It was a slushy Friday night in Calgary as punk rock fans invaded the University of Calgary’s MacEwan Hall.
Local openers Bayonet took to the task of warming up the crowd. Delighting the crowd with tunes like Shit Hawks and Cougar Bait – which I believe could easily be an autobiography.
The guitarist was a treat to watch and delivered the energy the crowd was craving. The energy continued to build through the set and the night’s frist circle pit formed and kept going from that point on.
Being a young band on the scene, I can only imagine how stoked these guys much have been to be sharing a backstage with an iconic band like Pennywise. They played their hearts out and made sure to make their time on stage count.
After an impressively quick turn-over, Mobina Galore was ready to conquer the stage. We were first introduced to Mobina Galore at the Bronson Centre in Ottawa, ON and for us, there’s sometime special about getting to run into Canadians bands as they do their thing across this beautiful country. Hailing from Winnipeg, MB, these ladies are doing their hometown proud. I have yet to visit, but I keep hearing nothing but great things about Winnipeg’s music scene. Despite it being Winnipeg, if that city keeps birthing artists like this duo, it’s doing something right.
As the music continued, I found myself wondering if it’s possible to be nostalgic over music you’ve only just heard for the first time.
Mobina Galore brings the perfect mix of edge, punk, and reliability to the stage and they clearly love what they do.They succeed in playing in raw emotion and are honest in their delivery. Check them out if you get the chance, you can thank me later.
I’ll reluctantly admit that having to commute over an hour back home has turned me into a bit of a sober wall-flower at rock shows lately. The lack of alcohol also means I don’t have the patience to be crammed along the edges of mosh pits anymore. It’s sad, but true. Now, having said that, I spent 3 hours camped out at the front barricade for Pennywise, stealing extra elbow space at every opportunity. You don’t just stand like a chump in the corner when Pennywise is about to light shit up.
The lights go down and the energy in the room spikes.
Pennywise entertained a full house of fans, who were eating up every moment they got with this timeless band.
I love punk rock because it inspires and I think we. An all agree that this world could use a little more of that.
They played homage to The Ramones, The Circle Jerks, and The Beastie Boys, launching the crowd into a frenzy.
After 30 years in the business, it is no surprise that they have mastered the art of putting on a show. That was by far one of the funnest nights I’ve had in a long time, and it didn’t even require blinding intoxication.
I was tickled pink them they played Stand By Me, which is by far my favourite cover of any song, ever. Punk rock makes everything better, it’s science.
As the cherry to top off such a splendid evening, they even had mini punk-rockers join them on stage and helped belting out the harmonics of Bro Hymn.
Overall just an excellent night filled everything I could ever want: Local band, Canadian touring act, and a check off my concert bucket list with some punk rock legends.
Photos and review by Natalie Fay and Dave Di Ubaldo. The couple operates Worn Leather Media in Alberta. Check them out on facebook and the web.
