PUP & Gob
June 24, 2026
JAG Soundhouse, St. John’s, NL
All Photo Credit: Tara Thompson
What better way to kick off the summer season than with a show at the JAG Soundhouse in St. John’s, NL, especially while the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent takes a break for the 2026 season? For many, Iceberg Alley has always marked the unofficial start of summer, so fans were thrilled when PUP, joined by Gob, answered the call with an unforgettable night of punk rock. The show promised “live shows loud, sweaty, and a little bit chaotic,” and it delivered exactly that.
Starting off the night was Gob, a band that boasts a “catalogue of punching tracks that have been fueling Canadian punk fans for decades,” according to the concert’s promotional material. Hailing from Langley, British Columbia, Gob formed in 1993 and consists of Tom Thacker (lead and backing vocals, lead guitar), Theo Goutzinakis (rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals), Gabe Mantle (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Steven Fairweather (bass, backing vocals). Their acclaimed album World According to Gob produced some of their biggest hits, including “I Hear You Calling,” “Soda,” and “Banshee Song.”
As Gob took the stage, the audience erupted in cheers. Although the band had played Newfoundland years ago, this was likely the first opportunity many fans had to experience them live. Opening with “B Flat,” Gob immediately established that the evening would be one to remember.
Their set was packed with fan favourites including “What To Do,” “From The Moment,” “No Regrets,” and “Oh! Ellin.” The crowd enthusiastically sang along while moving to every beat. Other highlights included “Underground,” “Giving Up The Grudge,” and a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” Near the end of the set, Gob treated fans to one of their biggest hits, “I Hear You Calling.” In all honesty, that song has been living rent-free in my head ever since. They closed with “Soda,” and from the very first note the audience was jumping and singing every word.
Gob commanded the stage from the moment they walked on, keeping the audience captivated through every song. Between the crowd interaction, tight musicianship, and nostalgic setlist, they delivered an unforgettable performance.
Headlining the evening was PUP, who promised a “mix of sharp wit, shouted lyrics and full-volume punk,” and they lived up to every word. Formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 2010, the band features Stefan Babcock (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Sladkowski (lead guitar, backing vocals), Nestor Chumak (bass, backing vocals, keyboards), and Zack Mykula (drums, backing vocals, percussion).
PUP has built an impressive career, beginning with their first Canadian and U.S. headlining tour in 2014 before taking their music across Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Along the way, they earned multiple JUNO Award nominations, taking home Alternative Album of the Year in 2020 for Morbid Stuff.
They launched into the night with “Guilt Trip,” instantly igniting the crowd. The cheers were deafening as PUP hit the stage, and nearly every voice in the room joined in. Without missing a beat, they transitioned into “My Life Is Over and I Couldn’t Be Happier” before greeting the audience and expressing how great it felt to be back on The Rock.
The atmosphere remained electric as they tore through a string of beloved older songs including “Dark Days,” “Kids,” “The Coast,” and “Morbid Stuff.” Every chorus was met with roaring singalongs and nonstop energy from the audience.
PUP also showcased several newer tracks, including “Paranoid,” “Totally Fine,” and “Hallways,” giving longtime fans the opportunity to experience some of their latest material live for the first time. Just as the band encouraged, multiple crowd surfers made their way across the audience, proving everyone was there to embrace the chaos.
To close out the night, PUP returned to their second album, The Dream Is Over, with “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” followed by the explosive finale, “DVP.” The final songs left the audience exhilarated, wanting more, and carrying memories that will last for years to come.
What a night. From the opening notes to the final chorus, the crowd danced shoulder to shoulder, shouted every lyric, and created the kind of electric atmosphere that reminds us exactly why live music matters.
For more photos from the show, head to our Facebook page!