Chain Reaction Announce Final Shows Before Closure

Photo via Chain Reaction.

Chain Reaction, an iconic venue in Anaheim California, has announced it will be closing its doors with a final show on December 19, 2025. It has been a safe space for emerging rock, alternative, metal, and punk adjacent bands. Bands like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Turnstile played the venue before they had reached mainstream success. 

The news was recently announced on the Chain Reaction Instagram. “This call wasn’t made quickly. We wrestled with it and have ultimately made the decision to close our doors.We want to thank every band, fan and attendee of our shows. We want to thank the scene that supported us for almost three decades.” In 1996, the venue began as an all-ages, alcohol free space that gave young music fans a place to discover new music. It became an iconic space for the community, a DIY spirit with no barricades and band tees covering the walls.

The venue almost faced closure during the pandemic in 2020. Bands like Stick to Your Guns, Knocked Loose, and others came together when they heard the news to sell specialty shirts to save the venue, according to The Orange County Register. The community showed an overwhelming amount of support, allowing Chain Reaction to continue. The reason for this decision to close in 2025 has not been revealed but fans have taken to Instagram to express their sadness. 

Post-hardcore band Movements is set to play the two final shows with special guest Militarie Gun on December 18 and 19. Tickets are available only at the Chain Reaction box office starting at 10am on 12/10.