CKY / Jergel's / Warrendale / 9.9.2026
CKY is on and off the road for the rest of the year, kicking things off in Pittsburgh last night. Here are the highlights.
1. Two-piece now?
Chad Ginsburg and Jess Margera are the last two remaining members of CKY. After going through several different bass players, they’ve decided to forge ahead as a two-piece, with Chad using a bass module. Personally, I think this works. It actually added to the camaraderie and banter between the two. Ever since Matt Deis departed a few years ago, it always felt a little forced having another guy up there with Chad and Jess. That said, the set did feel a little flat at times. Maybe there are still some kinks to work out with this configuration.
2. The fan service.
Taking requests from the crowd created a fun back-and-forth throughout the night. I actually enjoyed a lot of it, although they clearly weren’t prepared to play some of the requests, which led to some extended jamming. There was a great moment when Chad asked if anyone in the crowd could rap the classic Dico Chinese freestyle from CKY2K. A couple of ladies took the first few verses, and then a guy who absolutely knew every word finished it off with precision. You couldn’t have scripted it any better.
3. Ape and Phil!
I think it’s impossible for anyone to dislike seeing April and Phil Margera. It was announced a few days before the start of this tour that they would be appearing at all of the Pennsylvania shows. I’ve personally met both of them a few times living in the state, but it’s always a pleasure to have them involved. Having them get the chance to bring the band out is the way every CKY show should start. And they didn’t just show up for the show. Afterward, they took the time to sign autographs and talk to every single person who wanted to meet them. They are exactly who you think they are.
4. More material for this configuration?
The last CKY album was released almost 10 years ago, and it was the first with just Ginsburg and Margera handling everything. I personally love that record. Only one song from it was played last night. I’m always a big believer that if a band is going to continue in a different form, new music should be coming with it. Sure, I love hearing the classics, but hopefully there’s more material on the way to keep this version of CKY from feeling stagnant.
5. Can’t we just have fun?
Look, I’ve seen the classic CKY lineup many, many times. I wish the classic lineup could make amends and come back, too. It continues to feel like that isn’t anywhere close to happening. But what we do have is something that, in the idea of CKY, is more than just a band. Chad and Jess keeping the musical side of CKY alive is the right decision. Hell, I just said I wish they’d make more new music to go along with these shows. So enjoy things for what they are today. It doesn’t take anything away from what they were.
To see video and more shots from the show, head over to @superfuzz.frontrow
