Since the 2021 release of its most recent studio album, ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’, Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs have maintained a manic schedule. Along with touring, TWoD’s bandleader Adam Granduciel appeared on The Killers’ ‘Imploding the Mirage’ album, drummer Charlie Hall has played gigs with a jazz ensemble in tribute of Miles Davis’ classic, ‘On the Corner’, and many Drugs members were part of this holiday’s most sought-after release, ‘A Philly Special Christmas,‘ featuring players from The Hooters and The Philadelphia Eagles.
One thing that The War on Drugs hasn’t been able to do since the pandemic’s start was its December charity showcase—A Drugcember to Remember—held annually at Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. Starting in 2018, TWoD Christmas live gigs have benefitted The School District of Philadelphia and welcomed fellow Philly musicians and singers to join in merriment and song. Back for 2022, A Drugcember to Remember happens across three nights at Johnny Brenda’s on Dec. 19, 20 and 21, and features a brand-new craft brew to go with its revelry.
For the sake of charity and all that is good for the season, TWoD’s vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Adam Granduciel sat down with Metro in the name of a merry Drugcember.
The War on Drugs is not generally thought of as a Christmasy bunch of guys. Are you truly chestnuts-roasting-on-an-open-fire people? Do you have any corny, Christmas in Philly tales?
Who doesn’t love the holiday season? I lived behind Terminis Bakery for a bit and the smell coming out of that place all December long will make anybody a believer. And you should listen to ‘The Man in Red’, written by our own Anthony LaMarca. It’s one of the best modern Christmas songs going.
What do you remember most about the first Drugcember? Do you have any unique, special memories about the live event itself?
The first year, 2018, we had just returned from a two-week tour in Europe and wanted to finish the year in Philly somehow. We ended up with a show at Johnny Brenda’s, Union transfer and Tower Theatre. We have a friend who works at The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia and that’s where we found out about the great fundraising possibilities there. Tim Heidecker was kind of enough to join us that first year and do a bit of stand up, music and master of ceremony stuff. We were putting the whole thing together up until we hit the stage that first night.
What did TWoD do with themselves during the Covid years of December?
We made a good amount of our last record, released ‘LIVE DRUGS’, raised kids. Everybody worked on musical projects of their own, or home projects. Luckily, we often talked via Zoom, which also helped put together the first two seasons of our Super High-Quality Podcast.
What is the vibe about reconnecting with your hometown after being away so much with the new album’s touring cycle? Do you miss being in Philly?
We wouldn’t have been able to be a band if it wasn’t for the musical climate in Philadelphia when we were coming up. I hold that connection very close to my heart, even though I currently live in LA. And yes, go Eagles. Philly still feels like home though — even if I’m only coming in for a week, it feels like coming home. Plus, Robbie, Charlie and Eliza from the band are all still in Philly, as well as so many of our best friends.
Can you say something about choosing the school district as the beneficiary of Drugcember’s charity?
Children are the future of this world and we need to give them everything we can for them to succeed. This starts with the public school system and making sure kids have even the basics at their disposal. Over the years, our Drugcember money has gone to new sets of school lockers, new school uniforms, the rebuilding of a playground and assistance to an arts and music program.
Tell us all about the the Drugcember craft beer being made for the occasion.
Forgotten Boardwalk Brewery approached us, asking how they could help with anything Drugcember. It was amazing. They put together that amazing label design themselves and were so helpful and enthusiastic to work with. Seeing other businesses and people in the community getting interested and invested in the giving nature of Drugcember is what it’s all about.
For information and tickets, visit johnnybrendas.com
