Date: June 27th 2012
Opening Bands: Big D and the Kids Table, Suburban Legends
Band Links: www.goldfingermusic.com, www.reel-big-fish.com

The Summer of Ska featuring Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, Big D and the Kids Table, Suburban Legends came to New York City Wednesday Night. The Best Buy Theater in annoyingly crowded Times Square was sold out, but thankfully I had a nice seat in the back the entire night.

Since I arrived a little later than usual, I missed most of the Suburban Legends set and only saw the last 2 or 3 songs. They seemed to be getting the crowd into it. Big D and the Kids Table were up next and played for a half hour or so. They played a few covers including The Specials’ “Little Bitch.” They also played songs like “Noise Complaint,” “Girls Against Drunk Bitches” and “LAX.”

Goldfinger was up next and it seemed like most people were there for them. The band was highly entertaining as usual, and they came to rock with their guitars, drums and twinkies. Joe Manganiello of True Blood and Magic Mike came out to introduce the band. He said before he was a wolf on TV, he was a roadie for the best fucking band in the world…Goldfinger. Some teenage girl photographers asked me who that was, and was like the guy from True Blood. oh what’s True Blood. I said he’s also in that new movie Magic Mike. Oh what’s that? I just rolled my eyes and laughed.

Goldfinger started things with playing “Spokesman” first and John immediately jumped into the crowd and was going all over the place. The guitarist Charlie was going crazy, spinning into circles, jumping into the air every two seconds. I absolutely love shooting him and could do it the whole set. After that, Goldfinger played “Counting The Days” and “Get Up”. The later is my favorite off their latest album. I think it’s time for some new songs though don’t you? But it was nice to hear some Goldfinger songs live with some horns. They did have a bunch of bands on this tour with horns so might as well use them.

They played their popular tunes “Here in the Bedroom” and “Mable” in the middle of the set. At one point, the drummer Darrin came out front to talk to the crowd and offer a “lucky” fan a chance to eat a Twinkie out of his ass and like usual, some idiot, err, I mean fan did it. It’s hilariously disgusting and can’t see why anyone would want to do that! You have to figure that Darrin has been drumming for a good half hour or so before he does this, so just imagine how smelly and sweaty his ass is going to be. Wonder how many fans have gotten e coli from doing this. All Twinkies aside, Goldfinger still deliver an awesome show and sound great live. I can’t believe the last time they came to NYC was in 2008? Has it been that long or did I just not go to the last show? The end of the set, Goldfinger played “Open Your Eyes,” “Miles Away,” and “Superman.” Definitely my favorite set of the night.

Reel Big Fish were the headliners for the night and got the crowd skankin’ and laughing. From all the times that I’ve seen RBF over the years, they still amuse me. The band is just goofy, especially the horn section. The trumpet player John was sporting some hideous Nascar jacket, Dan had some thin mustache, and wearing a long tailcoat. Aaron just did his thing, and probably was a bit tired from playing a whole set with Goldfinger. I know I would be pooped.

They opened with “The Kids Don’t Like It” and then straight into “Thank You For Not Moshing.” Halfway through shooting this song, I look up and see Coolie Ranx of the Pilfers come out to sing. I totally forgot he was on this song and was nice to see Coolie again. Can’t wait to see the Pilfers play again, which will be happening in October with Spring Heeled Jack at Gramercy Theatre.

After that, it was “Another F.U Song” followed by “I Want Your Girlfriend to Be My Girlfriend Too.” “Everything Sucks” was played after that or around then. I thought it was played later on but not entirely sure. That has and always will be one of my favorites from Reel Big Fish. Can’t forget “Sell Out” and “Beer” which were also played.

I stuck around until about 10:40 or so to see them play a track off their new album (which comes out very soon!). I forget the name of the song though. But the new album is called “Candy Coated Fury” and comes out on July 31st! The band played for a little bit longer after I left and played the usuals like “Trendy,” “SellOut,” “Snoop Dog, Baby,” plus some more new ones and some covers.

I wish I stuck around longer but had to wake up early the next morning. I kind of wish the bands didn’t take so long to get on stage or perhaps I would have seen more of the set. Oh well, there’s always next time. But what I saw of RBF’s set, it was a good one. I think I enjoyed Goldfinger’s set more though.

Check out some photos I took that night and be sure to see them all at SkaPunkPhotos.com: