The KIA Forum was lit up once again with magic and music, as KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas presented by Pepsi, slayed the season and kicked the holidays into high gear with help from The All-American Rejects, Evanesence, Papa Roach, Rise Against, Social Distortion, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, Wet Leg, The Paradox, and a surprise performance from 4 Non Blondes.
Before taking the stage, we had a chance to sit down with this year's lineup, catching up with old friends and making some new ones along the way. Check it out below.
The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects joined Megan Holiday backstage to talk about their return to the spotlight after a decade away, their plans for a new album, and the importance of connection.
Evanescence
Amy Lee of Evanescence looked back on a big 2025 with Kevin Ryder before their set at 'Almost Acoustic Christmas.' "This has been a really busy year, somehow accidentally," she shares.
4 Non Blondes
4 Non Blondes was a special surprise to fans at 'Almost Acoustic Christmas' this year, but Linda Perry says it was easy keeping the secret. "I don't have any friends and I don't go anywhere, so it was very easy for me to keep the secret," she shares. Perry joined Sluggo to talk new music, and that viral TikTok trend.
Papa Roach
Jacoby Shaddix just flew in from Canada and boy are his... lips chapped. That's because he was snowmobiling across the country for 3 and 1/2 weeks before he returned to Los Angeles to play 'Almost Acoustic Christmas.' The Papa Roach frontman joined Kevin Ryder backstage to talk about 25 years of 'Infest,' touring with Rise Against, and more.
Rise Against
Rise Against sat with Kevin Ryder, sharing how stoked they are to be in the building with a legend like Mike Ness, plus they share how they come down mentally after a big tour and the release of their new album, 'Ricochet'
Social Distortion
Mike Ness of Social Distortion is singing like there's no tomorrow, because there almost wasn't. Before playing this year's 'Almost Acoustic Christmas,' Ness tells Kevin Ryder about his cancer surgery in 2023 and how his voice is now stronger than ever.
Third Eye Blind
Stephan Jenkins has a lot of swagger, but it's nothing compared to David Bowie. The Third Eye Blind frontman shared a story backstage with Megan Holiday about his first 'Almost Acoustic Christmas' where he was showing off before locking eyes with Bowie. "I turned into a puddle right there on stage."
Yellowcard
Yellowcard is finishing out their biggest year ever as a band, coming off next level success, their first number one single, an album with Travis Barker, and two tours booked for 2026. With all that, the band tells Klein/Ally Show at 'Almost Acoustic Christmas' that they are staying present in the moment and enjoying things as they happen.
Wet Leg
Wet Leg linked up with Megan Holiday backstage to talk about their latest round of GRAMMY nominations, and the ice cold glory of a Boxing Day Swim in their home, Isle of Wight.
The Paradox
The Paradox had a "full circle moment" playing their very first 'Almost Acoustic Christmas,' from watching video of blink-182 conquering the stage to shredding it themselves for the first time. "It's insane,"
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Social Distortion
Mike Ness of Social Distortion is singing like there's no tomorrow, because there almost wasn't. Before playing this year's 'Almost Acoustic Christmas,' Ness tells Kevin Ryder about his cancer surgery in 2023 and how his voice is now stronger than ever.