Sugar
Sugar brings Bob Mould’s high-volume, guitar-driven rock project to The Anthem, with a set drawn from the band’s influential catalog. The music spans the acclaimed albums *Copper Blue*, the darker and more forceful *Beaster*, and *File Under: Easy Listening*, alongside Sugar’s first new recordings in more than three decades.
J. Robbins of Jawbox is also on the bill. Robbins is a longtime DC-area musician, producer, engineer, and songwriter whose work has included Government Issue, Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels, Office of Future Plans, and his solo albums *Un-Becoming* and *Basilisk*.
When: October 14
Showtimes: Doors open at 6:30 PM; the show begins at 8:00 PM.
Tickets: Price not available
Lineup: Sugar, featuring Bob Mould, with J. Robbins of Jawbox.
Venue: The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024.
About Sugar: Bob Mould formed Sugar with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis after establishing himself with Hüsker Dü and his solo work. The band debuted live at Athens, Georgia’s 40 Watt Club in 1992. *Copper Blue*, named NME’s Album of the Year, earned widespread acclaim for its melodic, emotionally charged songs, including “A Good Idea,” “Helpless,” and “If I Can’t Change Your Mind.”
Sugar followed with *Beaster*, a six-song release recorded during the same sessions as *Copper Blue* but marked by a heavier, more ominous mood. The band’s second full-length, *File Under: Easy Listening*, expanded its sound with songs such as “Believe What You’re Saying” and “Gee Angel.” Sugar ended its original run after a Japanese tour in 1995, but live releases, reissues, and compilations helped cement the band’s reputation for intense, melodic guitar rock.
Recent music: The original members reunited in June 2025 to record three songs: “House Of Dead Memories,” “Long Live Love,” and “Keep Looping.” These were Sugar’s first new songs in more than 30 years. The band’s current touring campaign is the *Love You Even Still World Tour*, following sold-out shows in New York and London and additional sold-out dates and festival appearances.
About J. Robbins: Robbins began playing bass with Government Issue in the late 1980s before becoming Jawbox’s singer and guitarist. Jawbox released music through Dischord Records and Atlantic Records, combining tuneful vocals and driven guitar with post-punk dissonance, complex rhythms, and melodic guitar-pop influences. Robbins later formed Burning Airlines with former Government Issue drummer Peter Moffett, while also becoming a sought-after producer and engineer.
Robbins operates the Magpie Cage studio in Baltimore and has worked with artists including Texas Is the Reason, the Promise Ring, Jets to Brazil, Braid, Clutch, the Sword, June Star, Daria, and Des Demonas. His solo records are *Un-Becoming* and *Basilisk*, both released through Dischord Records.
J. Robbins band: Robbins’ current touring power-trio lineup includes Brooks Harlan on bass and Peter Moffett on drums. The band has toured extensively, appeared at festivals including The Fest and Caterwaul Festival, supported Sunny Day Real Estate, and begun work on a third full-length record.
Venue logistics: Super Excellent Seats are non-transferable and must be collected on the day of the show. Before doors open, they can be picked up at the box office; after doors open, pickup is available at the entrance at 900 Maine Ave.
Note: Opening acts, door times, and set times may change. The venue and Ticketmaster may cancel tickets suspected of being purchased primarily for resale and may restrict future ticket purchases.