Hard Ons @ Corner Hotel,Melboune (10/10/09)

Wed 14th Oct, 2009 in Gig Reviews

This gig was always going to be special, Australia’s lovable irreverent punks the Hard On’s were celebrating 25 years of mess and noise, but according to Ray Ahn it has really only been 19 years because there was a space where they broke up for six years.

The supporting act Useless Children set the pace for the night the band were a an awesome blend of old school hardcore noise punk, with lead singer and drummer Cinta ripping through their set at lightening fast speed with enough gusto to blow any other female singer off stage.

In less than 35 minutes they won the audience over even the older cynical punks, myself included. In between bands there was a magician called Dr El Suavo performing his shitty magic tricks with a sense of humour as corny and funny as most of the Hard On’s songs.

Those expecting a swarm of greatest hits from the Hard On’s would have been disapointed though the earlier hits such as Where Did She Come From, which haven’t lost any of bounce and spark after all these years. The new stuff leans more toward the hardcore sound but still with a definite melodic edge. Both Ray and Blackie don’t look a day over 25 round about the age they started the band give or take a few years. Apparently Blackie is now on the straight and narrow these days, no drink or drugs and it show’s with his boundless energy and mega stage presence.

The classic song Girl In A Sweater finished the night and it was what the crowd erupted just like it did over 20 years ago. Blackie said it was because of the fans the band have survived so long; this comment could have came across as half arsed, but when it comes from these guys who have always championed the all ages crowd and got legions of fans all over the world you it is heartfelt and meaningful.

Love live the Hard On’s, go Hard or Go Home!