After over two decades of hard rocking as only they know how, The Hard-Ons celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary in typically raucous style. For the second time in two weeks, the Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda played host to one of Oz’s pioneering rock acts (The Meanies played the Gershwin room the previous Friday) in what was a free gig, and a four-band bill. With the Useless Children, Wicked City, and Fangs of Satanic Soccer Mums on supporting duty, many fans came out of the woodwork to enjoy a taste of nostalgia as the Hard-Ons wheeled out favourites spanning all of their extensive back-catalogue.

With Pete Kostic (the band’s long-time drummer) out of action due to family commitments, Gregor Eshman stood in to slap the skins, and the new-boy did not miss a beat. Although the crowd had previously been informed that he had been ’”shitting himself’ pre-show, if there were any jitters he hid them beautifully as his hard hitting style provided the perfect background to the Hard-Ons recognisable brand of punk rock. Even with the line-up change, punters were treated to a very special evening as, on the night, the band was launching their Hard-Ons vs Europe 2007 DVD, and the set was also being filmed for a 25th anniversary tour DVD.

From the very first song it was easy to see the Hard-Ons had turned up to entertain, and the pace was relentless for the entire set. Complete with behind-the-head guitar shredding, and an announcement of ‘We’re gunna take our shirts off now’ three songs in (much to the delight of the female contingency of the audience), the Hard-Ons set was laced with rock-star antics. In fact the boys are so adept at playing their guitars behind their heads, it seemed like half the show was played as such.

Even though the music industry seems to be very much a young-person’s game nowadays, it is great to see that Aussie music pioneers, such as the Hard-Ons and The Meanies, are getting the recognition they duly deserve. To see the crowd eating out of the palm of those bands’ hands is a pleasure to witness, and very much a hark-back to their glory days. One can only hope the Espy keeps putting on these gigs, and there are many more of these nights to savour.