X and Los Lobos Unite for the Epic ‘99 Years of Rock n’ Roll’ Tour

Celebrate the legendary ‘99 Years of Rock n’ Roll’ tour featuring iconic L.A. bands X and Los Lobos with original line-ups and timeless hits.

A Historic Collaboration: X and Los Lobos On Tour

For the very first and likely the last time, two legendary Los Angeles rock bands, X and Los Lobos, are teaming up for an unforgettable co-headlining tour. The “99 Years of Rock n’ Roll” tour kicks off on July 19th in Denver and will roll through North America until late November. This extensive tour honors the combined 99 years these trailblazing bands have been shaping the music scene, with both groups performing with their original classic line-ups.

Expect X, led by punk pioneers Exene Cervenka and John Doe, to rock the stage with fierce anthems like “Adult Books,” “White Girl,” and “The Hungry Wolf.” On the other side, Los Lobos will bring their rootsy, electrifying energy with fan favorites such as “Don’t Worry Baby,” “I Got Loaded,” and their iconic 1987 chart-topper “La Bamba”.

The Legacy of Two Influential Bands

The impact of X on the L.A. punk and alternative scenes remains monumental, particularly their 1980 debut album Los Angeles, produced by Ray Manzarek of The Doors. Meanwhile, Los Lobos’ groundbreaking 1984 release How Will The Wolf Survive? stands as a pioneering fusion of blues, country, and vintage rock infused with Mexican-American musical traditions.

“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun? Wouldn’t it be crazy?’ So we asked Los Lobos if they wanted to do a tour. And they said yes! It just so happened that we had 99 years together in total... it’s really a dream come true.”

— Exene Cervenka

The bonds between these bands run deep. John Doe and X’s drummer D.J. Bonebrake also played with Los Lobos' Steve Berlin in the late ‘70s punk group The Flesh Eaters. Berlin affectionately notes, “We’ve known each other so long... we were all at each other’s weddings way back when.” These friendships feel more like family than just musical alliances.

The Final Chapter for X?

While Los Lobos show no signs of slowing down their touring, X’s upcoming shows may mark their last major tour. Exene Cervenka hints at a more relaxed future: “We won’t be driving around the Midwest in a van for weeks at a time anymore and staying in Holiday Inns.” These 2025 shows are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.

Top 10 Milestones of X

1. X Forms in 1977
   Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake burst onto the L.A. punk scene, releasing the influential single “Adult Books” in 1978.
2. Ray Manzarek Produces X
   The Doors’ keyboardist produced their landmark 1980 album Los Angeles, regarded as one of punk’s greatest records.
3. Exene and John Tie the Knot
   The duo married in 1980, divorcing five years later but continuing their creative partnership for 40 years.
4. ‘Wild Gift’ Album of the Year (1981)
   X’s punk masterpiece received critical acclaim, with “White Girl” becoming a KROQ staple in L.A.
5. Film and Acting Ventures
   X featured in the 1981 documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, while John Doe pursued an acting career in notable films and TV shows.
6. Breakout Hit “The Hungry Wolf”
   A major MTV hit in 1982 from Under The Big Black Sun, showcasing their evolving sound.
7. “Wild Thing” Cover and Mainstream Success
   Their 1984 cover gained exposure in Major League, paving the way for hits like “Burning House of Love.”
8. The Knitters Side Project
   A folk-country spin-off including Dave Alvin, broadening their musical range in 1985.
9. Return of Billy Zoom & Recent Albums
   Zoom’s 1998 return led to acclaimed releases Alphabetland (2020) and Smoke & Fiction (2024).
10. X’s Enduring Legacy
    Their influence spans legends from Pearl Jam to Nirvana, shaping punk and Americana for generations.

Top 10 Milestones of Los Lobos

1. Formed in 1973 in East L.A.
   David Hidalgo, Louie Perez Jr., Cesar Rosas, and Conrad Lozano created a distinct sound honoring Mexican-American culture. Steve Berlin joined in 1984.
2. Breakthrough Album: How Will The Wolf Survive? (1984)
   Produced by T-Bone Burnett and Berlin, this album blended folk, punk, blues, and zydeco, gaining critical acclaim.
3. “La Bamba” Takes Over the Charts (1987)
   Their version for the biopic La Bamba sold over two million copies worldwide.
4. Grammy-Winning Spanish Album (1988)
   La Pistola Y El Corazon explored Tejano and Mariachi roots, earning a Grammy for Best Mexican-American performance.
5. Socially Conscious Live Shows
   Active participants in Farm Aid and sharing stages with icons like Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead.
6. Collaborations with Music Legends
   Los Lobos have worked with Elvis Costello, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits, and more.
7. Critical Growth in the 1990s
   Albums The Neighborhood and Kiko showed their evolving artistry and commercial success.
8. Latin Music Hall of Fame Induction (2000)
   Acknowledging their global impact on Latin and American music.
9. Collaborative Album The Ride (2004)
   Featuring guest appearances from Bobby Womack, Mavis Staples, and others.
10. Top Honors and Awards (2021–2024)
    Named National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the Arts Award at the Hispanic Heritage Awards, Grammy winners for Native Sons, and inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience

The music scene has rarely seen such a powerful coming together of legendary bands with deep roots and decades of history. Whether you’re a fan of punk rock or roots rock, the “99 Years of Rock n’ Roll” tour offers a unique chance to witness two iconic groups at the peak of their powers.

“It is truly amazing that both line-ups are intact and unchanged and we’re all still playing good music.”

– Steve Berlin

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes the ‘99 Years of Rock n’ Roll’ tour special?
  It features two legendary L.A. bands, X and Los Lobos, performing with their original line-ups, celebrating their combined 99 years in music history.
• Will X continue touring after this tour?
  No, this is expected to be X’s final big tour, though they may do select live events in the future.
• What are some hit songs to expect from X?
  Songs like “Adult Books,” “White Girl,” and “The Hungry Wolf” are highlights.
• What iconic hits will Los Lobos perform?
  Expect “La Bamba,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” and “I Got Loaded” among others.
• Where can I buy official tour merchandise or posters?
  Shop your favorite album cover posters and more at Architeg Prints.

Ready to celebrate over nine decades of rock history? Make sure to catch the “99 Years of Rock n’ Roll” tour and grab exclusive memorabilia to keep the spirit alive!