Pop-up concert at Chipotle goes wrong for Wisconsin's alternative geek-rock outfit NEWSKI

NEWSKI at Chipotle in Milwaukee WI

Story Courtesy of Clarion Call

“We played an unlicensed show at Chipotle and everyone hated us,” says NEWSKI.  

Everything that could go wrong did, for Wisconsin’s jangle pop rock outfit NEWSKI on their spontaneous and unlicensed performance at Chipotle; the guitar fell out of tune, no free burritos were rewarded, and nearly everyone in the place was pissed off.

“Local men were plowing huge burritos and the last thing they needed was a band that sounded loosely like Gin Blossoms rocking in their face,” added bassist Sean Anderson, who filled up a water cup with soda during the guitar solo. 

“It is only a two minute song, but felt like an eternity”, says drummer Steve Vorass. 

The band ejected themselves from the premises on the final chorus before management stepped in. In 2019, NEWSKI played a pop up show at Wal-Mart to much grander results and a viral video single. 

“The people of Wal-Mart really love to rock, but Chipotle was a different beast. I thought about ending my own life during the second chorus,” added NEWSKI. 

One patron who was there with her kids added, “I thought they were pretty good, but my husband was really angry cause he was hungry.” 

WATCH HERE**

New album Friend Rock out April 7; features members of Nada Surf, Guster, The Verve Pipe and more

“The people of Wal-Mart really love to rock, but Chipotle was a different beast. I thought about ending my own life during the second chorus,” said NEWSKI when asked about his pop up performance at Chipotle

"NEWSKI showcases the unapologetically frank but not overly aggressive nature of 90s alt. rock perfectly." - American Songwriter

"I like the sound and the way he is forcing the world to contend with him." - Brian Ritchie, Violent Femmes

"You will leave their show thinking 'wow this is really not my thing', or 'THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE BAND." - Mike Mains

“I work at a venue, I’ve seen a million bands, I hate most of them, and I’m a grumpy fu#*. NEWSKI's live show is so great and well-dialed. He is great at what he does.” - Door Guy, Casbah, San Diego

Watch: NEWSKI perform an unlicensed show at Chipotle

Watch: "Chemicals" featuring Nada Surf's Matthew Caws video

Stream: "Chemicals" on All Digital Platforms

On April 7, Milwaukee-based alternative rock band NEWSKI will release their latest full-length album Friend Rock (pre-order). The album follows NEWSKI's acclaimed album and book It's Hard to be a Person: defeating anxiety, surviving the world, and having more fun. 

In late March NEWSKI will kick of their 100+ show tour across America, Europe and Mexico in support of Friend Rock, which features members of Nada Surf, Guster, Miles Nielsen, H Burns, and The Verve Pipe. Ahead of the tour, NEWSKI performed at a Milwaukee Chipotle to mixed results. 

TOUR DATES (round 1)

3/29 - YPSILANTI, MI - Ziggys

3/30 - HAMILTON, ON - Mill’s Hardware

3/31 - TORONTO, ON - Horseshoe Tavern

4/1 - ELORA, ON - Elora Brewing Co

4/2 - BARRIE, ON - Queens Hotel

4/6 - STEVEN'S POINT, WI - UWSP Dreyfus Center

4/7 - MILWAUKEE, WI - Anodyne Walkers Point

4/8 - MANITOWOC, WI - Sabbatical Brewing

4/12 - CHICAGO, IL - Golden Dagger

4/13 - ST PAUL, MN - Turf Club

4/14 - APPLETON, WI - Appleton Beer Factory

4/21 - COLUMBUS, OH - Rambling House Series

4/22 - YOUNGSTOWN, OH - Westside Bowl

4/23 - PHILADELPHIA, PA- Krobath Concert Series

4/26 - NYC - Bowery Electric (early 6pm)

4/27 - DEWEY BEACH, DL - Fort Ishu House Show

4/28 - WASHINGTON DC - Pearl St Warehouse

4/30 - RICHMOND, VA - Hardywood Brewing

5/3 - ORLANDO, FL - Will’s Pub

5/4 - ST AUGUSTINE - Sarbez

5/5 - WEST DESTIN, FL - Rock by the Sea Fest

5/6 - WEST DESTIN, FL - Rock by the Sea Fest

5/20 - HAVANA, IL - Havana Songwriters Fest (solo)

5/23 - SEATTLE, WA - Fun House

5/24 - BEND, OR - Old St Francis School

5/25 - PORTLAND, OR - The White Eagle

5/26 - PORT ANGELES, WA - JFFA Festival 

6/2- MARSHFIELD, WI - Hub City Days

6/17 - SHEBOYGAN, WI - Three Sheeps

6/23 - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Newbo City Market

6/30 - BARABOO, WI - Tumbled Rock Brewing

7/1 - MADISON, WI - Terrace at Memorial Union

7/12 - GOSHEN, IN - Goshen Brewing

7/14 - LANSING, MI - Bridge Fest

7/15 - GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Founders

7/16 - THREE OAKS, MI - Acorn Theatre