NOFX, Stolen Youth, Vice Pirate
Thebarton Theatre
Mon 26 February



I must admit that Vice Pirate are a new name for me, I've never seen them play before tonight. While the boys are obviously extremely happy to be supporting one of their favourite bands, it's quite clear that they just aren't ready for a gig of this scale. I don't know what the reasoning was in putting a band on that hasn't even released a proper recording yet as a support band for an international act like NOFX, but someone has some explaining to do. They really are not up to standard.

Stolen Youth, however, are a name I have heard of. It's been quite some time since I've seen them. They look good as they take their time to go through a proper sound check, already getting audience interaction as the mood and energy lifts. They have an air of confidence that only comes from a solid recording and plenty of touring and, as they break into their first song, everything lights up and feels electric. Stolen Youth have developed remarkably and improved so much in all areas that it's hard to believe they are the same band. Strong vocals over well played, but energetic, thrashy punk rock - this is awesome.

As the opening drum roll thunders through the theatre, the fans surge to see the main act. NOFX are finally here. It's been a long time and there are a lot of people who have never had the opportunity to see them before. The band's trademark crowd-abuse and politically-incorrect humour go over the heads of most: perhaps a sign of the times. I think they just miss having crowds hate them like a punk band should have.

Bob sparks the crowd into a frenzy and Linoleum gets the first sing-along. While their older, faster songs get the biggest crowd reaction there is a friendly mood when Eat The Meek and their cover of Rancid's Radio groove out the ska tunes. Dick Cheney's visit gets a special mention in the lead up to Murder The Government, reflecting the band's increased interest in politics over the past couple of years. The other side of NOFX - immature, cheeky and playful - shows up in the crowd with some fire extinguisher shenanigans and Fat Mike's fart-into-the-microphone trick gets a few silly giggles.

The set goes a fair amount longer than expected, a reminder of just how long NOFX have been around and just how many songs they've racked up over the years. It must be a real dilemma sorting out what gets played and what gets left out but the fans seem pretty happy tonight, so I guess they've worked it out.

Mat Woods