By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Descendents with Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls and NOBRO – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, Florida – February 24, 2026
In these uncertain and often tumultuous times, it’s no surprise that punk rock has experienced a powerful resurgence. Iconic bands from the ’80s and ’90s are hitting the road with renewed urgency and relevance, drawing crowds hungry for raw energy and unfiltered expression.
Rock At Night was excited to catch the co-headlining tour featuring California punk legends Descendents, alongside longtime favorite Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, with Montreal’s riot grrrl-inspired outfit NOBRO opening. The trek kicked off on February 13, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On an unseasonably frigid February evening in St. Petersburg, Florida—temperatures plunging into the high 30s—we braved the chill at the iconic outdoor venue Jannus Live. Bundled in a puffer coat and clutching electric hand warmers (a rare necessity for a Florida gig), we arrived ready for the night’s lineup.
NOBRO took the stage promptly at 7 p.m., clad in black concert tees (including nods to Bikini Kill) and exuding fierce attitude. Their set delivered fresh, high-octane garage punk, highlighted by tracks like “Delete Delete Delete” and “Set the Pussy Free.” Tight harmonies and a no-holds-barred approach quickly thawed the crowd, their fast-paced anthems igniting early energy. For those new to the band, their 2025 single “Doomtown” (released following a lineup shift) is a must-listen. Bassist and vocalist Kathryn McCaughey, a founding member since 2014, remains the consistent anchor.
The courtyard was packed as Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls emerged, electrifying the night with an hour-long set packed with greatest hits spanning nearly two decades. Turner quipped about his last St. Pete appearance—when the band nearly melted in the heat—joking that tonight felt more like “spring in England.” Standouts included the poignant “1933” (a timely escape from political noise), the sing-along folk-punk gem “Photosynthesis,” and the dance-inducing “No Thank You for the Music.” Midway through the latter, Turner called for the crowd to part, only for everyone to crash into a massive, joyous mosh pit on the refrain “I don’t want to be in your gang.”
The energy shifted to intimate as the band exited, leaving Turner alone with an acoustic guitar. He described even “evil folk music” as punk at its core, then introduced “Be More Kind” (written in 2016 amid darkening times) with a raw, heartfelt message:
“We can’t sink down to that level of people who are attacking us and denying our humanity. Fuck those people. Don’t become them. This song is about kindness and I saw some pretty good examples of that recently, by the good people, in the good city of Minneapolis.”
The quiet courtyard, Turner’s impassioned delivery, and the song’s gentle plea brought a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes—a truly moving moment amid the night’s high energy.
The set roared back with crowd favorites: the call-and-response “do’s” in “Do One,” high-energy dancing on “Recovery,” and absolute chaos for closer “Four Simple Words,” where Turner had the audience in ballet arms, twirling overhead. Having seen him solo acoustic last year in Ann Arbor, this full-band version was pure sublimity.
After a quick stage change, Descendents stormed on around 9:40 p.m. Frontman Milo Aukerman immediately complained about the cold—“I need a hat! Does anybody have a hat?”—before venturing into the pit and accepting a pink knit bunny-eared beanie from a fan. He rocked it throughout the set, even riffing on its resemblance to a certain infamous hat. The 60-something band (same core lineup since the mid-’80s: Milo, Stephen Egerton, Karl Alvarez, and Bill Stevenson) bounded across the stage with the vitality of musicians half their age—pure inspiration.
Classics like “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” “Coffee Mug,” “I’m Not a Punk,” and “’Merican” sounded as vital and urgent as ever. Unfortunately, the biting cold forced an early exit, but Descendents were nothing short of phenomenal—proof that punk’s spirit endures.
This stacked bill delivered everything punk promises: rebellion, reflection, community, and unrelenting fun. A night to remember in the heart of Florida winter.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
- Left Leanin’ & Full Throttle: The Midnight Devils Bring the Party to St. Petersburg, FL - March 6, 2026
- Corella Plug In and Overload: ‘Rewire’ Sparks a Political Punk Riot - March 5, 2026
- Whiskey-Soaked Riffs & Florida Sunset: Robert Jon & The Wreck Live at Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival 2026 Review - March 1, 2026
