Viagra Boys
Fox Theater, Oakland
October 23, 2025
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Sweden’s Viagra Boys brought their chaotic, swaggering brand of post-punk mayhem to a beyond-sold-out Fox Theater in Oakland recently, and put on a show that was as raw and unhinged as it was incredibly fun. Led by the larger-than-life frontman Sebastian Murphy, the band tore through their set with a mix of humor, aggression, and total self-awareness that made for one of the most entertaining live shows of the year.
From the opening notes of “Man Made Meat,” the crowd was hooked. Murphy strutted shirtless across the stage, at one point with a White Claw in his hand, barking out lyrics like a deranged preacher while the band behind him—anchored by pulsating basslines and jagged saxophone bursts—kept the energy relentless. Tracks like “Pyramid of Health” and “Ain’t Nice” had the audience chanting along, while “Punk Rock Loser” turned into a sweaty, stomping anthem of absurdity.
What makes Viagra Boys so compelling live is their ability to balance chaos with tight musicianship. Beneath the sleazy swagger and Murphy’s sardonic stage banter lies a band that plays with precision and purpose. The interplay between saxophonist Oskar Carls and guitarist Benjamin Vallé (whose presence is still deeply felt) added texture to the wall of sound, creating moments that were both raucous and downright hypnotic.
Murphy’s presence was magnetic throughout—part stand-up comic, part punk prophet, part drunken philosopher. He poked fun at toxic masculinity, consumer culture, and himself, all while whipping the audience into a frenzy. By the time the band closed with “Research Chemicals,” the room was a blur of sweat, laughter, and cathartic release. The band wasn’t done just yet though, returning for a three sone encore highlighted by “Worms.”
Viagra Boys aren’t just a band—they’re an experience. Equal parts satire and sincerity, they remind us that punk can still be both ridiculous and deeply meaningful. In an era of polished performances, their messy brilliance feels like the most honest and entertaining live show that you’ll see all year.
Here’s a slideshow with more photos of Viagra Boys by Raymond Ahner:
