You know you're a long way from home when the cops just show up and unplug you three songs into your set. That's what happened to Australian punk band The On Fires (nee Asleep At The Park) last night at the Tiki Tavern in Boynton Beach. According to the band's website, the city of Boynton Beach's finest sent three squad cards and "a gang of scary looking armed police officers" to shut down the first show of their US "Kangaroo Punk" tour at the Tiki Tavern last night.
Thanks to the quick thinking of palm beach punk act Routine Scheme - the gig was moved down to the One For The Road bar in Lake Worth - and the show was saved. It was a rough welcome for the pride of Melbourne, Australia's exurbs. Their de facto home club, Ruby's Lounge in Belgrave, OZ - has a much better sense of hospitality including a downstairs dressing room / speakeasy hidden behind a revolving bookcase, worthy of a Vincent Price movie.
When I had the privilege of playing Ruby's in 2007- I was welcomed by seven foot tall giants wearing Duff Man and Pope outfits. While that was rather bizarre - it was lot better than getting unplugged by cops. Thankfully, The On Fires will be playing their bouncy punk rock at Bardot in Miami tonight- which is a proper music venue in a city with police that have better things to do than be party poopers.
So go on down to Bardot tonight and have a pint with The On Fires - just do not buy them a Foster's. No one down under drinks that stuff.
Wow, thanks so much for the article! And you've played at Ruby's??!! That's not something I expected to see in a FL newspaper!
You'll be pleased to hear the Bardot gig went smoothly as you predicted. What a beautiful venue. I'm guessing it's not every day they have an Aussie rock chick singing up on the bar.... We had a blast!
- Max
xx
http://www.theonfires.com
Posted by: Max | 09/05/2010 at 06:40 PM