My 2020 gig duck is broken. Graveyard Bash 2020, what a way to break it.
I’ve seen all three bands on the same bill previously but this was my first Graveyard Bash. Based on tonight’s experience, it won’t be my last.
Unfortunately, the fourth band on the bill, Thee Girl Fridays, had to pull out, but to be honest (and taking nothing away from them) the night was perfectly formed despite their absence.
There was nothing not to love about the whole package on offer tonight…
McChuills
Anyone who has been to a gig in McChuills will tell you it is a fantastic wee venue. The whole vibe of the place is relaxed and friendly, a reasonably priced bar with a decent pint at £2.50 helps too. A friend commented part way through the night that there was a Cavern-esque feel to the place. I can totally see where he is coming from. Especially as we were watching the retro sounds of The Best Bad Influence at the time.
Talking of the vibe of the place. A gig ain’t a gig without punters. Tonight was a prime example of what makes a perfect crowd. All ages. No judgement. No rules. All welcome. Be you punk. skin, psychobilly, rocker, hepcat, square…you get the message. We were all there for the music and the craic. And we were treated to a lesson in how to win over an audience.
As I stood toward the back watching Three n Eights, it brought a wry smile to my face watching the crowd. The Best Bad Influence looking sharp in their cool threads and hair piled high in impressive quiffs, next to young punks with perfectly coiffured multi-coloured mohawks drinking together, creating a pit, slam dancing, laughing – generally having a blast. That’s what its all about.
So what of the music? All three bands were on riotous top form. Often January feels like a long month. I defy anyone to say they left the Graveyard Bash with the January blues. Well, maybe just a little bit. Garage blues … alongside January ska, rock “n” roll, surf, rockabilly & punkabilly.
Three n Eights
The mighty Three ‘n’ Eights kicked off the party. Yeah, it was definitely more of a party than anything else and the Three n Eights are a perfect party starter. The seven piece crammed onto the tiny stage and treated us to a stonking set of their unique brand of ska-infused rock ‘n’ roll. A mixture of their own tracks as well as bona-fide ska and rock n roll classics – ska belters like A Message to You, Rudy & Monkey Man sending the crowd into wild skanking abandon alongside Johnny Cash classics like Jackson causing mass sing-a-longs as well as party hits like Come on Eileen and Fiesta. Check out the bands Facebook page for details of upcoming gigs including what will be a belter of a night in Sleazys alongside pirate ska’sters Rudebeard.
Follow that.
The Best Bad Influence
Well, The Best Bad Influence did just that. I stand by my previous comments about them being one of the most exciting bands around just now. As well as being one of the hardest gigging bands on the circuit. It feels like every time I go on Facebook, they’re announcing another gig. There is no excuse for not catching this band live in 2020. And they just keep getting better. Wearing their rockabilly influences proudly on their rayon sleeves and peg trousers, the band totally look the part with their perfectly pomaded DA quiffs. The effort and energy the band put into their show soon had hair flying everywhere. The band have come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months and their show tonight was magnificent. Like Three n Eights, a mix of their own tracks and classic rockabilly numbers sent the gathered crowd into a frenzy. Elvis, the Stray Cats and Matchbox covered among others and including a welcome version of I Fought the Law.
They have injected a new youthful vigour into rockabilly for the 21st century. Their playing is phenomenal and they have an vibrancy that should be bottled and given free on the NHS. A particular mention to the whirling dervish that is drummer Nyall Waldron – the Duracell bunny could learn a thing or two from him. A mate likened him to a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis and Animal from The Muppets – a perfect comparison. Do yourselves a favour and catch this band live in 2020. You won’t be disappointed.
The Bikini Bottoms
And then there were two. It was down to powerhouse duo The Bikini Bottoms to round things off in a way only they can. The providers of one of my top ten albums of 2019 welcomed us to the land of tomorrow in incendiary style. You could tell Jack was serious when the glasses came off and they ran through their triumphant set in foot to the floor fashion.
The high octane set comprised of tracks from the magnificent Bikiniland album sprinkled with new songs and some carefully chosen crowd pleasing covers. Their own twisted take on Living La Vida Loca encouraging a chaotic rowdy pit and I’m sure their blisteringly searing take on Fishnet Stockings would have had the paint peeling from the ceiling. The album is tremendous, but the live arena is the place they really prove their worth. Another winning set.
A truly triumphant triumvirate of bands – this is how to do a gig! Life affirming.
As The Jam once said, That’s Entertainment not washed up fame hungry celebrities dressing up in outlandish outfits making fools of themselves in what passes as Saturday night TV these days.
Make it your New Years Resolution to get to a Graveyard Bash and help wake the dead, or at least haul yer arse out to a gig featuring these bands.
(PS Nae photies – too busy having a good time…)