Three Stages, No Water: Daze-ini’s CBGB Saga

Iggy Pop presenting Daze-ini to the adoring crowd of punks from all ages!

When the CBGB Festival 2025 began taking shape, Daisy, known throughout the punk world as Daze-ini, was brought in for her credibility and reach. Her reputation ran deep across scenes and generations, and she used it to help assemble a lineup that felt both historic and forward-looking.

Held on September 27 under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, the festival delivered exactly what the name promised. Legends like Iggy Pop, Jack White, The Damned, Johnny Marr, and Marky Ramone shared space with newer bands including The Linda Lindas, Scowl, Soul Glo, and Destroy Boys. Across three stages, CBGB, Young Punks, and Hilly’s, the music was loud, fast, and widely praised, successfully reviving the raw spirit of the original CBGB for a diverse crowd.

Daze-ini joined the Melvins for thier opening set to kick off the festival. Steven McDonald and King Buzzo wore their signiture eye outfits as tribute to Daze-ini

Behind the scenes, Daze-ini grew increasingly concerned about the festival’s operations. She repeatedly flagged issues around limited food vendors, water access, and overall crowd care, believing that taking care of fans was non-negotiable. When it became clear those concerns weren’t being addressed, she made a firm decision to step away just days before the event.

Daze-ini telling Johnny Marr He forgot to put on deordorant

The festival went on without her and was largely considered a success. Reviews celebrated the performances and atmosphere while also noting the same logistical shortcomings Daze-ini had warned about, long bathroom lines, sound hiccups, and sparse concessions.

Daze-ini a true punk legend!

In the end, Daze-ini was simply glad the fans had a great time and the music hit as hard as it should. Even after leaving, her influence was undeniable, in the lineup, the energy, and the feeling that punk’s past, present, and future had all shown up in one place.