The War on Drugs, a Grammy-winning rock band originating from Philadelphia, is reviving their "Drugcember to Remember" holiday benefit concert series with three shows at Johnny Brenda's from December 18th to 20th. This series, which previously ran annually from 2018 to 2022, was paused due to international touring and members living in different locations.
The band has spent months planning this return to the intimate Fishtown venue. The concerts will benefit public schools in Philadelphia, with proceeds from the $175 tickets going to the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.
This nonprofit directs charitable donations to support various initiatives for public school students. Frontman Adam Granduciel chose this cause based on a friend's recommendation, emphasizing the organization's ability to clearly show how donations are used.
Granduciel has a deep personal connection to Fishtown and Johnny Brenda's, having lived near the venue when it reopened in 2003. He and other local musicians honed their craft in the neighborhood during its early days.
The War on Drugs played their first show at Johnny Brenda's in 2006, the same year the venue's music room debuted, and have continued to have a strong relationship with the space, viewing it as a testament to their humble beginnings. The band plans to debut new material from their upcoming album during these shows, offering fans a preview of their latest work.
The War on Drugs' most recent releases include the live album "Live Drugs Again" and their last studio album, "I Don't Live Here Anymore" in 2021.
