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PO Box 267
Woonona NSW 2517
Australia

August Tartan Heart Ska nite Klub

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After many problems with bands being confirmed, the August Tartan Heart lineup was to be The Brazen Hearts (Wollongong), Riot City (Sydney) and No Idea (Melbourne). We get to Greensquare early to make the most of the cheaper beer price to find out Brazen Hearts had pulled out due to a band member accident. Not only that, the band to replace them were told by the bar staff they couldn't play because they were too young. Bit of a shock seeing many under age bands have played there before, but 2 bands for six bucks would still be good.

Starting later meant we could consume more beer and while sitting out in front of the bar over twenty people were turned away because they were underage. A complete policy turn around by the pub it seemed and as only one of our group was legal age, we were lucky to be not standing outside with all the other youngins. Sometimes it's good to be recognised. You can't be bitter on the pub staff for turning people away, but it meant the crowd was much smaller than it would have been.

Riot City got the gig started, their first appearence without guitarist/singer Marco. Marv took over Marco's vocals, but the guitar was definitely missing. The quicker they replace their guitarist the better, although Marco's voice will be hard to replace. They still got the crowd dancing with classics such as Al Capone and Woolly Bully. My favourites for the night included Johnny Too Bad, Man next Door and of course Skinhead Moonstomp to finish the set off.

No Idea were up next, playing their infectious style of punk rock. They have their critics, but I like them. There is more of an emphasis on punk than pop, which in the current climate is welcomed by me. They played a long set and energetic set, yet I'm struggling to pick out song titles. A much better performance than when I saw them in early 2000, highlight was their cover of the Zip Remedy's "never give up". The good old days of Degrassi Junior High. Well two bands for only six bucks was still good, Tartan Heart is always a good time. More people should get along though, it's well worth the trip, however far you come from.

Glen Smyth