Gig reviewsMe First and the Gimme Gimmes

Punk Rock Merriment: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Bring Holiday Cheer to Rock City

Walking into Rock City for a Me First and the Gimme Gimmes gig feels like stepping into a time warp where every cheesy hit song from the past gets a punk rock twist. The legendary venue, a cornerstone of the UK’s live music scene, is primed for a night where punk rock meets unabashed fun.

The moment I arrived, I was amazed at the sight of the stage, which was decorated with pink & white Christmas trees, a 6-foot-tall nutcracker figurine, and two huge sparkling glitter balls. The atmosphere was already electric, and the decorations added a festive touch that set the tone for the evening.

As the band hits the stage, the crowd erupts like a shaken can of pop. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes kick off with festive opener of Feliz Navidad which leads straight in to a raucous version of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, jolting the audience to life.

The stage is a riot of colour and movement, with band members decked out in outfits that seem to have escaped from a costume party. Lead singer Spike Slawson commands the stage with an outsized personality and an even larger voice, bantering playfully with the crowd and his bandmates.

Formed in San Francisco in 1995, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes is a punk rock supergroup and cover band featuring members from well-known bands like Swingin’ Utters, NOFX, Foo Fighters, and Lagwagon. The band’s lineup includes Spike Slawson, C. J. Ramone, Joey Cape, and John Reis. Over the years, they’ve released several themed albums, each focusing on a different genre of music, from classic pop hits to Broadway show tunes. For this gig, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop joined on rhythm guitar, standing next to C. J. Ramone, Andy “Pinch” Pinching from The Damned was on the drums, and Jake Kiley from Strung Out was playing lead guitar.

Following “Jolene,” the band keeps the momentum going with a high-octane cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”. The crowd, buzzing with excitement, sings along to every word, turning the venue into a massive punk karaoke session. The energy is infectious, with everyone jumping, dancing, and having the time of their lives.

Spike Slawson brought comedic value to the band, introducing the Gimme Gimmes as a cover band, which he humorously changed to “The Cover Band.” He also pronounced it was great to be back in Leicester. When the crowd reacted unfavourably, he shouted, “This doesn’t smell like Leicester!” He then made his way around the cities of the East Midlands, with the boos getting louder each time. Finally, arriving at Nottingham, the crowd erupted in cheers, with Spike cheekily saying that he was going to say that first.


Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” was reimagined with a punk twist that has the entire room swaying in unison. The festive cheer this cover brings is akin to a holiday light display gone wild, illuminating every corner of Rock City with joy.

During the show, Spike went in to full diva mode, unwilling to pick up his ukulele, he demanded the roadies come to his assistance. And in this show even the roadies have a theatrical part to play. As they appeared on stage to help him, the roadie beckoned to the crowd for a supportive cheer, with Spike shaking his head from side to side in dismay, the cheers grew. The crowd got loudest as the roadie placed the tiny stringed instrument around Slawson’s neck, who was stood statuesque as if he was being presented with an Olympic gold medal.

The band continues to surprise with covers of Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”, each transformed into punk anthems. The atmosphere is more than just a concert; it feels like a giant, communal party where everyone knows the words.

And being a gig in December, festive hits are woven into the show, including lively covers of “Santa Baby” and Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody”. These seasonal tunes add a layer of holiday spirit to the evening, making the event feel even more special.

As the night progresses, the atmosphere only grows more electric. The band’s punk rock renditions turn every song into an anthem, as I sang along with everyone else in the venue, I felt a sense of unity and joy. It was a party atmosphere and a great way to end the year, this is my last gig and review of 2024 and the energy, the music, the camaraderie has made it an unforgettable experience.

When it seems like the night couldn’t get any better, the band comes back for an encore. Slawson stands centre stage and shouts out, “If you don’t like Roy Wood, you can F**k off!”. With the crowd roaring with laughter and cheers a punk rendition of Wizard’s “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” is performed. The whole venue sings along with hands raised in the air. The Gimme Gimmies version is a fantastic reproduction of a classic adding a festive touch that electrifies the venue even more.

For the grand finale, Elton John’s “Rocket Man takes off with a punk twist that blasts the crowd into a euphoric frenzy. But the night isn’t over yet. The band wraps up the encore with an emotional rendition of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road”, followed by a spirited and joyous chorus of Feliz Navidad” to end the show as it began.

By the time the final chords ring out, leaving a satisfied, slightly sweaty crowd in their wake, it’s clear that Me First and the Gimme Gimmes have delivered a night to remember. Their ability to blend humour, nostalgia, and raw punk energy into their performances is what makes them truly special. I left Rock City buzzing with the afterglow of a gig that was just as much a joyous celebration as it is a rock show. Merry Christmas to you all and see you in 2025 for another year of Gigs.

Punk Rock Merriment: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Bring Holiday Cheer to Rock City @ Rock News.

Check out even more from Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
https://mefirstandthegimmegimmes.com/
YouTube
Spotify
X
Instagram
Facebook

One thought on “Punk Rock Merriment: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Bring Holiday Cheer to Rock City

  • Caught them at Manchester, and was one of the gigs of the year. Tight pop punk versions of songs everyone knows the words too. Sing along goodness and laugh out loud moments left us all wanting more.

    MFatGG are a band everyone should see.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *