MACEWAN HALL, JULY 17, 2013
Rancid and The Transplants. Are you fucking kidding me?
That should sum up the whole review, but alas…
The Interrupters started the show off with a swift kick to the face, which got the crowd ready for the night ahead of them. Showing off their talent and style, they drew the audience front and centre. It was a perfect way to start this evening.
The Transplants took the stage with tall cans in the air. Their latest album, In A War Zone, was just released and the title track kicked off their set, which sent the stragglers running to the stage as no one wanted to miss this long-awaited show. For a band that hasn’t toured in many moons, they didn’t miss a fuckin’ beat! It was a mind-blowing show, so very much missed by all their fans. Travis Barker beat those drums like they stole his money, while Skinhead Rob Ashton had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. A huge kudos to Tim Armstrong for doing this double show, a full Transplants set followed directly by an entire Rancid set. Showing so much passion in both, it’s an amazing feat and truly appreciated by his fans.
Which brings me to the headliners, Rancid, who are celebrating more than 20 years of some of the best punk rock since the late ’80s. Not only was their set incredible, it was also informative. Rancid is usually a band that just gets down to the music, this time around they told us stories of punk shows past and the inspiration behind the many songs we love. It was a great touch to hear stories from the legends that lived them, which after all these years, really made you feel closer to the band than ever before. They also teased us with the release of a new record, entitled (as of now) Honor Is All We Know.
But when it all comes down to it, this show was just how you expected, and exactly what you wanted. Hit after hit, one sing-a-long after another. It was absolutely perfect. Our only hope is they come back to see us sooner rather than later.
So, here’s to 20 more years, and so many more memories!
By Sarah Mac
Photos By Sarah Mac
