On Saturday, November 16, The Red Pears graced the stage at The Shrine, marking a pivotal moment in their journey from backyard shows to headlining one of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues. The energy in the room was palpable as fans poured in to celebrate a band that has not only defined their sound but also redefined what it means to thrive as independent artists.
The evening kicked off with an electric lineup of openers, each bringing their unique sound to the stage. First up was Floats, an alternative garage rock band from San Antonio, Texas, whose high-energy performance quickly got the crowd buzzing. Los Angeles-based SadGirl followed with their melancholic blend of surf rock, adding a unique depth to the night’s energy. Mexican Slum Rats, hailing from Granada Hills, California, delivered a raw and explosive energy. Archer Oh, the indie garage rock band from Moreno Valley, followed with an electrifying performance that amped up the crowd, igniting a massive mosh pit and setting the tone for the night’s final two acts. Finally, late night drive home, an alternative indie rock band from El Paso, Texas, delivered a heartfelt set, further heightening the anticipation for the headlining act.
The Red Pears then took the stage, their journey serving as an inspiration to many in the audience. Formed in 2014 by longtime friends Henry Vargas, Jose Corona, and later joined by Patrick Juarez, the band has always stood out for their heartfelt lyrics and infectious energy. From the release of their debut album We Bring Anything to the Table… Except Tables, We Can’t Bring Tables to the Table to their latest record, Better Late Than Never, The Red Pears have cultivated a loyal following that spans far beyond their El Monte roots.
Opening their set with fan favorites like “Flowers,” “Not in the Cards,” and “Forever,” The Red Pears captivated the crowd with their authenticity and passion. The night reached an emotional high with their encore performance of “Daylight/Moonlight,” leaving fans both exhilarated and deeply moved.
The evening highlighted a profound message of gratitude and inspiration. In a recent Instagram post, The Red Pears reflected on the significance of having their first-ever billboard displayed in their hometown, writing, “We hope this inspires the next generation of artists that come from similar backgrounds.” This sentiment carried through the night as they shared the stage with bands they’ve grown alongside—bands who we have had the honor to host at Nothing Fest through out the years.
Watching The Red Pears at The Shrine was not just about witnessing a great performance, it was about celebrating growth, resilience, and the power of community. For a band that began with humble backyard shows, this milestone was a reminder that dreams are attainable with hard work, passion, and unwavering support.
As The Red Pears continue to break barriers and inspire the next wave of artists, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of their story, and we at Nothing Mag are honored to be a part of it. This is forever.
Photos by Michael Arroyo
