LIFE OF AGONY ANNOUNCES “30 YEARS OF UGLY” TOUR CELEBRATING ICONIC 1995 ALBUM
Critically Acclaimed Ugly to Be Performed in Its Entirety For the First Time Ever With Special Guests God Forbid (on select dates) and Jasta (U.S.) + Ugly Kid Joe (EU)
[New York, NY — May 07, 2025] — Life of Agony is excited to announce the "30 Years of Ugly" tour, a celebration of their deeply personal 1995 release, Ugly (Roadrunner Records). For the first time in the band’s history, the New York quartet will perform their sophomore album in its entirety, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the full power and emotion of this critically lauded record in a live setting.
Ugly marked a major artistic evolution for the band, showcasing a rawer, more melodic side while still delivering the heavy grooves and anguished intensity that defined their debut, River Runs Red.
Lyrically, the album features some of the band’s most beloved and emotionally resonant tracks, including “Let’s Pretend,” a haunting ballad that explores the pain of loss and denial; “Unstable,” focusing on the devastating impact of cancer; “Lost at 22,” an anthem of youthful confusion and desperation; and the title track “Ugly,” a slow-burning, introspective piece that builds to a cathartic crescendo. Throughout, the album delves deeply into themes of depression, isolation, and despair, giving voice to emotional struggles with a rare honesty. Songs like “I Regret” and “Damned If I Do” revealed a more driving hard rock edge, while deep cuts like “Other Side of the River” and “How It Would Be” cemented the album’s reputation as an unfiltered and affecting release in the metal/crossover canon.
“Everyone was expecting River Runs Red, Part 2, but Ugly was a left, right, and U-turn! People were like, ‘Okay, this is different?!’” explains L.O.A. guitarist Joey Zampella. “It took some time to sink its hooks into our listeners, but when it did, it became a classic. I’m super excited to celebrate the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of the L.O.A. catalog!”
The U.S. leg of the tour kicks off September 19th in Bensalem, PA, and includes a special lineup featuring God Forbid. L.O.A. and God Forbid are then joined by Jasta, the solo project of Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta on September 20th at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. Jasta will be the main support on the rest of the U.S. dates. Following the U.S. run, Life of Agony will head overseas in November for a full European leg, joined by special guests Ugly Kid Joe. This is meaningful and significant, because U.K.J. frontman Whitfield Crane took over lead vocals for L.O.A. in 1998, when Keith Caputo exited the group temporarily.
"Ugly was probably the most emotionally vulnerable record we ever made," says L.O.A. bassist Alan Robert. "It was a big risk back then—to release something so different from River Runs Red—but we were just in a much different headspace, and we always wore our hearts on our sleeves. The album ended up connecting with people in a deep, lasting way. Playing it live from front to back is going to be powerful for both the band and the fans."
“I’m very excited to get back out on the road to play Ugly in its entirety and to share the stage with God Forbid, our boy Jasta, and our good buddies from Ugly Kid Joe—along with our special friend Whitfield Crane,” says L.O.A. singer Keith Caputo. “I might even have to convince Whit to sing an L.O.A. song with us out there. That would be so cool. I’m looking forward to creating more incredible moments with L.O.A. and making memories with great people in killer bands. Come hang out with us for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.”
USA With Special Guests: Jasta (God Forbid appears on select dates as marked)
9.19: BENSALEM, PA - Broken Goblet* (L.O.A. & G.F. only)
9.20: SAYREVILLE, NJ - Starland Ballroom* (L.O.A., G.F., & Jasta)
9.21: NORWALK, CT - District Music Hall
9.23: PITTSBURGH, PA - Jergels
9.24: COLUMBUS, OH - The King of Clubs
9.26: CLEVELAND, OH - The Winchester
9.27: FLINT, MI - The Machine Shop 9.28: JOLIET, IL - The Forge
9.30: LEESBURG, VA - Tally Ho Theater
10.01: READING, PA - Reverb 10.03: WORCESTER, MA - Palladium
10.04: HAMPTON BEACH, NH - Wally's
10.05: PATCHOGUE, NY - Stereo Garden
EUROPE With Special Guests: Ugly Kid Joe
11.04: DORNBIRN, AT - Conrad Sohm
11.07: MUNICH, DE - Backstage Werk
11.08: PILSEN, CZ - KD Serikovka
11.09: KATOWICE, PL- P23 (L.O.A. Only)
11.11: BERLIN, DE- Columbia Club
11.12: HANNOVER, DE - Capitol
11.14: SAARBRUCKEN, DE - The Garage
11.15: EINDHOVEN, NL - Helldorado Festival
11.16: ANTWERP, BE - Trix
11.18: UTRECHT, NL - Tivoli Rotunda
11.19: BOCHUM, DE - Zeche
11.20: DRACHTEN, NL - Iduna
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9th. For more information, visit www.lifeofagony.com
Media Contact: Atom Splitter PR https://atomsplitterpr.com press@atomsplitterpr.com
About This Footage
The release of "Life of Agony '30 Years of Ugly' Tour 2025" clip is a significant milestone for fans of alternative metal, offering a rare glimpse into the band's live performance during their recent tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic album "Ugly". The footage, which clocks in at 0:44, provides a brief yet captivating look at the band's energy and stage presence.
The significance of this clip lies in its connection to the band's history. Formed in 1989 by Keith Caputo, Alan Robert, and Joey Z, Life of Agony has undergone significant artistic evolution over the years. Their debut album "River Runs Red" (1993) was a game-changer in the metal genre, earning Rolling Stone's recognition as one of the Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. However, it is their sophomore effort "Ugly" (1995) that takes center stage in this tour.
The "30 Years of Ugly" tour marks a special occasion for fans, as the band performs "Ugly" in its entirety for the first time ever. This decision highlights the album's impact and significance within the band's discography. "Ugly" marked a major artistic shift for Life of Agony, showcasing a more melodic side while maintaining their signature heavy grooves and intense energy.
The album's lyrics tackle themes of depression, isolation, and despair with unflinching honesty. Tracks like "Let's Pretend," "Unstable," and "Lost at 22" resonate deeply with listeners, offering cathartic releases for those struggling with similar emotional struggles. The title track "Ugly" stands out as a slow-burning, introspective piece that builds to a climactic crescendo.
The clip provides a glimpse into the band's live performance, showcasing their ability to connect with fans on an emotional level. Guitarist Joey Zampella notes that "Ugly" was initially met with skepticism by listeners, but ultimately became a classic in its own right. This statement underscores the album's enduring impact and influence within the metal/crossover genre.
The inclusion of special guests like God Forbid (on select dates), Jasta (U.S.), and Ugly Kid Joe (EU) adds an extra layer of excitement to the tour, catering to different regions and fan bases. The "30 Years of Ugly" tour serves as a testament to Life of Agony's dedication to their art and their willingness to revisit and reinvigorate their discography for new generations of fans.
Ultimately, this clip offers a tantalizing preview into the band's live show, inviting viewers to experience the full power and emotion of "Ugly" in its entirety. For those who have followed Life of Agony throughout their career, it serves as a poignant reminder of the album's enduring impact and significance within the metal genre.
Editorial context researched and compiled from verified sources.
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