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INFEST THE WEST TOUR
Live at House of Blues Anaheim
September 8, 2024 Review by Shane Pase
The House of Blues in Anaheim was buzzing with energy as Me First and the Gimme Gimmes took the stage for a night of punk rock covers that had the crowd singing, moshing, and laughing in equal measure.
The evening promised a diverse lineup, showcasing both up-and-coming acts and seasoned performers, all culminating in the Gimme Gimmes’ unique brand of punk rock.
September 3, 2024
The night kicked off with Still Animals, a garage rock outfit from St. Louis. Their stripped-down sound set the tone for the evening, warming up the growing crowd with raw, no-frills rock and roll.
While their set was relatively short, it served its purpose well, priming the audience for the high-energy performances to come.
The crowd responded well to the band and got behind some of the high energy antics onstage by the guitarist and front-man.
But it was the second opener, The Schizophonics, who really got the audience’s attention. This San Diego-based trio hit the stage like a tornado, delivering a set that was equal parts MC5 and James Brown. The mic moves and jumping splits performed were truly impressive! I heard one fan say it was like watching The White Stripes on piles of cocaine doing blues versions of surf punk.
Front-man Pat Beers was a whirlwind of energy, pulling off guitar acrobatics while Lety Beers held down a rock-solid beat behind the drums. Their performance was nothing short of electrifying, channeling the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll legends like Iggy Pop and Little Richard.
The Schizophonics’ set was a masterclass in showmanship, with Beers’ frenetic stage presence grabbing attention from the first note. His guitar work was impressive enough on its own, but combined with his James Brown-esque moves and raw vocal power, it created a spectacle that was hard to look away from. The band’s tight musicianship and explosive energy had the crowd moving in a way that most opening acts can only dream of.
Their performance was so good that I followed the band on Spotify before the set even ended – a rare feat for an opening act and a testament to the immediate impact of their music. It’s not often that an opener leaves such a lasting impression, but The Schizophonics managed to do just that, setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of the night.
When Me First and the Gimme Gimmes took the stage, the crowd was more than ready. The supergroup, known for their punk rock renditions of pop, country, and showtunes, didn’t disappoint. Front-man Spike Slawson was in fine form; his playful banter keeping the audience laughing between songs. True to form, he consistently misidentified the venue’s location and joked about each song being a cover – a running gag that never seems to get old, no matter how many times you’ve seen the band.
The setlist was a journey through the band’s extensive catalog of reimagined hits, showcasing their ability to punk-ify virtually any genre. They kicked things off with “Oh Lonesome Me,” transforming the country classic into a high-octane punk anthem… on the ukulele. This was quickly followed by their take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.
As the night progressed, the band continued to surprise and delight with their eclectic song choices. Their version of “Karma Chameleon” breathed new life into the ‘80s pop hit, while “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from “Evita” became an unlikely punk rock sing-along, with the entire room belting out the chorus in unison. It was the first time I have seen them do this live, and yes, I have seen them literally dozens of times, and I was 100% there for it!
The band’s cover of Paul Simon’s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” was a particular highlight, with Slawson playfully teasing a young fan in the front row throughout the song. This interaction showcased the band’s ability to create a sense of intimacy even in a packed venue, making each audience member feel like they’re part of the show.
The Gimmes also took the opportunity to showcase some newer material, including “Estos Celos” from their latest album. Slawson introduced the song with jokes about playing teenagers’ birthday parties, maintaining the band’s irreverent humor even as they expanded their repertoire.
The energy in the room continued to build as the band tore through fan favorites like “Sloop John B” (complete with jokes about being a Mike Love fan) and “Country Roads.”
Their cover of “On the Road Again” was given an extra punk rock edge with an intro borrowed from the Misfits’ “Astro Zombies,” much to the delight of the hardcore punk fans in the audience.
But the night’s peak came when the disco ball dropped for “I Will Survive.” The Gloria Gaynor classic, transformed into a punk rock powerhouse, sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The circle pit that formed was a sight to behold – a swirling mass of bodies moving to a disco beat filtered through distorted guitars and breakneck drums. It’s a moment that encapsulates the genius of the Gimme Gimmes’ concept: where else can you see people moshing to disco?
The band closed out the main set with a string of diverse covers, including “Teardrop” and “Science Fiction Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” before ending with “End of the Road.” This final run of songs showcased the full range of the band’s abilities, jumping from trip-hop to musical theater to R&B, all reimagined through their distinctive punk rock lens.
Throughout the night, the genius of the Gimme Gimmes’ concept was on full display. Their ability to take songs from vastly different genres and unite them under the banner of punk rock creates a unique concert experience. It’s not just about the music – it’s about the joy of shared nostalgia and the pure fun of it all.
The band’s commitment to their craft is evident in every performance, with each cover song meticulously arranged to maintain the spirit of the original while infusing it with punk energy.
As the band left the stage and the house lights came up, the buzz in the crowd continued with fans laughing, gathering and clamoring for setlists and guitar picks. Fans excitedly recounted their favorite moments of the night, from The Schizophonics’ explosive opening set to the Gimme Gimmes’ punk rock circus.
It was clear that Me First and the Gimme Gimmes had once again proved why they’re one of the most entertaining live acts around.
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by Shane Pase Photography
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