On Wednesday I watched ska-punk legends Less Than Jake for the umpteenth time. They've been a band for 30 years now and toured extensively in the UK since then.
The last time I saw them was their 2018 co-headling tour with Reel Big Fish. They played with Yellowcard in 2015 and Reel Big Fish again in 2014. I saw them headline the Slam Dunk festival in 2011. I have ticket stubs from 2010, 2008 and two 2006 events. And I am sure there were events before then…
Millie Manders and the Shutup
The first support band were a UK-based female-led blend of high-octane ska and punk, bursting with attitude. Millie Manders and the Shutup were energetic with a raw sound that reminded me of the band Tilt.
The venue was quite empty when their set started, but there were some fans as people were dancing behind me. The lead singer played her saxophone on one of the tracks – I'd liked to see them play more of their songs that include the horns. They were a good warm-up act.
The Toasters
The Toasters are the quintessential two-tone second-wave ska band. I know around 10 songs and listen to a few albums, but I've since learned they've been making music for over 40 years!. The frontman also started Moon Ska Records, a record company that had some great bands I discovered because of their compilation CDs.
They have a massive catalogue of music, most of which is extremely catchy. My favourite record is Enemy of the System. If you've never listened to the band and love ska-punk, then check them out now.
The clean up-tick guitar sounds, matched with a quieter keyboard and accompanied by a small brass section provided a loud and fun sound. It was impossible not to bounce along and belt out the words. They gave a rock-solid performance and I would like to see them live again.
Skinny Lister
Before the gig listened to a couple of albums by Skinny Lister. They have a folk-punk sound with a variety of different sounding songs, including a sea shanty but I didn't think they'd fit with the brass-backed ska-punk sound.
They had a good stage presence and the double bass combined with the concertina (a type of accordion) gave an full sound.
Their songs have a strong "stamp-your-feet" beat and the whole band gave a energetic performance. They seemed to enjoy themselves on stage and that enthusiasm is great for a live band.
Less Than Jake
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Chris DeMakes
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Roger Lima
The headline act. Less Than Jake are veterans of touring. They have plenty of great songs they can play and the crowd can belt them back at them.
This is their first tour since their last album Silver Linings which was released at the end of 2020. Everyone was on form and I ended up battered from circle pits and crowd surfers.
The stage was kitted out with a massive banner. There were "toilet-roll machine guns" which fired streams into the crowd. Balloons were unleashed and Buddy knocked them back into the crowd with his trombone. They had two whacky inflatable waving air dancer devices in the style of their kid mascot. And a skull-man dressed as a boxer dancing around. Less Than Jake knows how to put on a show.
My ears were ringing when I arrived home and adrenaline stopped me from sleeping for a while.
Remember kids… drugs.