The Southern California punk scene was one of the most fruitful sources for alt-rock hit-makers in the ’90s, with bands like the Offspring, Bad Religion and Blink-182 scoring major radio airplay and defining the sound of an era. Pennywise was an integral part of that era, but aside from minor 1999 hit “Alien,” didn’t really make it onto the radio. But they did build a very dedicated following, which included members of SoCal punk bands with wide audiences. There’s a good chance that any fan in the ’90s who went to see the newest punk band ended up seeing Pennywise, too.
More than two decades after releasing its debut album, Pennywise is still going strong, even outlasting some more well-known peers. The band’s current tour celebrates the 20th anniversary of 1995 album About Time, the final one to feature late bassist and songwriter Jason Thirsk, and the band will play the album in full, along with other favorites. They may never have become superstars, but they’ve put together something more satisfying.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. Nov. 19, $25 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
