The Interrupters / Rock City / Nottingham
US SKA Punk band The Interrupters take Rock City by storm
I was looking forward to a high-energy, vibrant gig and The Interrupters did not disappoint when they took to the main stage at Rock City on Wednesday 5 February 2020. With the iconic ska notes of The Specials ‘Ghost Town’ ringing out as the lights dimmed, the crowd came alive… The Rock City crowd loved every second as the Bivona brothers (Kevin, Justin & Jesse) made their energetic entrance, whipping up the atmosphere before the unmistakable Aimee Interrupter joined them on stage, ripping into the opening number an anthem for their faithful fans ‘A Friend Like Me’. From the very start, Aimee was down in the crowd, holding hands, smiling, interacting and singing with the fans. This was followed seamlessly by ‘By My Side’, taken from their second album, ‘Say It Out Loud.’
The set list was a high octane blast through all their greatest hits, including ‘Title Holder’, about those fighting addiction and anxiety. A song with a great attitude calling for the warrior in us to come forward to overcome personal challenges, whatever they may be. A beautiful example of SKA music with ‘On A Turntable’ fun and designed to get you moving, followed quickly by ‘Valley’ about their hometown in Sacramento Valley slowed things down (ever so slightly).
The band slip effortlessly between fun lively tracks and more serious songs with a poignant message, such as the optimistic and hopeful ‘Good Things’. The honest and angst-ridden ‘Gave You Everything’ was belted out by Aimee with real heart and passion.
One of my favourite tracks ‘She Got Arrested’ followed, a story of domestic violence and the aftermath many women face defending their actions through the law courts was a real highlight.
The final song of the night could not have been better…. As they played out the night with ‘She’s Kerosene’ which saw everyone with arms in the air and dancing to the beat.
What a night…. What a show! Rock City is in my opinion still one of the best live venues anywhere for atmosphere, with its eclectic mix of people whilst retaining that intimacy with the fans, and judging by the smiles on Aimee and the bands faces…. I think the Interrupters would agree.
Setlist: A Friend Like Me, By My Side, TBTP, Title Holder, White Noise, Be Gone, Bad Guy, Broken World, Easy On You, Got Each Other, Good Things, Jenny Drinks, On A Turntable, The Valley, Not Personal, She Got Arrested, Gave You Everything, Judge Not, Family & She’s Kerosene
Support for the Interrupters was brilliantly provided by two acts.
First up were Buster Shuffle. Formed in 2007 by Jet Baker, Buster Shuffle have a formidable reputation on the London pub/club circuit, with their unique mix of cockney Ska Punk and Rock and Roll influences.
Then the crowd welcomed The Skints on stage. Also from London, The Skints who were described by Clash Music as “the torchbearers for modern British reggae music” bring their own unique style to the genre, mixing SKA with reggae, ska, dub, soul, and a touch of hip hop, for an unmissable sound. Well worth arriving early for.
