ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES – LIVE – THE STATE THEATRE

ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES – LIVE – THE STATE THEATRE

By Kerri Nelson

I recently had the opportunity to catch Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on their cross-country tour, and I was lucky enough to see them perform at one of my favorite New England venues – the State Theater in Portland, ME. Interestingly, one of the main reasons I originally moved to the Portland area when I was just starting out as a photographer was because of the State Theatre.

However, much to my dismay, the place underwent extensive renovations and was closed for the entire year I lived there. It reopened about six months after I left, and while I'm thrilled it's back in action, I can't help but feel a little bummed that I missed out on the opportunity to live within walking distance of my favorite venue.

Similar to its energy Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the State Theater is full of character and acts as the perfect backdrop for the cover troupe's ultimate shows. Steeped in history dating back to the 1920s, the theater has retained its vintage charm even through various renovations over the years. Its intricate golden moldings and columns contribute to the unique atmosphere of the space. The angled seating arrangement ensures that every seat offers a perfect view of the stage whether you are
If you're lucky enough to grab a front row seat, you'll get an up close and personal experience with the artists. I also found that the lighting in the venue is perfect for taking photos.

The evening unfolded with delightful surprises and a punk rock feast. As the night progressed, it became apparent that the line-up was full of exceptional talent. First on stage was the electrifying band UltraBomb. Formed in July 2021, UltraBomb consists of a trio of remarkable musicians: Greg Norton of Husker Du on bass, Finny McConnel of Mahones on vocals and Jamie Oliver of UK Subs on drums.

Photos by Kerri Nelson

Their debut album, Time to Burn, released in 2022, was a testament to their rapid creativity, as they wrote and recorded the entire album in just four days. Their performance at the State Theater highlighted the flawless synergy and magic that this trio exudes when they work together. They kicked off the night with their album title track “Time to Burn” Setting the tone for a huge amount of energy full of fast beats and catchy bass and guitar riffs. If you're lucky enough to catch them on tour, you can get their hands on their new album Dying to Smile or set your reminders to receive it worldwide on June 7, 2024.

The provocative one He then took to the stage with an undeniable air of anticipation and it quickly became apparent why. Comprised of a lineup of seasoned musicians, this supergroup wasted no time asserting its dominance on the stage. Led by the iconic Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones on vocals, The Defiant delivered a performance that left no doubt as to their collective talent and crowd command.

As Barrett, dressed in his trademark suit, tie and sunglasses, took the stage, the audience knew they were in for something special. His delicate voice, characteristic of his work with the Bosstones, seamlessly interwoven with the punk, rock and ska influences that define his style. From the first note of the opening track, “Everybody Loves Me” from their acclaimed 2023 album If we're being honestit was clear that The Defiant was going to keep the energy going for the night.

Photos by Kerri Nelson

Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of Pete Parada (The Offspring) on ​​drums and Johnny Rioux on bass, as well as the dynamic guitar duo of Greg Camp (Smash Mouth) and Joey LaRocca (The Briggs), Barrett and The Defiant commanded the scene. with infectious energy and undeniable chemistry. Each member brought their own unique talent to the show, yet together they formed a cohesive unit that left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

In a standout moment of their set, The Defiant's Dicky Barrett got the crowd to sing along to 'It is Over' Giving the crowd the lyrics he made sure everyone could join in. As the audience embraced the occasion, their voices swelled with passion and unity. By the final chorus, the power of the crowd singing along created an electric atmosphere, showcasing the band's ability to effortlessly connect with their audience and create unforgettable live experiences.

Defiant defies easy categorization, transcending the individual backgrounds of its members to create something truly unique. Their sound is an eclectic mix of upbeat punk and rock, fueled by the collective experiences of each musician. Just when you think you've got their style down, they surprise you with tracks like “Where Did Lady Liberty Go”, infused with Celtic punk vibes, or “We Make Drugs”, with awesome skapop elements.

This versatility is what makes them so enchanting. Defiant is more than just a band. it's a revelation, injecting a dose of magic into the music scene. “If We're Really Being Honest” has been on repeat since I first heard it – I never knew how much I needed The Defiant in my life until now.

The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the energy of UltraBomb and The Defiant, as the crowd eagerly awaited the main act: Me First and The Gimme Gimmes. Renowned as the ultimate cover band, The Gimme Gimmes Take their title seriously. The stage was decked out to resemble the festive setting of a Quinceañera, perfectly complementing their upcoming release, ¡Blow it…at Madison's Quinceanera!. Purple lights illuminated the stage, sparkling with the GG logo, while screen prints on either side depicted the Virgin Mary holding a microphone. Known for their coordinated outfits, The Gimme Gimmes made a statement in matching cheetah print shirts.

Photos by Kerri Nelson

The opening riffs of “Jolene” filled the air – not the Dolly Parton version with the classic country twang, but a punk rock rendition. The drumming was fast, the bass riff was fast and the guitar was electrifying. The Gimme Gimmesconsisting of another incredibly talented group of musicians, included Spike Slawson on vocals, CJ Ramone on bass, Jake Kiley (from Bangor, Maine) on guitar, John Reis on guitar, and Andrew Pinch on drums.

As The Gimme Gimmes took to the stage, embodying every aspect you'd expect from a cover band at your local hotspot. Their setlist was a diverse mix of sing-along songs, from Paula Abdul's “Straight Up” to Willie Nelson's “On the Road Again” to Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive” (complete with a disco ball ) to Olivia Rodrigo. “Good 4 U.”

One of the highlights for many was their performance of “Country Roads”, known for getting people singing and dancing. There's something both fun and epic about seeing the same passion people have for singing in a massive mosh pit. Whether it was 'Country Roads', 'Science Fiction, Double Feature', 'Over the Rainbow' or Boyz to Men's 'End of the Road', The Gimme Gimmes have mastered the art of covering these classics with finesse.

Throughout the evening, the audience was guaranteed to be singing and dancing along. And if it wasn't, The Gimme Gimmes they were quick to playfully troll and fuss before enveloping them again in their irresistible charm.

It was a night filled with great music and hilarious entertainment from start to finish. The show had its share of typical local cover band drama, with playful spats between Slawson, his bandmates and the crew occasionally spilling out onto the stage. However, despite these antics, everyone in the band gave their best, ensuring this The Gimme Gimmes provided a night full of fantastic music and riotous entertainment from start to finish.

The Gimme Gimmes end their tour on May 5 and their latest album, “¡Blow it…at Madison's Quinceanera!” will be available on streaming platforms and in stores on June 14. If you need the ultimate cover band for your next funeral, quinceañera or bar mitzvah, they've got you covered. Be sure to watch their entire interview with Spike Slawson conducted by our editor, Ralph Beauchamp. (See below in Related)

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