credit:  Jason Thrasher

Five Eight at Valhalla

Mar 15, 2025

12:20am – 1:00am CT

Valhalla

This performance is part of the showcase that starts on Friday, March 14 at Valhalla

Georgia’s legendary alternative rock band, Five Eight, is currently on tour in support of Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, a new documentary directed by Marc Pilvinsky. The film, an independent project by the Atlanta-based filmmaker, chronicles the band’s three-decade career of raw, high-energy performances and emotional songwriting. Since its premiere at Athen’s Cine in September 2024, Weirdo has sold out screenings across the Southeast, followed by electrifying live performances from the band.

As NPR once wrote, "Five Eight are one of the best bands you’ve never heard of,” while Flagpole Magazine called frontman Mike Mantione "one of the most passionate, soul-searching songwriters Athens has seen." Their influence extends far beyond their cult following, with publications like Paste and Flagpole documenting their long history in the underground rock scene.

The band has just completed its first album in six years, produced by David Barbe (Drive-By Truckers, Bob Mould).

The first single, "Take Me To The Skate Park," arrives with a live video directed by Jason Thrasher. Shot at SPOA, the Skate Park of Athens.
The single will debut 2/13/25 on 99x Atlanta's alt. rock radio!

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

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About
From: Athens, GA, United States
Genre: Rock
Subgenre: Alternative
Type: Showcase