STURGIS, S.D. – For 12 straight rallies, the rock band Tripwire has returned to Sturgis, bringing not just their signature sound but a vibe that’s completely improvised, entirely unpredictable, and uniquely theirs.
“We never run with a set list,” said lead singer Tim Malin. “We haven’t opened with the same song two nights in a row yet. And we’re on day seven.”
Known for their rowdy afternoon sets at The Loud American Roadhouse, Tripwire is now the second-longest tenured act at the venue, right behind local legends Dirty Word. And though the band has racked up over 120 shows a year across the northern states, there’s something about Sturgis that hits different.
“It’s a lot of camaraderie,” Malin said. “I just posted a photo series on our Facebook page that shows it. Before Sturgis, it’s us spread out on stage. During Sturgis, it’s us huddled with friends. After Sturgis, it’s just the four of us tight on stage, wrapping up a song. It brings us closer together every year.”
That energy fuels not only the band but the crowd too. With no fixed order to their sets, Tripwire’s shows thrive on spontaneity and audience connection.
“We goof around, we read the room, we follow the energy,” Malin said. “That’s what keeps our dopamine up. It doesn’t make us better or worse than other bands. It just makes us different.”
Their signature unpredictability has paid off with packed shows and loyal fans who know that no two Tripwire performances are the same.
“I mean it,” Malin said. “Even if you’ve seen us before, come again. It’s a different show every time.”
More on the band and upcoming tour dates can be found at tripwirefargo.com.
