In our ongoing SKAROUND The World series, this time we take you to the land down under. We introduce you to a very cool ska-punk band from New Castle, Australia.
The Porkers are an Aussie ska band that has been around since 1987 and they are one of the biggest bands in ska and punk today. Just like The Melbourne Ska Orchestra, The Porkers are Australia’s favorite sons of ska who have taken their sound well beyond the outback!
In their decades together, The Porkers have traveled everywhere sharing their sonic vision. They’ve played Germany, New Zealand, Japan, and the US. They’ve opened for several killer bands like No Doubt, Fishbone, and Rancid. Plus, they’ve taken part in the Aussie leg of the Vans Warped Tour.
The last time they came through the US was 2016-2017 with Buck-O-Nine and Voodoo Glow Skulls on a memorable tour. And, man, these guys always put on an energetic show. I would kill to bring them back as they are absolutely one of my favorite bands! They display a great combination of soulful TwoTone fervor combined with 3rd and 4th wave electricity.
Just like other ska counterparts, Selecter, Big D and the Kid Table, Reel Big Fish or Japan’s Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, this band takes pride in their music videos with funny plotlines, silly political satire, bottom line these guys are beloved by their fans because they have no problem making fun at themselves and not taking themselves too seriously. Reason # 101 why they are so respected worldwide.
Original member Pete Cooper had a stroke in 2018, but luckily for all of us he’s totally recovered and is back to putting on amazing shows. With 2020 being what it was, they were still able to play epic shows like the Supernova International Ska Festival (Quarantine Edition).
The Porkers have been working on new tunes and have a shiny new track for us – “Big Baby Man.” The song is glorious and definitely hits home right now. Check out this amazing tune and let’s hope they make it back our way soon so we can enjoy The Porkers in person!
When they do come back, The Porkers are Pete Cooper (vocals), Phil “Bigfil” Barnard (sax), David “Gutsy” Gale (guitar), Jason Elphick (bass), Dave Berry (trombone), and Paul Murchison (trumpet). They have a special guest right now with Kye Smith as guest drummer. Trust me this band is electricity personified.
