Reel Big Fish, Aquabats @Billboard, Melbourne(04/12/2010)

Tue 7th Dec, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The ska craze of the late ‘90s seems like ancient history now. It’s almost like people have tried their best to forget, we’ve all grown up, got jobs and it’s hard for the old bands to stay in touch with an ever-changing independent music scene. Walking into Billboard to the sight of an army of Hawaiian-shirt wearing kids in fake moustaches though, it seems that the American Ska scene is still very much alive.

Aquabats frontman Christian Jacobs created the hit TV show Yo Gabba Gabba! and it seems to have brought the band to the attention of a whole new generation. As the crowd eagerly await the full-time superheroes, part time rockers to take to the stage, the room darkened and a blaring video countdown signal that the Aquabats were in Melbourne.

As the lycra-clad band ascended the stage, their energy spread throughout the room and the Aquabat-hand symbols are thrown in the air by the devoted masses. The band open with Fashion Zombies! and Martian Girl, and the crowd can hardly contain their excitement. The set continued with a good mix of new and old songs, keeping both generations of their fans happy.

Reel Big Fish have gone through several changes in the last couple of years. They have a new drummer and bassist, and the band left their label to independently release their records. Luckily for those gathered at Billboard though, it hasn’t effected their ability to put on an amazing show. After being in the limelight for well over a decade and armed with mischievous grins and a punk rock swagger, the band have the crowd completely under their thumbs.

Opening with Sell Out, the set featured a raft of favourites including tracks like I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too and Everything Sucks. An excellent version of A-Ha’s Take On Me also provided a particular highlight for those of a 1980s vintage.

These two titans of ska certainly brought their A-game to Melbourne, and proved that just because you get old, you don’t have to grow up. Judging by the sweaty masses leaving the venue, a great night was had by the bands and the crowd.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE