Formed in 2011, Citizen John are a three piece hard rock band whose lead singer Hap Hathaway is also their drummer. Rounded out by Steve Prowse on guitar and Warren Leeds on bass, I initially found the drummer/singer dynamic a bit left of centre. It’s not common, and let’s face it you have to be a very accomplished musician to pull it off. However, Hap is vocally talented, relaxed, accessible, and drums like a madman. 

The still growing mob appreciated Citizen John with their loose and friendly crowd banter, and strong start. Band members are experienced in many styles and this showed in the diversity of the songs quirky flourishes. Frustratingly, the sound mix downplayed the vocal and ramped up the bass reverb making it hard to understand any words, but hey that’s punk right!

Reminding the audience this was the first time they had played together since 1985, Vacant Rooms hit the stage. Affectionately known as a Bremer Beat band, it’s no wonder this three piece fronted by Michael Melling developed a following in the mid 8os. Songs Living In a Shadow and Time For Truth were highlights. Melling has a sexy vocal in lower register that reminded me of the first time I saw The Church, and I wished I had seen them play in 1985. After 31 years Vacant Rooms have lost none of their angst. Again, vocal mix was slightly low but better than previous.

I expected much from Goldstool because this garage punk rock band have been playing for ten years. I was not disappointed. With Archi Wold on guitar/vocals, Marky Saunders on bass/vocals, and Cameron Howe on drums I could not believe the sound this trio produced. Punters felt it too and the dance floor started to fill. Punks, rockabillies, old rockers and young punters alike, all felt the groove and slammed, danced, and head banged. Archi and Marky singing in tandem, blend together well and I’m still humming the catchy $20 Rock Star as I write.

Howe’s drumming drives their smashing tempo and it was a pleasure to watch a contained drummer with not one drum movement over reached or wasted. The amount of practice time they commit to was evident. Goldstool were musically the tightest band of the night, and by the time they closed with Temple of Yeah, complete with a Go-Go dancer, the crowd was suitably fired up. Again, vocal mix slightly low but not too bad.

Lights dimmed, The Skeletones banner was unfurled, and this mid-80s rockabilly punk band were ready to smoke the stage, well kinda… Shaun McGrath (lead vocals) stayed outside in the smoking area having his drink and chatting with punters until, Noel Howe (bass, vocals), Brad Cox (drums, vocals), John Mitting (guitar, vocals), and Ian Davies (guitar) had completed setup. This is a band that understands the importance of front man theatrics.

Opening with Another Sunny Day, for many Skeletones t-wearing punters this was their chance for some nostalgia. Although not starting until after 11pm, they had been at the venue since 6pm to sound check, and the levels were perfect. You could hear and understand every word, finally. McGrath often leapt off the stage right into the throng, always encouraging the audience to take this journey with him, and had the audience in the palm of his hand. Literally, he’s a touchy feely kinda guy, and reached out to touch and hold the hand of many a fan. Considering the size of the Beetle Bar stage, I had expected this five piece to be quite static. Wrong. Impressively, they moved about the stage like it was 30 years ago.

Mitting took over vocals midway to cover the Pinups song Mutant Lonely Nights, and why not, he was their guitarist too. Cox, looked ice cool and never faltered. Howe plays bass much like his brother drums in Goldstool, tight, no flash, just quality work. Davies (who won 1984 Qld Rock Awards: Best Rhythm Guitarist) has lost none of his technique.

Like a well-oiled machine, The Skeletones cranked out a set full of fan hits. This band should have been huge. Musically, their songs are easy to love and could have come from any of our classic Australian rock bands of their time, The Angels, The Radiators, and Midnight Oil. Even if you are hearing them for the first time, there is a familiarity to their sound. Closing with crowd favourite Shake Dem Bones, McGrath mucked the lyrics, but no-one really cared. This was a band who had truly put on a show, paid their dues, and were forgiven anything by this point.

- Lisa Bingham