Ugly Kid Joe Returns to Cleveland: Rad Wings of Destiny Tour at the Agora Theater

Angela Fach
May 25, 2023
3 min read

On May 25, 2023, the Agora Theater in Cleveland, Ohio turned into a full-on throwback rock celebration when Ugly Kid Joe rolled through town on their Rad Wings of Destiny Tour. This show was especially meaningful because it marked the band’s first U.S. tour in 27 years. As someone who grew up listening to their music, getting to photograph this show felt like one of those full-circle moments that doesn’t happen very often.

The night featured a stacked lineup with local openers Drenalin, Atlanta's own, Pistols at Dawn, and a of course the headline set from Ugly Kid Joe that blended nostalgia with fresh new energy.

Opening the show was Cleveland’s local rock band Drenalin, and this part hit close to home for me since I’m friends with the band. Seeing people you personally know take the stage at an iconic venue like the Agora is always a proud moment. They came out strong, setting the tone for the night with high-energy riffs, tight musicianship, and a crowd that was clearly ready to rock.

There’s something special about watching local talent hold their own on a big stage, and Drenalin absolutely delivered. It was the perfect way to start the night and get the crowd warmed up.

Next up was Pistols at Dawn, who brought a polished, hard-hitting set that instantly grabbed the room. Their modern rock sound paired well with the overall vibe of the tour and kept the momentum building. From the pit to the balcony, the energy was high, and they made sure to keep the crowd engaged from start to finish.

As a photographer, this set was a blast to shoot. Strong stage presence, dramatic lighting, and nonstop movement always make for dynamic shots, and Pistols at Dawn gave me plenty to work with.

When Ugly Kid Joe finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted in the best way. There was a real sense of excitement in the room knowing this was their first U.S. tour in nearly three decades. For me personally, this was the highlight of the night. I grew up listening to their music, so getting to photograph them live after all these years was surreal.

They delivered exactly what fans hoped for, mixing classic hits with newer material from Rad Wings of Destiny. The crowd erupted when they launched into “Everything About You,” and “Cats in the Cradle” brought that wave of nostalgia that hit hard in all the right ways. The band sounded tight, energized, and genuinely happy to be back on stage in front of U.S. fans.

It was one of those shows that reminded me why I love live music and concert photography so much. The connection between the band and the audience was real, and capturing that energy through my lens was an experience I won’t forget.

From local openers to legendary headliners, this show had everything. The Agora Theater was the perfect setting for Ugly Kid Joe’s long-awaited return, and the entire lineup delivered an unforgettable night of rock music.

If you were there, you already know how special this one was. If you missed it, I’m glad I got to capture it and share the experience through my photos.