Creepy Birthday To You
Stealing a little lyric from the “Theme from a NOFX Album” and slightly modifying it, Creepy Don is not really so creepy. This was the night to celebrate his birthday though in the most appropriate way, a punk show. The line-up included his band, We Might Be Wasted, amongst a great packet of musicians. Although, Nick, from Jack the Cat, jested that his taste in music hasn’t got better with age if Jack the Cat is playing.
On that note, Jack the Cat kicked off the show. I don’t know if there are a lot of people that can match the straight faced jokes that come from Nick in this band. It is part of the complete Ska Punk package they bring to the stage. Although capturing Nick with a phone camera is like anyone trying to capture Sonic the Hedgehog with a regular camera, so I take advantage of anytime a clear shot of him ends up on my phone. This was a night that I thought their song to see tits may have worked given the larger turnout of the opposite sex, but I was wrong. I think it’s been more drunk dudes showing their tits in the times I’ve seen them perform it. No matter, they put on a set that is entertaining to watch.
What followed them was the return of seeing Billie return to his band Contradiktion. Up until tonight, while Billie was unfortunately in jail, we had Alex, from the awesome Alex Squared, doing a great job filling in. Of course, since I started watching this band it was Billie and Jeremy who have been the consistent members so it isn’t the same without him. Billie Joe Armstrong, coincidentally same first name, is the person I most like to compare Contradiktion’s Billie to because his mannerisms and sound remind me a ton of him. Alex did help out tonight, doing vocals and being a makeshift microphone stand for Billie on a song. Be sure to check out Alex Squared in addition to the always great to watch Contradiktion.
In the middle of this great line-up was True Rivals from California. These dudes bring the energy to the stage. Their lead vocalist, Derek Envy, leaning into the microphone singing with such passion, and Trevor Jackson moving all over that stage stood out the most. There was no way people didn’t want to move to their music tonight. I didn’t even want to risk going to the restroom until their set ended so I didn’t miss anything. These guys are amazing, and hope to catch them again soon.
The birthday boy, Creepy Don, and his band We Might Be Wasted followed up that act. Don may have been the most sober person I’ve seen at their own birthday show. He was having a ton of fun on the stage. This is probably the most personal set, with friends coming up and singing into the microphone along to their songs too. They played a lot of great songs that included “Eat, Fuck, Sleep” and ending on “Fuck this Fake Scene.” Though I’m still going to keep advocating hearing “Shit My Pants” in these write ups because I think it’s funny as hell. I loved watching every minute of this set.
Last, but by far not the worst, was Grave Danger. These guys were originally introduced to me through Don’s birthday show a few years ago as they sit, last I checked, his favorite local band. The three piece is one of the most entertaining. Kevin’s dark sense of humor and sarcasm rivals that of Nick, from Jack the Cat, with ease. He started the birthday song ritual with a twist, singing “Creepy Birthday To You” to Don, which I borrowed to title this write up. His on stage presence is on top of the amazing music talent in this band, with some of the best musicians I have seen play on any stage. I know I can’t be everywhere I want to be every night, but I take advantage of anytime I can make it out to see Grave Danger.
