Wavves Concerts Tickets

ABOUT WAVVES

Wavves is a rock band that was formed in 2008 by singer-songwriter Nathan Williams in San Diego, California. It consists of Williams (lead vocals),  Alex Gates (guitar, backing vocals), Stephen Pope (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Ross Traver (drums and backing vocals).

CAREER

2008-2009: Early years and early releases

Nathan Williams began Wavves as a solo project in 2008. He released several 7"s as well as a cassette recording throughout the rest of the year, having enlisted guitarist Nathan Williams and drummer Ryan Ulsh. Wavves’ self-titled debut album was released on September 30, 2008.

The band’s second studio album, Wavvves, was released on February 3, 2009, drawing positive attention from Spin, The A.V. Club, and Pitchfork. Due to his struggles with substance abuse, Nathan Williams broke down during the band’s set at the 2009 Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival, leaving the band unable to finish their set. This led to the cancellation of the remainder of their European tour and to Ulsh leaving the band. Zach Hill briefly replaced him as the drummer of Wavves, before drummer Billy Hayes and bassist Stephen Pope (members formerly of the late Jay Reatard's band) joined the group in November 2009.

2010-2011: King of the Beach and Life Sux

King of the Beach, the band’s third studio album, was released on August 3, 2010, by Fat Possum Records. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dennis Herring, it was once again critically acclaimed and named the 24th-best album of the year by Spin, and the 50th best album of the year by Pitchfork. The album launched the single "Post-Acid", which was released on July 10, 2010.

On September 20, 2011, Wavves released the EP Life Sux, featuring collaborations with Best Coast and Fucked Up. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and is the first release on the band’s own label, Ghost Ramp. That year, the band made a guest appearance in the short-lived MTV animated series, Good Vibes, performing their songs "King of the Beach," "Bug," and "I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl".

2012-2014: Afraid of Heights

Wavves featured on the track "Shoes for Running" on Big Boi’s album Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, released on December 11, 2012. The following day, the band released a music video for their song "Sail to the Sun."

Their fourth studio album, Afraid of Heights, was released on March 26, 2013, and peaked at number 81 on the Billboard 200. The album was ranked by Still in Rock as the third-best album of 2013. The album’s second single, "Demon to Lean On", reached number 36 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. They made their network television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman, performing the track.

2015-2016: No Life for Me and V

"Leave", a track on Welcome to Los Santos - a collaboration album consisting of musicians featured in Grand Theft Auto V – was released by Wavves in April 2015. The following month, the band released No Life for Me, a collaboration album with Ohio-based indie rock band Cloud Nothings.

"Way Too Much", the first single from Wavves' fifth studio album, was released on June 16, 2015. It was followed by "Flamezesz", "Heavy Metal Detox", and "My Head Hurts", all released in August. The album, V, was released on October 2, 2015, and was ranked by Still in Rock as the 5th best album of the year.

That December, the band announced an upcoming North American tour with Best Coast and Cherry Glazerr, titled the Summer is Forever II Tour, which took place in February and March 2016.

2017-2021: You’re Welcome

In spring 2017, Wavves were support for Blink 182’s tour, alongside  The Naked and Famous. That May, they released their sixth studio album, You’re Welcome, reaching number 14 on the Independent Albums chart. That September, the band toured Australia with Dune Rats, and then continued on a headlining North American tour throughout October to promote the album.

In spring 2022, Wavves celebrated the 10th anniversary of King of the Beach with a tour of Australia and North America.

2021-present: Hideaway

"Sinking Feeling", the band’s first new single since 2018, was released on March 30, 2021. It was followed that May by a second single, "Help Is on the Way". Their album, Hideaway, was released on July 16, 2021. They supported the album with a 38-date North American tour, taking place from October 1, 2021.