STYLE. It is for the bold. Never be afraid to be different when it comes to STYLE.
We return to the world of STYLE with what is a work in progress. If you’re up to date with everything at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, you’ll have seen my review last week of The Aquabats gig I went to in Wrexham. At this gig, I picked up some awesome merch that has enabled me to follow a path long desired.
But first: a brief re-cap. The Aquabats, for anyone not familiar, are a musical punk/ska band from California. And yet they are more than this: they are also superpowered crimefighters, dedicated to saving the world from the dastardly deeds of villains such as ManAnt, Uberchaun and Cobra Man. Their TV programme, The Aquabats! Super Show is a crazy, funny and absurd masterpiece and Platinum Al has become a huge fan.
To join the ranks of The Aquabats, at the gig I purchased an Anti-Negativity Helmet and goggles. They weren’t cheap, but are worth every penny. I’m now working on acquiring an official blue rash guard (that’s the top, kids) to complete my outfit. Soon I aim to be the clad in full Aquabat uniform.
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.
What is the best programme on Television right now? I’ve been watching the magnificent The Walking Dead, obviously; and just started with Under the Dome. I can still quite happily get my daily fix of Man Vs Food and Come Dine With Me. But the absolute best thing on TV right now? It’s a kids’ show. It is: The Aquabats! SuperShow!
Chronicling the adventures of five super heroes, The Aquabats! Super Show! melds live action comedy and animation in a combination that entertains kids and adults alike. They are a five-piece rock band, who also happen to be fearless adventurers ready to save the world from the powers of evil.
Although they all wear identical uniforms, each of the Aquabats possess unique characters and powers (as well as playing different instruments). The MC Bat Commander is the leader (and frontman) of the group, though his decisions are not always the most sound. Bass player Crash McLarson has the ability to grow in size when he becomes “emotional”. EagleBones Falconhawk plays a mean laser guitar and has an invisible spirit bird, called The Dude, to aid in tricky situations. Health conscious Ricky Fitness is the drummer with super speed. And then there’s Jimmy the Robot, keyboard playing android scientist with gadgets galore.
The Aquabats travel together in their Battle Tram; fighting an array of super villains, mad scientists, mutants and monsters. Everything from zombies, mummies, circus freaks and things from outer space pop up in their absurd adventures. Like a hybrid of the 1960’s Adam West Batman, the Monkees and Scooby Doo – this show has it all.
I love The Aquabats! Super Show! so much. In fact the whole family are converted now, following my relentless promotion of the programme at home. The only negative of this show is that I wish I’d thought of it. It’s such a cool, and clever, idea. The fun they must have thinking this stuff up. Rock stars who are super heroes, fighting crazy aliens and creatures? It’s B-movie, camp ridiculousness that manages to shoe-horn in as much pop culture as anyone could ever want.
You can catch The Aquabats! Super Show on CITV regularly. Or buy Series 1 here. Whatever, just watch it, you’ll love it!
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