Watch THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Play “Milk Lizard” Live With THOUGHTCRIMES Vocalist RICK PEPA

The Dillinger Escape Plan just wrapped up a trio of Californian shows, and the last one featured a bit of a surprise.

During their December 14 set at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, CA, The Dillinger Escape Plan brought back the Greg Puciato-era track “Milk Lizard” alongside thoughtcrimes vocalist Rick Pepa behind the microphone. Which wasn’t a shocking choice considering thoughtcrimes and The Dillinger Escape Plan both share drummer Billy Rymer, but still – The Dillinger Escape Plan playing a Puciato-era track was pretty cool.

Though Pepa was hardly the only guest at these recent The Dillinger Escape Plan shows. The band also recruited ex-Every Time I Die vocalist Keith Buckley during their December 12 show at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA, making for essentially the reverse of Better Lovers.

On the Californian shows, The Dillinger Escape Plan offered the following: “What a run. California, you brought so much fire this weekend that it felt like we were right back where it all started. Playing these first Dillinger Escape Plan tracks with Dimitri again has been the perfect mix of chaos, sweat, and history that still feels dangerous in the best possible way.

“There’s something unexplainable that happens when we hit those opening notes and see crowds losing their minds to songs that were written decades ago. Every show feels like its own battle, and you all keep showing up ready to fight with us. That energy doesn’t just fade, it feeds us, and it’s what has kept this whole Calculating run alive.

“We owe so much to our friends who came out and supported, those who shared the stage, and our insane crew who keep this beast on the rails night after night. You’re the real MVPs, seriously, none of this works without you.

“As we close the chapter on 2025, we’re taking a moment to breathe, process, and appreciate what this year turned into. Every scream, every crowd surf, every minute backstage talking about old times, it all meant something real. Hope to see you again soon. Much love and respect.”

Milk Lizard w/Rick from Thought Crimes – Regency Ballroom SF 12/14/25
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