The 2025 version of Shaky Knees Music Festival is finally upon us, but with a few changes this year. Check out our preview with all the deets on this year’s fest, and we try to help with those Tough Decisions looking at each time slot throughout the lineup.
While Shaky Knees has solidified its position as one of the premier rock music festivals in the country, and the 2025 lineup is no exception, the obvious big change is the time of year for the festival. Except for the 2021 festival occurring in October due to the pandemic, affectionately referred to as Spooky Knees, the festival usually takes place in late April/early May. While we didn’t get another Spooky Knees, this year’s festival takes place once again over three days from September 19th-21st.
The other big change? Shaky Knees has seen it’s share of different festival grounds around Atlanta over the 10 plus years of the festival, with the most prominent spot being at Central Park where the festival took place the last few years. But with work being done to Central Park, Shaky Knees moved the location into the heart of Atlanta’s crown jewel, Piedmont Park, for 2025. This will be the first time at Piedmont Park, seemingly replacing the once again defunct Music Midtown.
The 2025 version of the festival promises another three days of incredible music. Once again, the festival will have 4 stage: Peachtree, Piedmont, Ponce De Leon, and Criminal Records Stage. Like most years past, there will typically be two artists playing at a time, either on the Peachtree and Criminal Records Stage, or on the Piedmont and Ponce Stages. But also don’t forget that Songs For Kids kicks off both Saturday and Sunday on the Peachtree Stage by themselves, a non profit that you should definitely check out and usually has some of the kids on stage covering songs with a surprise artist.
The first thing you will need to do is familiarize yourself with the maps, the entrances, exits, stages, bathrooms, vendors, etc.
The second thing you need to do is plan out your schedule, and we are here to help. We know the headliners closing out each night on the Peachtree Stage with no conflicts (unless perhaps you are heading to a Late Night Show): Deftones on Friday, My Chemical Romance on Saturday, and Blink-182 on Sunday. Like always though, the undercard of Shaky Knees stands out with some nostalgic acts including both farewell tours and reunion tours, and plenty of up and coming artists you should be excited about. But some of these things occur at the same time and become quite tough decisions.
Let’s take a look at each time slot of the 2025 Shaky Knees Music Festival that has two artists playing at one time. We break down a little bit about each artists, and then provide our pick for that time slot, including a confidence level on our picks (was this a tough choice, an easy pick, or perhaps just neutral about it which could go either way). This guide is here to help you navigate the weekend’s musical journey. Don’t just take our word for it though, go out and discover something new at the festival, there should be plenty to love!
The Schedule: Tough Decisions Await
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH – SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 1
INHALER or LAMBRINI GIRLS – 4:30pm-5:30pm
The first day doesn’t kick off until 4:30pm, but this year’s fest is set to start with a bang and plenty of tough decisions on. First up, upstarts Inhaler at Piedmont or Lambrini Girls at the Ponce De Leon Stage.
If you’re looking for an anthemic, arena-ready set, Inhaler is your band. The Dublin-based quartet, fronted by Elijah Hewson (yes, the son of Bono), has been on a steady climb. Their music is full of soaring choruses, jangly guitars, and a sense of exuberance that’s absolutely infectious. Live, they are known for their high energy and singalongs. With their new album released in February, Open Wide, receiving praise for its more ambitious and polished sound, Inhaler is ready to take Shaky Knees by storm.
On the other hand, if you need to release some pent-up rage and get a little sweaty, you have to choose Lambrini Girls. This Brighton punk trio is known for their furious, unapologetic, and fiercely political live shows. Their music is a raw, blistering assault of distorted bass, jagged riffs, and in-your-face, shouty vocals. This sure seems like the way to start out the 2025 Shaky Knees Music Festival, pure, unadulterated punk chaos. The crowd-surfing, most pit, and beers in the air will start right away with this one. Remember when IDLES, Amyl & The Sniffers, and others played SK for the first time and then your friends told you about the set because you were elsewhere and missed out? Yeah, Lambrini Girls may just be that set at this year’s Shaky Knees.
OE’S PICK: LAMBRINI GIRLS
Confidence Level: Fairly Easy Choice – Inhaler deserves it’s shine, but Lambrini Girls just feels like the can’t miss to start the 2025 fest.
SUBLIME or SARAH KINSLEY – 5:30pm-6:30pm
The second time slot on Friday pits the past against the future, the nostalgic against the brand new.
For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, well this seems like a no brainer. Unfortunately, we don’t have the original frontman, Bradley Nowell, who built a lasting legacy with the band in his short time before tragically passing away in 1996. Now though, we have his son Jakob Nowell stepping in to carry on the legacy and by all accounts, he’s doing a fantastic job, bringing a fresh energy to the classics like “Santeria” and “What I Got.” We will be right there with him at the Peachtree Stage, singing along with the throwback party.
If you’re looking for something that’s fresh, head over to the Piedmont Stage for Sarah Kinsley. The New York-based artist makes beautiful, genre-bending pop music that feels both intimate and expansive. She’s a classically trained musician who weaves in elements of synth-pop and dreamy indie-pop, for a captivating live show.
OE’S PICK: SUBLIME
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – Nostalgia wins this round.
IDLES or SPOON – 6:30pm-7:30pm
This time slot really isn’t fair, making it a tough choice, but is it really?
At this point, IDLES has played Shaky Knees a few times, and every single time it’s one of those stand out sets that reverberates throughout the festival grounds. Sure, it was their heavy punk roots that first had IDLES taking the world by storm, and now with an ever expanding sound (that isn’t always that agreeable to the original fans), they are becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world. But it’s their live show that continues to have the band reaching for new heights, and that hasn’t changed one bit. This should be a full-on, cathartic experience on the Piedmont Stage. Frontman Joe Talbot has a way of turning a crowd into a single, loving, aggressive organism. These Bristol punks will have the crowd jumping, screaming, surfing, and moshing at the maximum levels.
Spoon on the other hand, provides a masterclass in indie-rock craftsmanship over on the Ponce de Leon Stage. If anything, while Spoon is a beloved band, they also have to be one of the most underrated bands of the last 20+ years. Just the pure volume of great songs Spoon has released over the years is staggering, but sometimes it takes seeing a career-spanning live set from Spoon before you realize just how much stand out material they have. With new material on the horizon after a recently released double single, there is sure to be some surprises with the next great Spoon song you could hear during this set.
OE’S PICK: IDLES
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – As hard as it is to miss Spoon, you just can’t miss IDLES set. Just can’t.
LENNY KRAVITZ or JOEY VALENCE & BRAE – 7:30pm-8:30pm
Lenny Kravitz is a rock legend, and his set is all about style and swagger. The man is a master showman, and you can expect a perfectly polished, high-energy performance full of rock riffs, soul, and the singalong classics. Playing on the Peachtree Stage, Kravitz’s set will be a celebration of his decades-long career, with plenty of his biggest hits like “Fly Away” and “American Woman.” This is where you go for a classic, larger-than-life rock spectacle.
Joey Valence & Brae, on the other hand, are bringing a whole different kind of energy to Shaky Knees. The duo has blown up on social media with their throwback hip-hop style that sounds like the TikTok version of the Beastie Boys, which is kind of an amazing by the way. Their live shows are a whirlwind of punk energy, frantic back-and-forth rhymes, and pure, unadulterated fun. This should be like a throw back house party over at the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: JOEY VALENCE & BRAE
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – This one probably depends purely on the vibe you are looking. Sun setting, Lenny Kravitz grooving could be dang nice, but then again the party over at the Criminal Records Stage should be lit and just what you need to get the party going through the night.
THE MARIAS or PIXIES – 8:30pm-9:30pm
For a truly serene and transportive experience, head to the Piedmont Stage for The Marías. The L.A.-based band, fronted by the mesmerizing María Zardoya, creates a beautiful, intimate atmosphere with their blend of dreamy indie pop and psychedelic soul. Their live shows are known for being hypnotic, with Zardoya’s velvety vocals and a stage presence that feels both ethereal and deeply personal. It’s the perfect set for when you need to slow down, sway, and get lost in the moment. It’s would be hard to miss the chance to see this fast rising band that has been making some noise lately.
Then again, on the Ponce Stage will be 90’s legends Pixies. This band’s influence is undeniable—they’ve inspired everyone from Nirvana to Radiohead. Their live show is still a force to be reckoned with, and you can expect a no-frills, high-impact set filled with classic tracks like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Here Comes Your Man.” This will be a masterclass in raw, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll from the Alt-Rock Gods.
OE’S PICK: THE MARIAS
Confidence Level: Tough Choice – Despite being two styles on the opposite sides of the spectrum, you really can’t wrong whichever way you go here. For this one though, we are choosing the up and comers.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH – SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 2
GIRL TONES or JUNIOR VARSITY – 12:00pm-12:45pm
Kicking things off on Saturday are Girl Tones, a sister duo that are quickly gaining a reputation for their explosive live shows while they have only released singles so far. Their music is a fiery blend of punk, blues rock, and pure fury, with a sound that’s been drawn some light comparisons to The White Stripes. They’ve been on a tear, touring with big names and getting rave reviews for their live performances. This should be a high energy, raw set at the Piedmont Stage to kick things off for Day 2.
Junior Varsity, on the other hand, will bring something a little different to the Ponce Stage. This Los Angeles duo has built their reputation on their cathartic live shows, with a moody and atmospheric sound that draws you in. This should be an emotionally charged set that’s both introspective and high-energy.
OE’S PICK: GIRL TONES
Confidence Level: Neutral – When in doubt go for the highest energy set and that should be Girl Tones.
SOFT PLAY or ECCA VANDAL – 12:45pm-1:30pm
SOFT PLAY (formerly known as Slaves) is a punk rock duo from the UK that is an absolute force of nature live. Playing on the Peachtree Stage, their music is a blistering combination of punk and hardcore, but with a clever, self-aware humor that makes their set more than just a wall of noise. Their recent album Heavy Jelly shows they’ve matured a bit, but the live show is still about pure, unadulterated chaos and a heavy release of energy.
Over on the Criminal Records Stage, you have Ecca Vandal, a genre-bending Australian artist who effortlessly moves between punk, rock, hip-hop, and even electronic music. Her live shows are known for their relentless intensity and her powerful, commanding presence. She’s a true performer who demands your attention with her fierce energy and seamless shifts in style, making her set a unique and exhilarating ride that you won’t want to miss.
OE’S PICK: SOFT PLAY
Confidence Level: Neutral – Both should be high energy sets so you can’t really go wrong.
MICHIGANDER or FAT DOG – 1:30pm-2:15pm
If you’re looking for a dose of soaring, heartfelt indie-rock, Michigander is your band. Frontman Jason Singer crafts songs that are built for big crowds and even bigger feelings. The live set on the Piedmont Stage should provide a genuine, emotional connection, with anthems that are incredibly easy to get lost in. It’s the kind of set where everyone is singing along, feeling the joy of every word.
Over at the Ponce de Leon Stage, Fat Dog is an entirely different beast. The London-based band is known for their absolutely bonkers and chaotic live shows. Their music is a bizarre and brilliant mix of post-punk, industrial, and whatever else they feel like throwing in. A drummer in a latex dog mask, wild saxophone solos, and pure, unhinged energy are what you should expect at this set. Crank up Pink Cowboy Hat guy! This set should be unhinged.
OE’S PICK: FAT DOG
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – Since hearing their first single, the epic “King of the Slugs” in 2023, we’ve been dying to see Fat Dog. Easily one of our most anticipated sets of this year’s fest.
HEY, NOTHING or DIE SPITZ – 2:15pm-3:00pm
Want to know the next indie band out of our own backyard here in the Atlanta area on their way to making it big outside of our state? That may just be Hey, Nothing. If you’re a fan of emo-tinged indie folk with infectious melodies, then you will love this band. There is raw emotions and witty lyrics that have already earned the young band a dedicated following much beyond the confines of the metro Atlanta area. Their live shows are known for high-energy anthems and melancholic, heartfelt ballads that spreads their sincerity and passion with every note. This should make for a perfect, early afternoon set on the Peachtree Stage.
For something entirely different, head over to the Criminal Records Stage for a dose of pure, unadulterated punk rock from Austin, Texas. Die Spitz is a no-holds-barred, fiercely energetic, and unapologetic quartet. Their sound is loud, their stage presence is chaotic, and their message is fearless. LOUDER just said this summer about the band, “If you haven’t seen the best new band in the world live yet, you really, really, really should” and we tend to take their word for it, especially considering they aren’t the only ones saying that. Shaky Knees is the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. This set should be raw, rebellious energy.
OE’S PICK: DIE SPITZ
Confidence Level: Tough Choice – Hey, Nothing is the type of folk rock act that will just sweep you up and should be a great festival set, but then again the praises for Die Spitz live show have been flowing in so you just know it’s going to be off the chain. You can’t really go wrong here though depending on your style preference.
THE BEACHES or RADIO FREE ALICE – 3:00pm-3:45pm
The Beaches will bring a swagger of unadulterated pop rock to the Piedmont Stage for the 3pm slot. This Canadian quartet is fresh off a Juno Award win and is known for their fun, high-energy shows. This is a guaranteed dance party filled with catchy anthems. If you want to lose yourself in a pure, no-frills rock show, this is the one.
Then you have Radio Free Alice over on the Criminal Records Stage. This up-and-coming Australian band brings a more chaotic, post-punk energy. Their live show is more of an angular affair, that can take into the territory of everything from Joy Division to The Strokes. They’re known for their frenetic and charismatic performances. If you’re looking for something that feels more artful, unhinged, and fresh, head over to the Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: RADIO FREE ALICE
Confidence Level: Neutral – Each artist brings their own thing, but we are going for the less straight forward rock here. Let’s see what these Aussie’s have got.
JOHNNY MARR or SCOWL – 3:45pm-4:30pm
On the one hand, you have the legendary Johnny Marr on the Peachtree Stage. The man is a guitar god, plain and simple. As the creative force behind The Smiths, he crafted some of the most iconic guitar lines in history, and his solo career has been equally great. The live show should be a masterclass in musicianship, blending his solo hits with Smiths classics, for a hard to miss set. This is a show for anyone who wants to witness a living legend at the height of his powers.
On the other hand, for a whole other level of energy, you have Scowl on the Criminal Records Stage. This is a no-frills, high-energy hardcore punk band that is not for the faint of heart. Frontwoman Kat Moss is a dynamo on stage, and their shows are a chaotic release. You can expect a mosh pit, stage dives, and a raw, electrifying performance that will leave you breathless. The pit should be insane at this one.
OE’S PICK: JOHNNY MARR
Confidence Level: Neutral – General rule for a fest, when neutral, go for the highest energy set. Johnny probably won’t beat Scowl in that regard, but for this one, we are going legend. Both should be good sets.
HIGHLY SUSPECT or THE LINDAS LINDAS – 4:30pm-5:30pm
For a powerful dose of emotionally charged hard rock, you’ll want to be at the Piedmont Stage for Highly Suspect. Frontman Johnny Stevens is known for his raw, unscripted, and incredibly charismatic stage presence. Their set will be a heavy, soulful, and visceral experience that will leave you feeling every note in your chest.
If you’re looking for an injection of pure, joyful punk energy, then head over to the Ponce de Leon Stage for The Linda Lindas. This all-girl group went from a viral sensation to a legitimate force in punk rock, and their live show is set to show us why. Despite their young age, they’ve already toured with everyone from Green Day to The Rolling Stones. Their set is should be loud, fast, and just absolutely infectious.
OE’S PICK: THE LINDAS LINDAS
Confidence Level: Fairly Easy Choice – It’s time to see what The Linda Lindas are all about after they have been making waves the last few years.
TV ON THE RADIO or CMAT – 5:30pm-6:30pm
For a powerful dose of emotionally charged indie rock, you’ll want to be at the Peachtree Stage for TV On The Radio. The band has been on a hiatus and their return to the stage has been highly anticipated, so this is a big one. Their live show is a masterclass in dynamic, layered sound, blending post-punk, soul, and a sense of controlled chaos. Welcome back to Shaky Knees TV On The Radio!
TV On The Radio are legends at this point, but then again over on the Criminal Records Stage you can catch a true up and coming, possible world wide sensation type. CMAT, an Irish singer-songwriter, has been a critical darling recently. Her live show is an absolute spectacle led by her theatrical and witty pop energy. The music is a blend of country and pop, but her stage presence is where she truly shines, mixing heartfelt ballads with comedy and a larger-than-life persona. With the release of her recent album Euro-Country a few weeks ago, the stages are only going to get bigger from here on out for CMAT. Catch her while you can at the intimate Criminal Records Stage.
OE’S PICK: CMAT
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – When a legendary band like TV On The Radio comes off hiatus, you see them when you can right? At the same time, this is an opportunity to see a legit up and coming artist in what will probably be a little bit more of an intimate type setting than you may get the next time the chance to see them arises. This may be one of those sets to try to catch a little of both.
THE BACKSEAT LOVERS or THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – 6:30pm-7:30pm
On the one hand, you have The Backseat Lovers on the Piedmont Stage. This Utah-based indie rock band has been on the rise, with their cinematic, moody sound captivating audiences. Their live shows are known for emotional guitar-driven moments that should provide for a transportive early Saturday evening set.
If you’re looking for a dose of pure, unadulterated nostalgia, then hello The All-American Rejects. This is a band that defined an entire era of pop-punk and emo, and their live show is a masterclass in crowds going wild. This will be, of course, an incredibly high-energy set on the Ponce Stage with singalong to hits bringing you back to the days of yesteryear.
OE’S PICK: THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS
Confidence Level: Neutral – Probably depends on your flavor. The pop-punk era never hit here really for us though. But when in doubt, go with the energy.
CAGE THE ELEPHANT or BILMURI – 7:30pm-8:30pm
Over on the Peachtree Stage, you have the festival, and certainly Shaky Knees, veterans Cage The Elephant. If we were to ask ChatGPT to create the perfect rock and roll band for a festival, it would probably just spit out Cage. Frontman Matt Shultz is one of the best in the game right now; a blur on the stage, never stopping, always interacting, and probably crowd surfing. The live shows are pure, unhinged rock and roll. This is always a must see live band. Act appropriately.
For something completely different, head to the Criminal Records Stage to see Bilmuri. This project, led by former Attack Attack! frontman Johnny Franck, is a wild mix of pop punk, and well, whatever the hell else Johnny throws in (maybe country, pop, hardcore, electro). Their live shows are known for being completely unpredictable and ridiculously fun. If you’re looking to get weird, let loose, have some fun and a story to tell, this could be the one for you.
OE’S PICK: CAGE THE ELEPHANT
Confidence Level: Fairly Straightforward – Bilmuri is probably going to a fun spectacle, but you know what you are going to get from Cage and it’s good.
THE BLACK KEYS or PUBLIC ENEMY – 8:30pm-9:30pm
The last matchup before My Chemical Romance closes down Saturday night brings The Black Keys to the Piedmont Stage. By now, everyone knows about The Black Keys. What started as 2 person blues rock band, over the years they’ve expanded their sound and become one of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world. Raw and gritty, whether it’s just Dan and Patrick on the stage, or joined by the rest of the band, The Black Keys will slay the stage with powerful rock and roll set.
Then, on the other side of the spectrum for Shaky Knees, the Ponce de Leon Stage has the legendary hip-hop group, Public Enemy. This isn’t just live music; it’s a history lesson and a political rally all rolled into one. With Chuck D’s powerful lyrics and Flavor Flav’s iconic hype, Public Enemy is just what we need in today’s world.
OE’S PICK: THE BLACK KEYS
Confidence Level: TOUGH Choice – This is a really tough one. They both feel like must see sets.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST – SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 3
WORRY CLUB or THE CRITICALS – 12:30pm-1:15pm
Kicking off the final day of the 2025 Shaky Knees, you have Worry Club on the Piedmont Stage, a Chicago-based collective led by singer-songwriter Chase Walsh. This is a band known for their intimate, emotionally vulnerable indie rock sound. Their live shows are praised for their genuine connection with the audience and are the perfect place to get lost in a world of heartfelt, melancholic, but ultimately hopeful, anthems. Sounds like a good start to the day.
Then, over on the Ponce Stage, you have another up and coming indie rock band, The Criticals, out of Nashville, TN. They bring a little more of classic, no-frills rock show. This should be a set of soaring guitars, danceable bass, and an invigorating energy. This set could certainly start the day out right also.
OE’S PICK: THE CRITICALS
Confidence Level: Neutral – There doesn’t seem to be a bad choice here. Get there early and discover what these artists are all about.
IMPROVEMENT MOVEMENT or TEEN MORTGAGE – 1:15pm-2:00pm
Was someone asking us earlier about great up and coming indie bands out of Atlanta? Well say hello to Improvement Movement who has started making noise well beyond the confines of the metro area. Now they get to play their hometown festival! How do you describe this collection of Atlanta talent together as Improvement Movement? Psychedelic folk-rock? You can hear influences all the way back to The Beatles and to more modern folk like the Fleet Foxes. But it’s also not straight folk rock either. You will definitely find intricate songcraft, musicianship, and gorgeous harmonies though, alongside messages we all need to hear in their lyrics. This set on the Peachtree should be a captivating, mind-bending journey.
On the other hand, you have Teen Mortgage, an absolute powerhouse of a garage-punk duo from D.C., playing on the Criminal Records Stage. Their live show should be an explosion of raw rock ‘n’ roll. You can expect a relentless, fast-paced assault of heavy riffs, making for set that a sweaty, in-your-face, and unapologetically loud.
OE’S PICK: IMPROVEMENT MOVEMENT
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – Teen Mortgage is probably the higher energy one, and should be a great set, but Improvement Movement is something special.
STEREOPHONICS or ENGLISH TEACHER – 2:00pm-3:00pm
On one stage, you have the Welsh legends Stereophonics residing over the Piedmont Stage. After a brief hiatus, they are back on the stage, and their shows have been described as epic, stadium-sized reunions. You can expect a powerful, no-gimmicks performance full of fan favorites like “Have a Nice Day”, “Dakota” and more. If you’re looking for a classic rock set that’s all about authenticity and anthems, this is your choice.
Over on the Ponce Stage, you have the sharp, witty, and dynamic new music of critical darlings, English Teacher. The Leeds-based band, who recently won the Mercury Prize for their 2024 debut album ‘This Could Be Texas‘, has been praised for their captivating live shows and razor-sharp lyrical observations through their experimental post-punk vibes. English Teacher are new, interesting, different, and a perfect example of reasons we love Shaky Knees, to catch bands like this live.
OE’S PICK: ENGLISH TEACHER
Confidence Level: Easy Choice – Let’s see what all the fuss is about.
THE STEWS or MURDER BY DEATH – 3:00pm-4:00pm
For a raw and powerful rock show from a band on the verge of breaking out, check out Auburn, Alabama’s own The Stews on the Peachtree Stage. The young band has already built up a following with their high-energy shows and a sound blending hard rock riffs and indie-rock melodies that pull the heartstrings. These guys just know how to have a good time and getting their audiences right there with them. This should be a sweat-drenched, shout-along good time.
If you’re in the mood for something much darker and more theatrical, then Murder By Death is the move over on the Criminal Records Stage. This band has been perfecting their gothic Americana sound for over two decades, and their live shows are a brooding, atmospheric experience. Murder By Death creates a world of outlaws, devils, and whiskey, alongside a unique and captivating performance. Oh, and they released their “final” album in June, this is their farewell tour.
OE’S PICK: MURDER BY DEATH
Confidence Level: Neutral – Two different directions here, one that’s basically just starting, one that’s ending. See the farewell tour.
FRANZ FERDINAND or 4 NON BLONDES – 4:00pm-5:00pm
Over on the Piedmont Stage, you can catch Franz Ferdinand. The Scottish band is a reliable force for a fantastic, high-energy dance party. Known for their swaggering post-punk revival sound, they are a band that still feels vital two decades after they first broke out. You can never go wrong with Franz Ferdinand live.
But then you have 4 Non Blondes, who are back for their first major tour in over 30 years. Led by the iconic Linda Perry, who has spent the last few decades as a hit songwriter, the band’s reunion is a genuine big deal. There is no doubt that when the band plays their iconic hit “What’s Up?”, there is going to be an absolutely massive release of energy over at the Ponce Stage. This will be the singalong for all singalongs. How could you possibly miss that?
OE’S PICK: 4 NON BLONDES
Confidence Level: Easy – This has absolutely nothing to do with Franz, but as said above “This will be the singalong for all singalongs. How could you possibly miss that?” Inject it into the veins.
DEVO or MDOU MOCTAR – 5:00pm-6:00pm
This is a fantastic clash of styles—the quirky new wave pioneers of de-evolution versus the psychedelic Tuareg rock of a modern guitar virtuoso.
Over on the Peachtree Stage, you can witness a piece of musical history with DEVO, who also might be on their own farewell tour, still. This is a band that has been perfecting their theatrical, quirky new-wave sound for decades, qualifying as a must-see event to this day. Surely you can expect the iconic yellow jumpsuits and red energy domes, delivering the hits like “Whip It”. This is going to be a good one right here!
While DEVO is certain to be mesmerizing in the way that only they can, for something equally mesmerizing, but in a completely different way, head over to the Criminal Records Stage to see Mdou Moctar. Hailing from Niger, Mdou Moctar is a masterful guitarist who plays a psychedelic, electrified version of traditional Tuareg music. His live shows are nothing short of hypnotic, with his incredible guitar solos and the band’s driving rhythms creating an insane atmosphere. This is a show to expand your musical horizons and to see a true guitar genius at work.
OE’S PICK: DEVO
Confidence Level: Tough Choice – Really, how could you turn down the opportunity to see DEVO, possibly the last opportunity? But if we are being real here, everyone that attends SK (or anyone for that matter) should experience Mdou Moctar live and have their minds blown. Very tough.
“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC or WET LEG – 6:00pm-7:00pm
This time slot has the one and only “Weird Al” Yankovic on the Piedmont Stage. A live “Weird Al” show is more than just a concert; it’s a spectacle. You’ll see him change into countless costumes to match each parody; a hilarious, high-energy performance that will have you laughing and singing along. How could you possibly miss the opportunity to see the King of Pop-Parody perform at Shaky Knees? He only gets ‘Bigger and Weirder’ and we need more of that right now.
But then you have Wet Leg on the Ponce Stage. The Grammy-winning duo from the Isle of Wight exploded onto the scene with their witty, sardonic indie rock on their debut album in 2022. They were a worldwide sensation literally over night, and well, the music actually measured up to their sudden fame too. Their live shows are a whirlwind of infectious energy, catchy riffs, and a charmingly cool stage presence. Now they are back with their sophomore album, ‘moisturizer‘ just release in July, with a second set of songs that capture the lightning they started just a few year ago. This is a guaranteed top notch set full of rage, dancing, singing, and a hell of a good time.
OE’S PICK: WET LEG
Confidence Level: Tough Choice – This one isn’t really fair as you shouldn’t have to consider actually not seeing Weird Al. He should be in a slot on his own so we are there for it. But we are about the music and technically that’s parody, so like, we need to see Wet Leg live right? Yes.
ALABAMA SHAKES or FLESHWATER – 7:00pm-8:00pm
It’s the highly anticipated return of the Alabama Shakes! After a long hiatus, the band is back on the road and playing on the Peachtree Stage. Oh, and they just released their first new song in 10 years a couple of weeks ago. The band was seemingly on top of the world back in 2014 when they played the 2nd ever Shaky Knees at Atlantic Station, a lot has changed since then. While Brittany Howard has continued her run solo and in other bands since the Alabama Shakes went on hiatus, becoming one of the most influential voices of this generation, it seems the Alabama Shakes legacy is ready to continue and we are here for it. The power that this band exudes when they play together is just special. Excited to hear both the old, and the new.
If you’re looking for something much heavier and more atmospheric, head over to the Criminal Records Stage for Fleshwater. This band has quickly become a name to watch in the alt- shoegaze scene, with a sound that’s a blend of heavy, nu-metal riffs and dreamy, ethereal vocals. Their live shows are praised for their sheer volume and sonic density, creating a wall of sound that is both intense and beautiful.
OE’S PICK: ALABAMA SHAKES
Confidence Level: Easy pick – Have to be excited for the return of the Shakes!
VAMPIRE WEEKEND or LUCY DACUS – 8:00pm-9:00pm
The last choice to make before Blink-182 closes down the 2025 Shaky Knees Music Festival.
Over on the Piedmont Stage, you have Vampire Weekend. This is a band that has been shaping the sound of indie rock for the last two decades. Not only do they have a deep catalog of hits, at this point, live Vampire Weekend is even another level, venturing into jam band territory and showing off a deep set of musicianship from the band. There is just an infectious energy that Vampire Weekend’s songs bring that should set up for a massive dance party and jubilant sing-alongs. There isn’t a much better way to end the festival than a VW set.
On the other hand, for a more intimate and emotionally raw experience, you can go see Lucy Dacus on the Ponce Stage. Known for her honest lyrics and her commanding yet humble stage presence, Dacus’s live show is a moving affair. She’ll deliver a set that is both powerful and vulnerable, with soaring electric guitar moments and quiet, introspective folk ballads. If you’re looking for a set that will leave you with a lingering, beautiful ache, Lucy Dacus will deliver every time.
OE’S PICK: VAMPIRE WEEKEND
Confidence Level: Tough, but easy – Look, Lucy is stellar, but Vampire Weekend is just going to be fun, no doubt. And then Blink-182 will shut down the 2025 version of Shaky Knees.
