EPCOT Garden Rocks 2025 brought a familiar energy to the America Gardens Theatre this spring as The Hooligans took the stage. If you think you’ve seen this band before, you’re probably right. While they may appear as a new name on the Garden Rocks weekday lineup, The Hooligans are far from strangers to EPCOT regulars. You likely know them better as Command Performance—the four-piece British rock band that performs regularly in the UK Pavilion.
From the UK Pavilion to the America Gardens Theatre
Command Performance has long been a fan-favorite at the UK Pavilion gazebo. With their authentic renditions of British rock classics, they bring a sense of Abbey Road to World Showcase. But during EPCOT festivals, Disney Live Entertainment rotates in national acts for the weekend Garden Rocks shows and often fills the Monday through Wednesday slots with top-tier local talent. This year, The Hooligans brought the midweek magic.
So, what’s the difference between Command Performance and The Hooligans? It turns out—nothing and everything. They’re the same core musicians but with a twist. As Command Performance, they perform as a four-piece band focused on British rock. As The Hooligans, they expand to a full seven-piece band, enabling a broader sound and more complex arrangements.
Who Are The Hooligans?
Based in Orlando, The Hooligans are a group of seasoned performers with decades of experience. Each member brings unique influences, and their musical background reads like a who’s who of live entertainment:
- Kurt Frohlich (vocals/guitar)
- Paul Smith (guitar/vocals)
- Matt Bloodwell (drums/vocals)
- Dave Traver (bass/vocals)
They add three more performers for their Garden Rocks shows, delivering a concert experience worthy of a headline slot. Though technically a local band, their polished sound and stage presence rival any national touring group.
Crossover Appeal and British Identity
While their base is in Florida, their musical DNA is undeniably British. From The Beatles to The Who, Queen to Oasis, their setlists reflect the UK’s rich rock history. The band’s ability to authentically channel British rock legends while living stateside leads to the question—are they a British band or an American band? The answer is yes. Their hearts are British, their roots are Floridian, and their music brings it all together.
Catching Them at EPCOT
You can always find Command Performance at the UK Pavilion, where they deliver daily sets filled with British rock classics.
And for EPCOT’s Sounds of the Summer 2025 event, they’re taking over the America Gardens Theatre with a special three-week engagement. From July 6 through July 26, Command Performance will bring their full concert experience to the American Pavilion stage with five shows daily at 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.
Whether you’re catching them in the UK Pavilion or front row at Garden Rocks, this band never disappoints. Check the Entertainment Schedule in the My Disney Experience app for the latest showtimes and don’t miss your chance to experience one of EPCOT’s most versatile live acts.
Why We Keep Coming Back
At Sam’s Disney Diary, we’ve followed Command Performance since they started at Epcot. Their consistency, showmanship, and authentic sound make them a must-see every time we visit EPCOT. Their Garden Rocks set as The Hooligans is no exception. It’s not often a band pulls double duty at two stages within the same week, but this one does it seamlessly.
Don’t miss our full concert video from April 29, 2025, right here on Sam’s Disney Diary. See for yourself why this Orlando-based band with British rock soul continues to be one of EPCOT’s best-kept secrets.
