Hot, sweaty and full of energy. And that’s just a description of Me First and The Gimme Gimmes on this fine Wednesday night at the Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta.
The crowd starts to trek inside Studio 56 at this glorious live music venue after satisfying their appetites with a fantastic selection of local food vendors. As we reach the stage, we’re greeted with the brilliance that is Tokyo Beef. Showing that age is but a number, these guys show as much, if not more energy than young punk bands that are emerging on the scene, proving that they are a formidable force within the local punk rock scene.
As Chimers take the stage, we wait to see what this New South Welsh 2 piece has to offer and we are in no way disappointed. Delivering some brilliant riffs and solid drum beats, these guys put out an amazing sound for such a small outfit. Will definitely make sure to get along to their next gig
Well, it’s that time where the world’s greatest cover band takes to the stage. As frontman Spike Slawson takes to the stage in a fantastic golden suit with a red silk shirt, he takes up his signature ukulele and begins to bust out a relaxed version of the Steely Dan classic ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’. As the remainder of the star studded line up takes the stage in matching attire, Pinch (of The Damned) counts the band in and from there on, it’s high energy for the rest of the show.
Making sure to touch on something from everyone’s back catalog, Gimmes always prove that their self-appointed moniker of ‘The World’s Best Cover Band’, never goes challenged. Churning out hit after hit, we are treated to everything from Dolly Partons ‘Jolene’ to Olivia Newton John’s ‘Have You Never Been Mellow‘ and of course, the brilliance that is Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive‘. The Gimmes NEVER put on a dull show.
Now, what Gimmes show would be complete without a sing-along? Neil Diamonds ‘Sweet Caroline‘ ALWAYS garners great audience participation no matter who performs it. But when it’s performed in breakneck punk style, it just sounds even better. After this, Spike takes the opportunity to rest and bless us with a crooner rendition of Gershwins ‘Summertime‘. Now, this only slows the tempo temporarily as it’s time to go full tilt into the last of the setlist.
Finishing off with Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man‘ and finally The Angels ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?‘, the latter bringing about that familiar chant of “No Way. Get Fucked, Fuck Off!’. Slawson stops midway through, and questions the crowd as to this strange interaction. Citing the painstaking hours practicing this Aussie classic only to be greeted with abuse from the crowd, he makes peace with it and the band delivers a stellar closer to an already hefty setlist.
Getting back on stage to thunderous applause, we are treated to Micheal Nesmith’s ‘Different Drum‘ and of course Boyz II Men’s ‘End Of The Road‘. This has been a night where we have all been awarded with a phenomenal performance from these punk rock legends. Come back soon boys, we always enjoy your ever-changing line up.
AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?!
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2023
Saturday, Feb 11: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Sunday, Feb 12: Torquay Hotel, Torquay
Tuesday, Feb 14: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Wednesday, Feb 15: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Friday, Feb 17: San Fran, Wellington
Saturday, Feb 18: Studio, Auckland
sbmpresents.com/tour/me-first-
– GALLERY –
