Tag Archives: punk gig review

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Gig Review

Posted on by
Reply

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts + The Meffs

Saturday 4th July 2026

Manchester Academy

Another busy weekend for Daughtertron and I – last week Metallica in Cardiff, this week a shorter trip to Manchester to see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. We’re both big fans of this Rock’n’Roll icon, and as this was the band’s first headline tour of the UK for many a year, the decision to attend didn’t take much mulling over.

Our support band tonight were The Meffs, and the Academy seemed fairly lively and busy for their slot. I’ve head of The Meffs, but knew nothing else – I was to learn that they’re from Essex and they’re a two piece band (vocals/guitar and drums) – all of which was news to me. I was aware that they are highly regarded though, and their short but energetic set was ample proof of that. Covers of ‘Breathe’ by The Prodigy and ‘Identity’ by X-Ray Spex nestled comfortably next to their own raucous tracks like ‘Stamp It Out’ and ‘Deathwish’. Great noisy fun, plenty of attitude and something to say – a superb set.

July 4th being Independence Day in the once mighty realm of the Orange Chimp had slipped my mind, but I guess Joan and her band probably weren’t bothered either. Instead the massive audience were amped up and ready to rock out with a genuine icon, celebrating 45 years since the release of Joan’s earliest solo recordings. Starting things off with the rowdy ‘Victim of Circumstance’ followed with a very welcome rendition of The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ was a confident, bouncy, sing-along success.

After that, we got ‘Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)’ – a Gary Glitter cover that left me confused and a bit queasy. I know Joan’s been covering this song for years, but it still seems surprisingly tone deaf. I don’t even want to type that guy’s name in this review! We were soon back on track though with ‘You Drive Me Wild’ (another Runaways number), ‘The French Song’ and ‘Fake Friends’ – all diamonds that are often overlooked by the casual listener.

More recent output was showcased with ‘(Make The Music Go) Boom’ and ‘If You’re Blue’ the former being a real highlight. Predictably, it’s the final run of mega hits that lights up the entire performance. From ‘Everyday People’ the energy in the room rises, then explodes for the legendary anthem ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’. But that’s not all, kids! With ‘Crimson and Clover’ (Daughtertron’s favourite), ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ and ‘Bad Reputation’, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts unleash a tsunami of powerful, unforgettable Rock that lifts spirits and moves the bodies of all those gathered.

The sound was also very impressive throughout: Joan’s rapport with the audience and unmistakeable voice, along with the band’s instruments – never seemed to waver. It was a solid performance, expertly put together by a bunch of total professionals. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ music was all the fireworks and all the party we needed in Manchester tonight. A legendary artist and a classic gig!

Bouncing Souls + The Aquabats – Gig Review

Posted on by
Reply

Bouncing Souls + The Aquabats + Bar Stool Preachers

Wednesday 4th March 2026

The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham

I’ve been stacked out with gigs recently (Pentre Fest review incoming), though I can’t ever get to see everything.  And I don’t get time to write up a review of every gig I go to. But there was one I simply couldn’t miss: The Aquabats, playing not far from me in The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham.  Even though it was a Wednesday night, I was driving, and not sure if anyone i knew was actually going…

But this was a dream come true! The Aquabats have been on my bucket list for years, ever since I became a huge fan of their hilarious, surreal kids TV show.  Now they were second on the bill for this event.  Luckily I’ve also long been aware of Bouncing Souls, so everything was in place for a fantastic night.

Unfortunately, I missed the first band, Bar Stool Preachers – though I was reliably informed they were really good.  I’ll check ’em out later based on that recommendation.

The Aquabats were a spectacle unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.  The full band were in attendance, all eight of them, dressed in their cool superhero outfits.  Of course they were.  It was an unbelievable sight, seeing them all in this smallish club.

Starting with a rousing rendition of “Shark Fighter”, The Aquabats launched into their set, accompanied by three huge inflatable sharks flying around the room.  Energetic pop punk and joyous ska formed their sound, with their TV show theme tune as another highlight of a fun, crazy set.

You’ve never seen anything if you’ve never seen an audience member crowd surfing on a giant inflatable slice of pizza.  Or an eight foot tall Mummy Man attacking the band on stage.  Or a yeti dancing with the crowd.  I was grinning from ear to ear for the full set: The Aquabats were RAD!

Headliners Bouncing Souls have been on my radar since the late 90s, their fast, melodic skate punk fitting right in with my Descendents loving musical tastes.  Though The Aquabats were always going to be my reason for attending, Bouncing Souls played an incredible, crowd pleasing set: lightning paced, huge choruses, barely a break between songs.

Third song in, they played “Hopeless Romantic” which was the highlight I was waiting for.  I would’ve been happy with just that one track!

I’m glad I made an effort to get to this gig.  It really was an event unlike any other, worth every penny.  It’s not every day that a band of punk rock superheroes save the earth whilst playing in Wrexham.