11th Nov @ Mona Vale Hotel

I get home 9 am Sunday morning without having slept since Friday night, but I still didn't have time for that if I wanted to go to the gig at Mona Vale. I get an invitation to go to Newtown Festival, but I realise when I get back to Central that there isn't enough time. I walked to Wynyard station from Central because there was track work going on, which killed a bit've time. I'd never been to Mona Vale before, but I got on a bus that apparently went there. I don't have a phobia of buses, but it's something like that. The whole hour trip on the bus I spent looking for signs saying Mona Vale. Saw the RSL, took a punt and got off and I turned out to be right, so all that worry for nothing.

I was rather early so I sat in a park, and with a bit've luck Emily, Ruffy and Rod turned up. We played a bit've frisbee then went and sat in the beer garden when Gorman arrived. The time came to enter the venue and I had just enough to cover the cost of this show. To my surprise Emily + 1 was on the door for the Porkers, Ruffy + 1 was on the door for Backy Skank and Rod also was for taking photos, so all 5 of us got in free, which allowed me to drink and get home.

Backy Skank played and a few people got up to dance including me, but with this gig being on the Northern Beaches it was expected for most punters to arrive for The Porkers. Backy Skank played a short, but enjoyable set and their songs were now well and truely familiar, which makes me enjoy a band a lot more. Now I'm 18 I'm sure I see them most of the times they play, when I have money.

Bluekilla then came on and from the dance floor back, many people had congregated, perhaps not for the Germans however. We stood at the front as they belted out another enthusiastic set, with songs from the last two nights, but also the inclusion of "She Came", one of my favourite Bluekilla songs, which I was glad to get to see live. Nearing towards the end of the set, it was time for The Skabo. With Emily and I knowing the moves, from the gigs before, we were invited up on stage to do it. How bloody good it was, a highlight not only of the Dizzybeat leg of the tour, but also the year. The crowd were predominantly Porkers fans and it was great to show them how to have a good time. The rest of the set was played and my last five minutes of Bluekilla was spent with a smile on my face as I reflected on the 3 days before. What a time to be eighteen.

Didn't see the Porkers again, instead got a lift back to the City with Rod (thanks again Rod), where I caught my millionth train of the weekend back to Wollongong. Midnight Sunday/Monday and I finally got to go to sleep. Lack of sleep was so worth it though. If I'd missed this band I would have been kicking myself, each time I saw them I was so glad I made the effort to see them again. They rivalled Bad Manners in the energy of their live performance and their mix of influences and styles are all ones I enjoy, whether it be 2-tone, dancehall or skinhead reggae. There was some cynical feedback from a few I've spoken to me, but they really hit the spot for me and I'm so glad they came out. Emily gave Amedeo a puppy that is to go around the world, so if you see it on your travels, take a picture and be sure to send it here!

Highlights
Being invited up on stage to do The Skabo
getting in for free
finally sleeping
being able to go home early as Bluekilla weren't headlining

Lowlights
Bluekilla not headling
way too many hours spent on public transport.

end of review
Glen Smyth

Please comment on the review. Your comments will be added to the page once the editor receives them

Your name:
Email address:
Comments:

Introduction
Review of The Carringbah Bizzo's Show
Review of Ska Trek 3 in Newcastle
Photos from Ska Trek 3
Review of the Mona Vale Show
Click here to comment on review or Bluekilla