Finally after a Soundwave festival appearance, a Manning Bar sideshow then a Foo Fighters arena tour, like most Fucked Up fans I was beginning to think I'd never get the chance to see this band in a small room, an atmosphere that best suits their stage persona and music.
While it felt bizarre to be walking into Kinselas in Kings Cross of all places to see Fucked Up, the room was a good size, with a balcony section and seating up the back. I Exist were a well suited support, kicking things off in their usual stoner metal slash hardcore style, complete with a three guitar lineup much like Fucked Up. While the crowd slowly filled in and nodded along, one got the feeling tonight was going to be an unenthused effort of those in attendence, after all its a Tuesday night and most have to work the next day. I Exist singer Jake had to get up for the work the next day at 5:30 am in Canberra, having driven straight up from work, arriving in time to play the show, say some hellos and goodbyes, then head off back down the Hume to try and get some sleep. Dedicated, sure is. Crazy? Just a little.
The wait for Fucked Up to finally play a small room was well worth it, as they tore through an hour and 20 min set of classics that started with "Queen Of Hearts" off latest album 'David Comes To Life' and ended with "The Police" off their second 7 inch from 2003. It didnt take long for the crowd to come to life and for the security to over react and so was to be the pattern of the night. Bonehead security would wrestle with people who stage dived, grabbed a mic to sing along or enjoyed a bit of push mosh. Frontman Daimian would jump into the crowd to settle things down and tell the security it's okay, but boneheads will always be boneheads, and rational thought isn't a part of their intellect. Sadly this was the only blight on a great show with a really fun vibe.
Second song in and off came the shirt of singer Daimian, instantaneously switching him into the stage persona he'd become famous for. Spending just as much time in the crowd, as on stage he'd wrap his face up in the microphone cord, constanly high five people in the crowd and during one song proceeded to walk through the crowd to the bar, jumping up and pouring candle wax down his chest, then scale the upper seating area to drink the beers of the people watching from what they originally perceived to be a safe distance away. Entertainment plus.
But, perhaps what was most impressive about Daimian's presence was his intricate music knowledge as he dropped Germs facts about Foo Fighter Pat Smear and also that Foo Fighter bass player Nate Mendel played in Seattle edge band Brotherhood, one got the sense he would have been hounding these guys on tour about their pasts. He dropped Australian band names such as The Saints, The Birthday Party and was excited to see the Hard Ons play with OFF! tonight at the Annandale. He then proceeded to drop trivia that OFF! bass player Steven McDonald played on the first Tenacious D album as the circle of facts became complete. Its hard not to like the guy, he genuinely looks thrilled to be on stage and is constantly enjoying himself and grateful for those in attendence.
Daimian reassured us they will be back real soon, and I really hope they do. In all this was a great show from a band who lived up to every expectation.
Brisbane make sure you don't miss your chance to see Fucked Up on Friday 9th of December at the Alhambra Lounge.
Fucked Up also have a new album The Year Of The Tiger now available for preorder too over HERE. Words from the band about it below..
"Hey this is finally done and ready for sale. Sorry it took so long - we actually finished recording most of this thing before we even started writing DCTL. We thought that Chinese custom meant that Tiger was two years, like having to repeat grade 6...we were wrong. Anyways, it's honestly one of the best things we've ever done, both sides."
Enjoy some more pics from last night...
No footage from last night, but here is some footage from the Perth show at NIB Stadium with the Foo Fighters.