The 32nd annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas returned over the weekend at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA featuring 311, The Offspring, Garbage, Portugal. The Man, Bleachers, and more. Before the bands took the stage though, they joined us backstage in the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Artist Lounge to talk music, trolling, Taylor Swift, and so much more. Watch it all below.
WATCH NOW: 311 backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
Talking about “the future” with 311, Nicole Alvarez asked Nick Hexum for a preview of what’s to come from the band, while backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas. "We got some new music,” the band's vocalist vocalized. "I think we’ve got some real step forward songs that are just, chef’s kiss.” When asked for more detail, he added, “I like to think of it as 311 on steroids, just better everything.”
WATCH NOW: The Offspring backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
Catching up with Megan Holiday backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, The Offspring discussed how their kids influence what they listen to, with Frozen and Taylor Swift making the playlist. But as for if the next Offspring album will be affected by the music of Swift, the fellas joked, “maybe there’s something to this.” Noodles adding, “all my guitar riffs are inspired by Taylor Swift.” Jokes aside, you’ll be happy to learn, just as the backstage crowd was, The Offspring are actually working on a new album, and something tells us it will be sans Taylor Swift similarities.
WATCH NOW: Bleachers backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
During his chat with Kevan Kenney at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, Bleachers' Jack Antonoff demonstrated some high key troll behavior. “My favorite thing if I’m on the radio is talk about things that you have to see,” he noted. Adding that, “when you’re on tour, all the different version of humor get broken down to the most debased layer, which is just like trolling.”
WATCH NOW: Garbage backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
Talking with Shirley Manson backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, before Garbage took the stage, Megan Holiday was curious how the band's approach to their lyrics has changed from back in the day. “The way we write has changed somewhat, we’re all older," Shirley said. “The male members of this band have children. You know, that changes everything, it changes how you view the world and how you interface with the world. So I guess that’s what effects it — life.”
WATCH NOW: Portugal. The Man backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
During their conversation at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas with Kevan Kenney, Portugal. The Man recapped their year and let us know what we can look forward to in the next one. “We start tour in February, and I guess we’re just doing laps man.” Adding they’re “pretty excited to bring the show out on the road.”
WATCH NOW: Cannons backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
Living the dream at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, Cannons caught up with Nicole Alvarez backstage to discuss their feels ahead of their set. “I really wanted to connect with people, that was my dream” lead singer Michelle Joy expressed. “And I didn’t know that that would mean that I’d be getting up on the stage here one day.”
WATCH NOW: Lovejoy backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
What’s the story behind “Normal People Things”? Well, Lovejoy sat down with Klein/Ally Show backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas and were asked to explain. “‘Normal People Things’ is a song about finding someone who is actually the complete opposite of normal, the most abnormal person you can” lead singer Wilbur Soot shared. Attributing his quirkiness to the decision to call it that.
WATCH NOW: Bakar backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
After a breakout year, what does the future hold for Bakar? Well, he sat down with Nicole Alvarez backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas to talk all about it. “Honestly it sounds so cliché but like, just realizing my potential and there’s so much more and so much better I can get at what I do,” the British singer shared. “Just knowing that if I fulfill my potential, then like all of the stuff kinda comes with it. To put it simply that is the goal for 2024, more everything, just grow, get better… and really try and like live the purpose that I’m supposed to.”
WATCH NOW: The Beaches backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas
Before they hit the KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas stage, The Beaches caught up with Klein/Ally Show to share who’s on their Mount Rushmore of female artists. “Shirley Manson, who’s playing tonight," Kylie Miller started the list. “Avril Lavigne has got to be up there,” Eliza Enman-McDaniel added, “Phoebe Bridgers," Leandra Earl chimed in, with all four in agreement. “Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders,” Kylie concluded the list with another contribution. “That’s a pretty good Mount Rushmore," Eliza added, before Jordan had a last minute addition, "I put Willow up there too, for our contemporary artists as well.”
A huge thank you to all of the bands and artists who graced this year's KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas stage, and all of the fans for the incredible support.
Although the Red Hot Chili Peppers were unable to perform this weekend due to an injury within the band, RHCP and KROQ are excited to make it up to you on March 2, 2024 at the Kia Forum. Singer Anthony Kiedis delivered a video message to the fans that played during the show, explaining what happened and singing his "apologies."
Hang on to your ticket and we'll see you in the new year!