Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Sunday 10 November 2024, The Gov, Adelaide, SA
On Sunday, November 10, 2024, The Gov in Adelaide hosted an electric performance by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the renowned punk rock cover band. The evening was a killer celebration of music, featuring their signature punk renditions of classic hits that I’m still reeling from.
A Night of Punk-Pop Fusion
Kicking off the night was the Adelaide band St Judes. Their set was super cool and they owned the crowd well playing brilliant punk music. Yay Adelaide! – I want to see these guys again very soon at a gig.
Then out came American band The Dwarves and they set the tone for what the night was about to turn into. These guys absolutely kill their set and the strong crowd ate it up. Captain Blag Dahlia’s engagement with the room was epic and engaged us from the get go. Their music is full-force and unapologetic.
Then ‘Me First’ took to the stage. Kicking off with an Australian classic ‘Most People I Know’ by Billy Thorpe was a massive banger and it didn’t drop down from there. Joelene, Love Will Keep Us Together, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina rocked along in extreme punk fashion with a special Adelaide Only performance of Paula Abdul’s Straight Up.
The band delivered a dynamic setlist that spanned various genres, all infused with their unique punk flair. Highlights included energetic covers of ABBA’s Dancing Queen and Culture Club’s Karma Chameleon made appearance too. We in the audience was captivated by the band’s high-energy performance and engaging stage presence.
Spike Slawson has stage charisma to burn and flirts around on stage like a crazy man and interacts with the punters with confident and bold ease. While CJ Ramone (Yes, of the classic band The Ramones), Joey Cape, Pinch and John Reis play their respective instruments with high octane energy and extreme mastery. They are a strong unit.
Their ability to transform well-known songs into punk anthems continues to resonate with fans worldwide. These guys are wild, and they are funny, and, they are bloody talented..
Audience Engagement
The crowd at The Gov was fully immersed in the experience, singing along to every song and reveling in the band’s playful interactions. The intimate venue allowed for a close connection between the performers and the audience, enhancing the overall atmosphere. It was loud and it was punk. Just what we were expecting and we received it, in abundance.
Conclusion
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes’ concert at The Gov was a freaking testament to their enduring appeal and musical versatility. The combination of classic covers, punk energy, and engaging performances made for a memorable night that left the Adelaide audience eagerly anticipating their next visit. Come back soon, please.
Markus’ Interview with Spike Slawson:
