Christian rock can sometimes feel like playing a game of Mad Libs… Switchfoot announces a tour alongside Lit and Fuel. Just a year ago it would’ve felt strange to hear Brandon Lake releases new single with Jelly Roll. However, faith-adjacent artists stepping onto stages that once felt off-limits is what makes our unique form of entertainment so special. If we are to be the light in the darkness, you have to take some big swings. And now, in a move that feels ripped straight out of a Hollywood screenplay, former Jewish street racer turned Christian pastor Aaron Schwartzbart is opening for L.A. Guns at the legendary Whisky-A-Go-Go on New Year’s Eve.

“I have been shredding keytar on the sidewalk doing sidewalk evangelism for maybe a decade… We produced a promo video for the Willie Nelson Museum featuring my unique take on Willie’s music. I showed that promo video to the Whisky by way of audition. They said ‘If you’re the guy playing keytar in this vid, you’re in.’ I have been a regular at the Whisky ever since.”

Decades after Michael Sweet and the boys were flyering the streets of the Sunset Strip, trying to convert hordes of spandex and Aqua Net youth to Jesus at the same venue, here comes Pastor Aaron. Bible in hand. Keytar strapped to his back. Ready to take the stage by storm.

L.A. Guns in 2025 may not be a room full of teenagers and early-twentysomethings, but what it is is legacy. It’s the echo of a thousand riffs and a countless amount of bad decisions. And on New Year’s Eve, that legacy collides head-on with Jesus once again.

“New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2025 at the Whisky-A-Go-Go playing from 6PM to 7PM, opening for LA Guns and giving out free Bibles until midnight.”

If you’re looking for New Year’s plans in Hollywood, you could do a lot worse than watching a pastor shred for Jesus, hand out free Bibles until midnight, and donate 100% of his proceeds. Every dollar goes to the 501(c)(3) anti-street-racing campaign led by MotorGospel Ministries, in partnership with the LAPD, LA City Council, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

The connection to L.A. Guns runs deeper than a shared bill. The band’s DNA is intertwined with Guns N’ Roses, with Tracii Guns and Axl Rose forming the original lineup that would later fracture into rock history. And Guns N’ Roses, it turns out, has long been a spiritual case study for Pastor Aaron.

“Despite their very-much-not-Christian worldview, Guns n Roses has influenced my ministry for decades based on their unwillingness to compromise their convictions for the corporate suits. They turned down 10s of millions of dollars from the most influential men in the industry when they were borderline homeless cause they weren’t willing to compromise their artistic vision. GnR showed more courage of their convictions than many starving preachers would if offered 10s of millions of dollars to preach on TV with strings attached. Accordingly, when I saw that LA Guns was playing NYE, I took a big gamble…”

Aaron’s story makes him uniquely qualified to stand on that stage. His testimony includes real darkness before being saved 30 years ago. God flipped his life upside down, but the music never left.

“My love of gut-wrenching rock n roll is deep in my bones and shredding louder and harder than most secular bands is a genuine joy to me.”

And when the amps power down and the final notes ring out, the night doesn’t have to end. Maybe you do what Guns N’ Roses would’ve done back in the day and hit Canter’s. Maybe you stumble down to the Rainbow for a greasy 2 a.m. slice. Either way, you’ll have a legendary story and a free Bible to go home with.

Buy tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-with-pastor-aaron-schwartzbart-at-the-whisky-a-go-go-tickets-1641269012799

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