POWER TRIP has revealed details of their first performance since the passing of their original vocalist, Riley Gale
The band is set to take the stage at the upcoming Goldenvoice punk festival, No Values, on June 8 in Pomona, California. Joining them on the bill are an array of iconic acts including MISFITS, SOCIAL DISTORTION, IGGY POP, TURNSTILE, BAD RELIGEON, SUBLIME, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN THE DAMNED and JOYCE MANOR, among others. Tickets for the event will go on sale starting Friday, February 23, at 11 a.m. PT.
In announcing POWER TRIP‘s return to the live stage, surviving members Blake Ibanez (guitar, vocals), Nick Stewart (guitar, vocals), Chris Whetzel (bass) and Chris Ulsh (drums) posted the following to social media: “Nearly four years ago to the day, unbeknownst to us, we would perform for the last time as POWER TRIP. It has been a difficult road since then, marked by deep pain, grief, and everything else that came with losing our brother Riley.
“We know this can’t be undone, and it will always remain part of us. We have thought deeply about the future of POWER TRIP and what always comes back to us is that this band was founded on resilience, perseverance, and most importantly: a love for the music and for all of the people it has brought us closer to along the way.
“We’ll never have the words to convey our appreciation of the enduring support we’ve received over the years, and we feel as though the time is right to get back on stage for all of you who’ve been there throughout our existence as a band.
“With that, we are excited to announce a round of upcoming 2024 performances starting with @novaluesfestival on June 8th in SoCal.
“Joining us will be our long-time close friend/collaborator, and singer of @fugitive_tx / @skourge713 — Seth Gilmore — who will be handling vocals for these upcoming shows.
“Stay tuned, more info on the way…
“Riley Gale Forever.
POWER TRIP Forever.
“See you in the pit.”
In a surprise move, Ibanez, Stewart, Whetzel, and Ulsh performed a five-song set on December 1, 2023, at Mohawk in Austin, Texas. This special performance saw them joined by SKOURGE vocalist Seth Gilmore, who also shares musical endeavors with Ibanez in FUGITIVE, the official headliner of the Austin gig.
Following FUGITIVE‘s set, Gilmore and Blake remained onstage, soon joined by Stewart, Whetzel, and Ulsh for renditions of POWER TRIP classics, including “Soul Sacrifice,” “Executioner’s Tax,” “Hornet’s Nest,” “Manifest Decimation,” and “Crucifixation.” Fan-captured footage of the performance is available online.
Riley Gale tragically passed away on August 25, 2020. The autopsy report attributed his death to the toxic effects of fentanyl, with the manner of death ruled as accidental. The report indicated that Gale suffered from pulmonary edema, a result of excess fluid in the lungs caused by the presence of fentanyl in his system. Notably, Gale tested negative for all other drugs and alcohol.
The autopsy report also revealed Gale‘s history of Xanax abuse and depression. He was found unresponsive at home.
In October 2020, plans were unveiled for the Riley Gale Library at the Dallas Hope Center, aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the city.
POWER TRIP‘s discography includes two albums released on Southern Lord, 2013’s “Manifest Decimation” and 2017’s “Nightmare Logic,” as well as a rarities compilation titled “Opening Fire: 2008-2014,” released in 2018.
POWER TRIP is a metal band hailing from Dallas, Texas, USA, formed in 2008. The band is known for their intense and aggressive thrash metal sound infused with elements of hardcore punk. Led by vocalist Riley Gale, POWER TRIP quickly gained recognition for their electrifying live performances and politically charged lyrics.