The War on Drugs
Motorik heartland rock: Springsteen refracted through a synth haze, transcendent live, 'Under the Pressure' as the long exhale.
Where to see The War on Drugs
About The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs is a heartland rock band from Philadelphia, PA, formed in 2005.
The War on Drugs formed in Philadelphia in 2005, after Adam Granduciel, who had moved there from Oakland, began writing and playing with Kurt Vile. Vile left after the group's debut album, Wagonwheel Blues, released in 2008 on Secretly Canadian, to concentrate on his solo work, leaving Granduciel as the band's sole constant, writing and producing every record since.
The touring line-up eventually settled around bassist David Hartley, keyboardist Robbie Bennett, drummer Charlie Hall, saxophonist Jon Natchez, guitarist Anthony LaMarca and multi-instrumentalist Eliza Hardy Jones. Several joined during the extensive touring behind Slave Ambient, the band's 2011 second album, which drew favorable reviews and expanded their audience beyond Philadelphia.
The sound draws on classic American rock, Dylan, Springsteen, Tom Petty, but runs it through repetitive krautrock rhythms, layers of synthesizer and heavily processed guitar, giving the songs a hazy, drifting quality.
Lost in the Dream, released in 2014 after a period of loneliness and depression for Granduciel, brought widespread critical acclaim and a considerably larger audience. Signing to Atlantic Records, the band followed it with A Deeper Understanding in 2017, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album; a fifth record, I Don't Live Here Anymore, appeared in 2021.
Live, the material tends to stretch out, with extended instrumental passages and long guitar figures built over steady, unhurried grooves.
Listen
More like The War on Drugs
Find acts like The War on Drugs at upcoming festivals
Each opens that festival's finder with The War on Drugs already in the box.
Questions about The War on Drugs
What festivals is The War on Drugs playing in 2027?
The War on Drugs is booked at 2 festivals we cover: Estéreo Picnic 2027, BBK Live 2027.
Is The War on Drugs on tour?
Yes. The War on Drugs has 2 shows listed, from Jersey City, NJ on Nov 14, 2026 to Asheville, NC on Dec 12, 2026, plus 2 festivals on the page above.
Is The War on Drugs playing Estéreo Picnic 2027?
Yes, The War on Drugs is on the Estéreo Picnic 2027 lineup, March 19–21, 2027 at Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia.
Is The War on Drugs playing BBK Live 2027?
Yes, The War on Drugs is on the BBK Live 2027 lineup, July 8–10, 2027 at Bilbao, Spain.
Where is The War on Drugs from?
The War on Drugs is from Philadelphia, PA.
Who is in The War on Drugs?
The War on Drugs is Charlie Hall (drums, organ), Adam Granduciel (lead vocals, guitar), Dave Hartley (bass), Robbie Bennett (organ, piano), Anthony LaMarca (guitar), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Eliza Hardy Jones. Former members include Kurt Vile, Steven Urgo, Patrick Berkery and Kyle Lloyd.
When did The War on Drugs form?
The War on Drugs formed in Philadelphia in 2005.
What was The War on Drugs's first album?
The War on Drugs's first album was Wagonwheel Blues (2008). The latest is I Don’t Live Here Anymore (2021).
What kind of music does The War on Drugs play?
The War on Drugs plays heartland rock and indie.
What festivals has The War on Drugs played before?
The War on Drugs has played Austin City Limits 2026, Bourbon & Beyond 2026, Sea.Hear.Now 2026.