The Presidents of the United States of America are a very popular band in Australia, their music seemed to have hit a note that resonated with fun loving Aussie audiences. Consequently, on this Saturday night a unusually big crowd were waiting, excited, in front of the Zoo and along Ann Street before doors opened.

Two local support acts played for the quickly swelling audience. First up was Guy Webster. Why? Who knows.  He must be related to whoever does booking for the Zoo. Either that, or he was a business decision to get the audience bored, talkative and buying drinks.  His style (basic singer-songwriter) was exactly what not to have supporting the eccentric, over-the-top Presidents. It put a damper on the incredible excitement most of the ticket buyers had to see the main act and somewhat ruined the pre-show atmosphere. His set was way too long, and was mostly characterised by the crowd trying to talk over the PA.

When Guy Webster finally finished, The Rocketsmiths filled out the stage as they played The Final Countdown. It’s no lie, they do ‘Rock It’.  Their songs are wrapped around catchy choruses and lots of interaction with the crowd. The Rocketsmiths could be pretty accurately described as “The Wiggles for adults”. Which is a good thing. They throw all their energy into the show, with three singers pulling off big harmonies and handing the singing back to the audience in call-and-response games. The rhythm guitarist was particularly excited, yelling to the crowd that The Presidents of the USA was the first CD he ever bought. Soon after that, he broke his G-string. He didn’t care though, the band kept rocking out their garage-rock tunes, G-string or no G-string. They did a great job as a support act and finished their set with finesse, appreciated and looking pretty pleased with the show.

The crowd grew restless waiting for the Presidents to take the stage, stomping, screaming and chanting a mix of ‘U-S-A! U-S-A!’,  ’PRE-SIDENTS!’ and ‘PUSAAAA!’. 

Without warning, an announcement came over the PA, a booming voice telling us to be awed, and be prepared, for the PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  The band came on stage in their CIA black ties and immediately stared the audience down as massive cheers erupted, kicking into Video Killed the Radio Star. When they finish, they play hit Kitty, lifting three (very excited) girls from the front row up to the stage to sing ‘Meow!’ in the verses.

 An interesting side note, for whatever reason Chris the singer plays a two-stringed bass, and Andrew—the guitarist plays a three-string guitar.  What they may lack in strings however, they make up for in showmanship and crazy stage antics. The two frontmen leap around the stage, do synchronised windmill guitar hits, and play noise games with each other.  The best thing about seeing the Presidents play, is the fact that they are a 100% rock and roll band. They never slow down or sing ballads – The intensity stays high for the whole show.  Nearing the end of the set the crowd were worn out from dancing and moshing, so the band decided to sit down. They told the whole audience to sit down – and they all did. The crowd relaxed for a brief  and amazing minute with the band.  The band then rose up again and played favourites Peaches and ‘Kick out the Jams.  The PUSA are natural performers. It was impossible to not be swept up. They had a brief break before a inevitable encore that finished with the ironic We’re Not Gonna Make It and huge cheers.

 Their set was 21 songs long and only 4 of the songs were from their (great) newest album ‘Love Everybody - The Presidents were playing for the fans and chose their songs perfectly. The band shook everyone’s hand as they left. Without doubt, a fantastic rock and roll show by a very charismatic band.