In the summer of 1999, I attended my very first Vans Warped Tour where I was introduced to a little ole band from Florida called Less Than Jake. They had a new album out – “Hello Rockview” – and I fell for their catchy, danceable tunes and have been a devoted fan ever since.
Well, get ready to skate down memory lane and celebrate the 25-year anniversary of that iconic album as ska-punk legends Less Than Jake take fans on a nostalgia-packed ride with a special tour which includes a fun-filled show at The Observatory in Santa Ana on August 26th.
Released a quarter of a century ago, “Hello Rockview” remains a cornerstone of the band’s discography, marking a pivotal moment in the ska-punk genre’s history. Bursting with catchy tunes and lively horn arrangements, from the opening song of “Last One Out of Liberty City” through its final cut, “Al’s War,” the album captured the hearts of fans worldwide and left an indelible mark on alternative music.
The anniversary tour promises to be a spectacle of high-energy performances, uniting fans of all ages for a celebration of music that has stood the test of time. From fan-favorite tracks like “History of a Boring Town” to the anthem “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads,” the setlist is sure to evoke a rush of emotions and memories for longtime devotees like myself.
Opening the show will be one of the original American second wave of ska bands, New York City’s The Toasters, with support from the hard rocking all-female punk trio, The Venomous Pinks.
Whether you were a dedicated fan when “Hello Rockview” first hit the scene, or you’ve discovered the album more recently, this anniversary tour promises a night of pure musical enjoyment.
So, dust off your checkerboard Vans and skank your way to the Observatory as Less Than Jake invite you to join them in commemorating a quarter century of ska-punk excellence. You can also catch the “Hello Rockview” 25th anniversary tour at the Echoplex in Los Angles on August 25th.
