The Kids Are All-Riot: Hetson & Daughter Take Over Father’s Day

This Father’s Day weekend in Vegas, the deafening chords of punk rock history will be passed down a generation. In a uniquely fitting celebration, legendary guitarist Greg Hetson—a principal architect of West Coast punk—will share the stage with his daughter, Violet Hetson, for a special performance this Sunday, June 15th, at The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas.

The event, cheekily dubbed “Reverse Day Care,” offers a punk rock spin on the traditional family holiday. Instead of brunch and a tie, The Punk Rock Museum is offering dads a chance to escape into the loud, fast, and unapologetic world they helped build. Dads get in free with their kid, with the museum promising drink specials and dad-themed flash tattoos to commemorate the occasion.

For punk rock aficionados, the performance is more than just a holiday novelty; it’s a historical moment. Greg Hetson is one of the genre’s most influential and enduring figures. As a founding member of both Circle Jerks and Redd Kross, and through his nearly three-decade tenure with Bad Religion, Hetson’s distinctive guitar work has been the driving force behind some of punk’s most essential anthems.

His aggressive, melodic style helped define the Southern California hardcore sound in the early 1980s. With Circle Jerks, albums like Group Sex (1980) and Wild in the Streets (1982) became foundational texts for American hardcore, revered for their breakneck speed and biting social commentary. In 1984, Hetson joined Bad Religion, contributing to a string of seminal albums including Suffer, No Control, and Against the Grain. His playing propelled the band from underground heroes to mainstream punk standard-bearers, influencing countless bands over his 29-year run.

Now, Hetson brings that legacy to the museum’s “Pennywise Garage” exhibit, a fitting backdrop for a figure who spent decades shaping the scene from similar suburban spaces. Sharing the spotlight is his daughter, Violet, an emerging musician in her own right, making this performance a literal passing of the torch. The father-daughter duo represents a bridge between the genre’s rebellious origins and its vibrant future.

The Punk Rock Museum, which opened in 2023, has quickly become a sacred destination for fans, housing priceless artifacts from punk’s chaotic history. It’s a place where the genre’s anti-establishment ethos is enshrined, and hosting a Hetson family jam session on Father’s Day perfectly encapsulates its spirit.

While the event takes place in Las Vegas, its significance resonates with punk communities everywhere, including Seattle. It serves as a powerful reminder of the genre’s multi-generational impact and its surprisingly durable family ties.

So, for those looking for a Father’s Day road trip or simply to celebrate a punk rock patriarch from afar, this Sunday’s show is a landmark event. It’s a chance to see a living legend in his element, not just as a guitar-slinging hero, but as a dad sharing his life’s passion with his daughter and the world. Get your tickets now!