Find yourself in SharpShooter’s gallery

Perth seemed to pull the short straw this year compared to other cities when the Soundwave sidewaves were announced. Where Sydney and Melbourne get a huge amount of side shows of the Soundwave artists, Perth got basically one… but it was a good one.

The line was huge at 7:50pm on Sunday night, with everyone eagerly awaiting the 8pm doors opening to see The Get Up Kids. With support from Motion City Soundtrack and Set Your Goals, this was a show not to be missed.

It has taken The Get Up Kids a long 15 years to come to Perth and after breaking up in 2005, many of the dedicated fans over all these years thought they would never see the day. In the lead up to the show there was an air of excitement due to secret announcements which had fans eagerly waiting to hear who would support. Set Your Goals and Motion City Soundtrack were it and the tickets started selling faster.

Set Your Goals came out with an energy that shook the room and although Capitol was only half full the avid fans were at the front ready, knowing what was coming. Echoes cranked a circle pit while Summer Jam had an upbeat, fun, dancing vibe. After playing on the same stage for the first time three years ago, these guys have improved immensely and got the crowd jumping.

Motion City Soundtrack performed to a lethargic and less than appealing crowd, which should not deter them from coming back as the fans that were into them, were really into them. L.G. FUAD, The Future Freaks Me Out and Everything is Alright were the favourite songs of the night.

The quirkiness of front man Justin Pierre and crazy handstands from keyboard player Jesse Johnson make Motion City Soundtrack stand out from the rest whilst performing a truly fantastic show.

As The Get Up Kids came to the stage, people seemed to emerge from all directions excited to hear the band start. Opening with a crowd favourite Holiday, the Kansas guys rocked out with a country twang in the vocals.

When guitarist Jim Suptic yelled out: “Do we have any lovers in the house tonight?,” you could feel the mood being set. With the disco ball turning on and the mellower tunes it was time for the ever favourite song, Valentine. The crowd went completely crazy with enthusiasm as the band announced they would play Red Letter Day, a song that is well known by fans and requested by many on the night.

In a more mellow time for the band, the singer had a break whilst Suptic took to the vocals and an acoustic session. The show was suddenly put on hold for a moment because of a naked crowd surfer. Yes, completely naked. Unfortunately for the guy no one wants to catch someone who has everything showing and he landed face down on the hard wooden floors of Capitol.

The crowd forgot about the random distraction and got straight back into the show, listening to an upbeat Act and Action which proved to be a major crowd pleaser. Don’t Hate Me also seemed to be another crowd favourite which really showcased the true talent and powerful vocals of Matt Pryor.

The show went on with some deep intense drumming by Ryan Pope which led the band into Walking on a Wire. This song was for keyboard player, James Dewees to strut his stuff. His skills were put to work and enticed the crowd. The encore let the band play a few more songs including Forgive and Forget and then it was all over.

The Get Up Kids mix it up with easy listening harmonies and heavy mosh pit sounds. All in all, they are one band that should not be missed at any opportunity.

Find yourself in SharpShooter’s gallery