hotel rooms, eager to experience this rare event. Then we waited and wondered. What would Alice Donut sound like after all these years? Will it be worth the expenses and time?
In February 2025, refunds for tickets were issued, as the club Brooklyn Made closed its doors. Would the shows even happen? Would travel plans have to be changed? Could they be changed? News that efforts were being made to secure another venue circulated. Would we be able to obtain tickets for the shows at the new club? Will we just have to listen to the records and forget about sharing this experience? Holy shit, Victims Family was announced as an opening band on one of the nights. Can we get tickets for that night? This must happen. Fortunately, tickets were purchased for both nights, thanks again to Jonnie Dames Rio, at the Brooklyn Monarch, a larger venue. We must listen to the records and rewatch the documentary before the shows. We need to make sure the flights and trains get us to the venue with plenty of time. We cannot miss a moment of these shows.
On April 25, folks are trickling into the venue. The guitar players from Alice Donut are in the crowd talking with friends. The crowd is mixed, as far as ages, but leans heavily toward being older. Many of the younger folks are attending the show with their parents who grew up with Alice Donut and are sharing a cherished moment with them and perhaps a view of their parents that they have never seen. While not knowing anybody else in the crowd, it seems as if many of the older folks are being transported back to their younger days, giddy with excitement, effusively energetic, adding to the effervescence of the event. Nasalrod takes the stage and explodes into action. The balding singer is constantly doing jump kicks. His voice is great. They are quirky and perfectly fit the bill. Impressive performance. Victims Family up the ante with their jazzy, punk driving songs. The bass notes vibrate through everyone’s body causing us to bob our heads while smiling. The show moves along quickly. The folks next to us are looking at the set lists that were taped to the stage. We grin as we see the selection of songs. A couple from Washington state mention that seeing Alice Donut was on their check list of bands they had to see. A guy from Albany, New York, tells us that he saw Alice Donut dozens of times in the 1990s. A woman from Chicago who is bouncing up and down during every song throughout the night saw Alice Donut play on one of the previous reunions. She is ecstatic.
Alice Donut takes the stage appreciating the excitement. Like all the bands, they are older, much grayer. They take in the moment, get prepared, and kick into their set. At the start, guitar picks are dropped, an amp stops working, a story is told, and glasses are held in place while rocking out. As the band finds its legs, momentum is built. The embrace between the crowd and the band is felt. Goosebumps appear repeatedly, as specific songs are played. Alice Donut plays additional songs not on the setlist, so we are thankful to hear more than anticipated. Chet stalks the sides of the stage as if building up the courage to join the band mid set. He struts on the stage (where he belongs) weaving in between members of the band. While he looks older, there is no denying that his is the face on the cover of Mule. Perhaps not as provocative as his performance art pieces opening up for Alice Donut in the 1990s, his presence brings a sense of completeness to the show. Tears well up, as we are here, because live music is special. We share this emotion, this creation. We feed off each other’s energy, singing along. The moments pass quickly. We are so fucking happy. Fortunately, we have tickets for the next night.
The next day, April 26, Dave Giffen, one of the guitar players is crossing the street. We are talking with a couple wearing Alice Donut shirts. Dave smiles and nods. Another friend, who has never been to a punk show joins us. Reunions abound within the venue. There is much to catch up on. We meet new folks, who we start calling friends. Many people are also here for the second night. A couple tells us they used to see both the opening bands, Babe the Blue Ox and Very Pleasant Neighbor, all the time in the 1990s. They promise us, we will be impressed. Babe the Blue Ox are awesome, with their two percussionists. Everyone in the band sings. They still play regularly, and it shows—they are tight. One of the drummers from Babe the Blue Ox also plays in Very Pleasant Neighbor. They put on a solid set. A British woman gets really excited when she sees that Alice Donut is playing “Mother of Christ” and “Cain.” “Mother of Christ” is her third favorite song. We wish that “Bottom of the Chain” was on the set list—there are so many songs we want to hear. The photographers are moving back and forth to position themselves to document the performance.
Alice Donut seems more self-assured as they take the stage. From the first note, they have even more drive and energy. The guitar players are exchanging smiles. Sissi’s bass tone is excellent, with a slight rumble. Tomas is taking in the entire experience. Stephen steps out from behind the drum kit to play “War Pigs” on the trombone. The crowd is ecstatic, as old punkers start to slam, but as older adults. Arms are in the air, pounding to the beat. With each song, the crowd is getting louder, losing themselves, singing along, not wanting this moment to end, while trying to make the most of what is happening, as we never know if this will be the last time we get to see this band. Hopefully, there will be more shows. (In 2026, they played two shows in San Franscisco.)
In 2025, we were there for Alice Donut. It was awesome to share these moments with dear friends and so many others who are in the Alice Donut family. Much thanks for these experiences.
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