Forefold, not Foretold as it said on the poster, were first on the punk rock agenda for the evening. Lead singer Andrew Dugan, was quite a charismatic creature with a voice that couldn’t be anything other than rock however at times vocals were somewhat inaudible which comes hand-in-hand with being first up at the Arena. The drummer, whom was on loan the evening was knocking them out with true style and class and with the lack of vocals it was easy to be focused on nothing else.

A band that is harder to catch around Brisbane than a rabbit on a jet-ski is Bad Day Down. However they finally came out of their hole to grace the stage with an American punk rock classic. It was certainly an evening where fans got their money’s worth with a set filled with thirty second song happiness. Australian is a state of Mind was one of the last and the one favourite that saw the old Brisbane punks singing along like it was end of the world. That and it is a quality song. All four gentlemen know the score and how to make the most of a punk rock set with jumps and spins happening with experience and class. At times it was their brandishing of instruments was enough to get one over excited about what was coming but it was also great to see them parading around supporting the good cause that is Movember. Four punks with respectable moustaches is nothing to be scoffed at.

Quick drinks, toilet and cigarette break and the middle-aged punks that are Lagwagon walk on to an audience that was three-quarters full of NoFx shirt wearing punks. There are screams, chants and beer is spilt all over the people standing under the balcony. Joey Cape is pint sized but his voice is one that is what the kids of today would call epic. Chris who is alternatively known as the “big bitch” is no where in sight (as a result of immigration issues) but that unmistakable guitar sound isn’t missing and a few songs into the set who emerges from the shadows? None other than Australia’s favourite ring-in guitarist, (and Frenzal/Triple J member) Lindsay McDougall. Lindsay, who is questionable in humour at the best of times pulled out one of finest played sets on the most minimal experience. It may have been said that he learnt the songs on 4 hours which if true, commandeers respect.

Back to Lagwagon and every single song (omitting only a couple) came to life on stage this Saturday night. If you’ve ever heard Live in a Dive you’ve heard this set bar a few. Falling Apart, Alien8, What’s going on (Crowded House for only 8 bars), May 16th, Bombs Away, Razor Burn, Violins, Dis’chords, Never Stops, Island of Shame, Automatic, Coconuts, Heartbreaking Music and Errands off the new album got a run for the evening. Who’s got a smoke for the Caper? Apparently half the patrons were waiting for this line which saw close to 100 cigarettes catapulted straight at Joey. Despite the fact he was quick to clean them up he also claimed to have quit smoking 4 days ago. Money’s on he was smoking those cigarettes after the show. Coffee and Cigarettes polished off what was one set that you rarely get. All the old favourites that everyone wanted to hear and Lagwagon put them out there to the delight of everyone inside.