Gogol Bordello, the Gypsy punk band based in New York, took over the stage at The Novo in Downtown LA on tour promoting their latest album, We Mean It, Man! From the moment they hit the stage, the band’s explosive energy was undeniable, keeping the audience hyped from start to finish. The crowd erupted when the beloved notes of “Wanderlust King” rang out, setting the tone for the night, punctuated shortly after by a resounding “Fck ICE” from frontman Eugene Hütz, met with full-throated approval from the space.
By the fifth song, “My Compañera,” the floor was already on fire. Guitarist Leo Mintek cut through the chaos with precision, while violinist Sergey Ryabtsev embodied exactly what Eugene described from the stage: a musician who moves effortlessly from classical to serving the mosh pit. Accordionist Erica Mancini, the band’s versatile multi-instrumentalist, effortlessly anchored their signature sound. NYC-based Puzzled Panther joined for “From Boyarka to Boyacá,” their energy flowing naturally into Gogol’s momentum. Then came Kasandra Church for “State of Shock,” introduced by Eugene with a nod to their anarcho-syndicalist roots.
A favorite moment of the night arrived when Eugene dedicated the new album to the creators of the hardcore movement, called for a pit, and was joined by musician and activist Tom Morello from the legendary band Rage Against the Machine, sending the room into full mosh mayhem. Adam Greenspan, who also produced and mastered the album, joined the band on vocals for “No Time for Idiots”.
Politics and music have never been separate for Gogol Bordello. Multitalented hypeman Pedro Erazo stepped forward to declare, “Fck ICE, fck Trump… LA is a community,” followed by a strong “We comin’ rougher every day,” a preamble for their classic, “Immigraniada.”
Gogol Bordello has always stood with immigrants and against oppression, and hearing it from that stage in Los Angeles in 2026 hit hard. The reunion affair extended beyond the current lineup: former percussionists Frodo, with six years of service with the band, and Olivia, with 18 years, both returned to the stage to celebrate the new album, family-style. A major highlight was, of course, the signature anthem “Start Wearing Purple,” which drew the audience to sing along.
The band blended the new album with classic favorites, seamless but punk, and both held strong weight. Gogol Bordello remains a great true live experience, leaving you revved up for hours on end.
Photos and Words: Farah Sosa / farahstop
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