Whether you loved 2023 or loathed it entirely, it’s time to say goodbye to this year and hello to a new one. Of course, it’s tradition to celebrate New Year’s Eve morphing into New Year’s Day donning sparkling dresses and numbered glasses that are trying too hard to look wearable. Plus, what holiday is complete without a bit of bubbly or fancy cocktails/mocktails? Aside from these New Year’s party additions, it is basically a necessity to watch the Times Square Ball Drop via Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve special.
Now hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this year’s 2024 musical special features the likes of Ellie Goulding, Janelle Monáe, Post Malone, Ludacris, Reneé Rapp, Thirty Seconds To Mars, and, of course, Green Day. Now, Green Day is no stranger to NYE performances having appeared on MTV New Year’s Eve 1999 and also in 2005 alongside Snoop Dogg, as well as in 2010 on New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly, just to name a few. Of course, we are ecstatic to see what new tracks or old faves Green Day has to offer on this year’s Rockin’ Eve stage. Ahead of the new lineup, we’re revisiting some of the best alternative acts to grace the Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve broadcast.
Måneskin
Undoubtedly world-changing Italian rock artists Måneskin appeared on the the Ryan Seacrest-hosted NYE special to play their smash hits “Beggin’” and “MAMMAMIA.” In a brief interview, bassist Victoria De Angelis noted that there would be “so many amazing things to come” in 2022, and she was right. The quartet launched their singles “SUPERMODEL,” “THE LONELIEST,” and ” LA FINE,” which all appeared on their 2023 record RUSH!. All of these accomplishments arose from their 2021 Eurovision Song Contest win.
Weezer
Weezer kicked off 2019 with their cover of Toto‘s “Africa,” which may seem like an odd choice. However, the cover hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs Chart in summer 2018. Rivers Cuomo certainly psyched up the crowd with an old favorite, and with “Can’t Knock The Hustle” from the group’s self-titled album, otherwise known as The Black Album.
blink-182
The OG trio of Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus, and Tom DeLonge appeared on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve in Hollywood, celebrating the arrival of 2012. blink-182 ripped up the stage with “Up All Night” from their 2011 record Neighborhoods. Of course, they couldn’t start a very emo new year without playing a track from 2001’s Take Off Your Pants And Jacket. They concluded their taped set with “The Rock Show.” Of course, 2024 marks a year where we’re all going to get to see the trio back in action in arenas across the world as they tour with Pierce The Veil.
Gym Class Heroes
Along with blink-182, Gym Class Heroes also helped ring in 2012 on the Rockin’ Eve stage. Recorded from Hollywood, Travie McCoy got the crowd clapping to the beat of “Stereo Hearts” from 2011’s The Papercut Chronicles II. While Maroon 5‘s Adam Levine sang the vocals on the record, this live performance included a Warped Tour veteran: Fredua Boakye of Bad Rabbits fame lent his brilliant sonics to the radio hit.
Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne helped us all say bye-bye to 2010 in the most punk way ever with “Girlfriend” from 2007’s The Best Damn Thing, which the crowd adored and screamed along with. The “Sk8er Boi” singer then used New Year’s Eve to premiere her new single “What The Hell” in front of the whole world. This gave way to her Goodbye Lullaby era, which arrived in full on March 2, 2011. Honestly, between this performance and Lavigne‘s appearance at the 2011 Macy’s Day Parade, she should be a staple on all holiday musical specials.
Fall Out Boy
Fresh off the release of their December 2008 record Folie à Deux, the quartet took to the Rockin’ Eve lineup to play new singles “I Don’t Care” and “America’s Suitehearts.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a Fall Out Boy show without a little bit of “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs.” In typical Pete Wentz fashion, he played with a flashy light-up bass and ventured into the crowd in a true form of showmanship. Unfortunately, the year 2009 did result in a long break for Fall Out Boy, which stunned fans everywhere. However, 2024 will be a fabulous *time to be alive* for fans who will get to see the band tour with support from Jimmy Eat World.
Plain White T’s
Plain White T’s helped usher in 2008 with “Our Time Now” from 2006’s Every Second Counts. This record fully encapsulated beloved sonics of the mid to late aughts with this track, as well as the likes of “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)” and “Making A Memory.” Other artists who appeared this year included the Jonas Brothers, Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Kingston, Taylor Swift, and more.
Panic! At The Disco
Panic! At The Disco had a “Victorious” performance hours before 2016 turned into 2017 in New Orleans. The group performed an array of hits from Death Of A Bachelor, including the album’s title track. Of course, Brendon Urie hit every high note flawlessly. Additionally, Panic! had to go old-school with an NYE performance of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” as their pyrotechnics offered a fiery background.
