Dead Moon are on tour:

Toody Cole, 77-year-old founding member of the American punk band Dead Moon, is preparing for a multi-week European tour this summer. The band, which formed in 1987 and disbanded in 2006, is set to perform in cities including Cologne, Berlin, and Hamburg, with dates scheduled for August 2026. Cole, who has been living in Oregon’s wilderness since the early days of the band, continues to play music despite her age, drawing crowds that span multiple generations. The tour marks a return to the roots of Dead Moon, with Cole performing many of the band's older songs. She recently returned from a festival in Sweden, where she described the experience as “beautiful,” and plans to play four shows in Finland, all of which have sold out. This resurgence of interest in the band has surprised even Cole herself. While much of the audience consists of longtime fans, she noted that younger audiences, some born after the band officially dissolved, are also attending concerts. These new listeners, she explained, often come because their parents or grandparents spoke of Dead Moon, creating a kind of family legacy around the music. Cole’s journey into music began in 1966 when she met Fred Cole, the band’s co-founder, in Portland, Oregon. At the time, she was just 17 years old and described herself as a shy, bookish teenager who might have otherwise become a librarian. However, meeting Fred changed the course of her life. He taught her how to play bass, and together they built a career rooted in DIY ethos and garage rock. Their partnership produced three children and a unique musical identity that blended raw energy with emotional depth. After Fred’s death in 2017, Cole continued to make music, though not always as part of a full band. Since 2023, she has performed with former members of other bands, including Kelly Halliburton, the former drummer of Pierced Arrows, and Christopher March on guitar. Her current lineup includes Halliburton and March, both of whom have played alongside her for years. Despite the absence of some original members, the spirit of Dead Moon lives on through her performances. Cole’s home in Oregon reflects the band’s philosophy. She lives in a rustic house surrounded by dense vegetation, far removed from modern conveniences. Until recently, she lived in a tent for nearly two years while building the house. Even today, she relies on a small stream for water and maintains a self-sufficient lifestyle. Her son, Weeden, has joined her in recent years, helping with tasks like logging and yard work. He is capable of operating the chainsaw and managing the physical demands of rural life, which Cole admits she is less suited for as she ages. In interviews, Cole has spoken candidly about the enduring appeal of Dead Moon. She credits the band’s connection with its audience, particularly the sense of community that developed during its peak. Live shows were more than just performances, they were shared experiences that brought people together. This tradition continues, with fans of all ages coming to see her play. The recent success of the tour suggests that the band’s influence extends beyond its original fanbase, reaching new generations who may not have known the band’s history but are drawn to its sound and message. As the tour approaches, Cole remains focused on the music. She describes the deep tones of the bass as something that resonates with her personally. The band’s legacy, she says, is not just in the songs but in the relationships and memories created over decades. With each performance, she hopes to share that same feeling of connection with her audience.