Karl Alvarez is more than just the “Bass Master General,” as devoted DESCENDENTS fans like to call him, and the band continues to prove they are more than just pop-punk pioneers, as the punk rock legends are still going strong.
Since front man Milo Aukerman returned to the band full time in 2016 following a sabbatical as a scientist, the band has toured nonstop, as its current tour with folk-punk hero Frank Turner is the band’s first big tour of 2026 before they join fellow SoCal stalwarts Social Distortion this summer.
“I think a lot of it we still enjoy playing a lot , and a lot of the material was challenging enough to play when we were in our 20s, and now in our 60s it is more of a challenge, and that is motivating,” said Alvarez before the band’s show at Houston’s House of Blues.
The bass in DESCENDENTS songs for years have been virtuoso level, but Alvarez is quick to spread the credit around as he cites drummer Bill Stevenson’s writing off the kits and on the bass and guitar as well, and the prowess off former four-string stars.
“We are a band that can play everyone else’s instrument and that lends itself… but is fun being in a band where I can go out on the limb (on bass) and not get slapped down for it,” Alvarez said. “I can’t over estimate how much Tony Lombardo’s playing has contributed to the sound of this band
Alavrez is more than just a bass player, see his songwriting skills as evident on the brilliant Bad Religion-esque “ ‘Merican” off “Cool To Be You,” which is an historical takedown of American exceptionalism, which Alvarez now admits he should have included more prominent female historical names.
“Punk rock songs could be quite prophetic sometimes…and we are kind of living it (themes of ‘Merican) now,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez and the crew are gearing for one of the most-anticipated releases of a 2026 or 2027 with a new DESCEDENTS record in the works, and Alvarez said he has a few “wild card” songs in his pocket, and likely being on the road again.
“We looked at Black Flag and we wanted to do what those guys were doing,” Alvarez said. “It wasn’t about being rich or famous, it was about being able to get out on the road and play every night.”
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s latest book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features interviews with Descendents, Alkaline Trio, blink-182, New Found Glory and others.
More DESCENDENTS: Punk rock and UFOS interview with Stephen Egerton.
