On November 2, 2024, Chicano Batman brought their farewell tour to the Fox Theatre Pomona, transforming the venue into a night of celebration and nostalgia. With opening acts from Xiuhtezcatl and Inner Wave, and the crowd decked out in Dia de los Muertos face paint, the night felt less like a goodbye and more like a community gathered to honor every moment of this band’s sixteen-year journey.
Xiuhtezcatl: Grounded in Roots, Reaching the Future
Xiuhtezcatl took the stage first, grounding the night with music that reflects not only his Xochimilca and Mexican heritage, but also the urgency of today’s social issues. His voice carried a powerful prescene, opening with a solo that cpatured the crowd’s attention, raw and unfiltered. By the second song, guitarist Sam Pine and keyboardist / vocalist Basi Vibe joined him, layering his sound with warmth and depth that made each verse feel like a call to action.
Halfway through, a highlight arrived—Xiuhtezcatl invited Bardo, Chicano Batman’s lead vocalist, on stage. The moment felt like an embrace between generations, bridging their shared roots and the enduring cultural pride each artist carries. As they sang together, the crowd was right there with them, leaning in with every note. It was a powerful reminder of why we were all there, beyond just the music, and set the stage beautifully for the night ahead.
Inner Wave: A Vibe, a Tribute, a Moment
Inner Wave followed with a set that shifted the atmosphere into something dreamlike. Known for their psychedelic-synth soundscapes, they opened with “Womack,” its heavy bass line pulsing through the room as lights cast an ethereal glow over the crowd. It was the perfect invitation into their world, and the fans were ready to dive in.
In a moving moment, the band paused to honor their late manager, encouraging the audience to turn to those around them, share a greeting, and remember the people who bring us together. The crowd responded with warmth, the theater swelling with quiet murmurs and smiles exchanged. Closing with fan-favorite “American Spirits,” Inner Wave left the stage on a note of gratitude and connection, a reminder of how powerful music can be when it invites us to feel together.
Chicano Batman: A Farewell Wrapped in Tradition
As the lights dimmed, the iconic chords of Vicente Fernández’s “El Rey” filled the Fox Theatre, and Chicano Batman took the stage amid marigolds scattered like offerings for Dia de los Muertos. The choice to walk on to “El Rey” wasn’t just a nod to tradition—it was a tribute to their roots and their journey. Fans joined in, their voices echoing through the theater as the band launched into “La Tigresa,” and the night truly began.
This wasn’t just another concert. For sixteen years, Chicano Batman has shaped a sound, a following, a community. The crowd felt it in every song they performed, singing along and swaying together, as if to hold on a little longer. This was more than a setlist; it was a moment to thank the fans who’d grown with them. Closing with “Black Lipstick,” Chicano Batman gave one last gift to the crowd, it’s iconic chords washing over us all, a perfect note to end on.
Leaving the theater, there was a sense that we had witnessed something truly special. This wasn’t just about saying goodbye—it was a night where tradition, music, and the spirit of Dia de los Muertos all came together in one unforgettable experience. From Xiuhtezcatl’s powerful opening to Inner Wave’s tribute, and Chicano Batman’s heartfelt farewell, the night felt like an embrace—a reminder of everything music can be.
