War on Drugs Results in Notable Increase in Drug-Related Incidents This December

In a much-anticipated return, the Philadelphia rock band The War On Drugs is set to revive its annual fundraising event known as “Drugcember,” which has been on hiatus since 2022. The series of concerts will be held from December 18 to December 20, 2023, at Johnny Brenda’s, a beloved venue in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. This year’s performances aim to benefit the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the city’s educational system.

The War On Drugs, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2018 for their acclaimed record “A Deeper Understanding,” will perform three shows at the intimate venue that accommodates only 250 attendees. The band, led by frontman Adam Granduciel, performed at Johnny Brenda’s during its grand opening weekend in 2006, marking a significant homecoming for the group as they move back to their roots. This performance is poised to contrast sharply with the larger arenas and festival stages the band frequently occupies globally.

Drugcember first commenced in 2018, quickly establishing itself as a cherished Philadelphia tradition that continued annually until 2022, save for the pandemic’s disruption in 2020. Following a two-year hiatus, the band’s return to this philanthropic effort underscores their commitment to the local community, especially given the challenges that Philadelphia schools face in terms of funding.

Despite various band members residing in different parts of the country—Granduciel in Los Angeles and bassist Dave Hartley in North Carolina—the group remains dedicated to their Philadelphia origins. Granduciel has expressed enthusiasm about the significance of these concerts, reiterating how crucial the Philadelphia music scene has been in shaping their success.

The War On Drugs last released new music in 2021, with “I Don’t Live Here Anymore,” followed by a live album titled “Live Drugs Again.” Their most recent Philadelphia performance occurred in the summer of 2024, when they shared the stage with The National at the Mann Center in Fairmount Park.

In addition to ticket sales, the Drugcember event will feature exclusive merchandise from local Philadelphia businesses, including Elixr Coffee and Kinetic Skateboarding. Tickets for the Johnny Brenda’s shows will become available on November 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. through the official website.

This event heralds a renewed focus on community engagement and fundraising through the power of music, ensuring that the spirit of giving continues in Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural landscape.