- December 4, 2025
Jack Johnson is kind of having a moment ... again. Recently celebrating the quarter-century anniversary of his films "The September Sessions" and "Thicker Than Water" with shows in Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach, it turns out the North Shore resident was just getting warmed up.
Stepping back into the spotlight in his typically casual, good-natured way, Jack has new musical collaborators, a new bag of songs, a new tour on the calendar, and a new documentary in the works. Let's start with the latest. This week Jack and Hermanos Gutiérrez -- guitar-slinging brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez -- landed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a candlelit rendition of their new tune "Hold On To The Light."
"Hold On To The Light" is purportedly a track from Jack's forthcoming documentary "Surfilmusic," which will detail his first act as a filmmaker, followed by his remarkably more successful second act as a musician (not to say his films aren't great, they very much are). A work in progress, the fabulous Malloy brothers fingerprints are all over the production, which bodes well for the project considering Chris Malloy and Jack were co-conspirators in those initial films 25 years ago. A trailer for the documentary has already dropped with more info on the way in the months to come.
Jack's also announced the SURFILMUSIC 2026 North American Tour coming to 40-plus cities in 2026. "It’s been a few years since the last full tour, and this one brings together everything Jack loves: surf, film, music, good friends, and community," reads the announcement on Johnson's website.
Seeing Jack play in Laguna last month with a crew of his homies, including Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Donavon Frankenreiter, and G Love, he delivered a flowing, groove-infused set of classics and new songs alike. It's been a minute since Jack's stepped out on stage so boldly and it looks like he's back where he belongs, as comfortable playing and singing in front of thousands as he is a four- to six-foot day at Haleiwa. It's good to have him back.
Related: "I Can't Believe It!" Jack Johnson Plays Secret Show In Encinitas
