ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES – LIVE – THE STATE THEATRE
I recently had the chance to catch Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on their tour across the country, and I was fortunate enough to see them perform at one of my favorite spots in New England—the State Theatre in Portland, ME. Interestingly, one of the main reasons I initially moved to the Portland area, back when I was just starting out as a photographer, was because of the State Theatre.
However, much to my disappointment, the venue underwent extensive renovations and was closed for the entirety of my time living there. It reopened around six months after I moved away, and while I’m thrilled that it’s back in action, I can’t help but feel a bit bummed that I missed out on the opportunity to live just a stone’s throw away from my favorite venue.
Similar to the energy of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the State Theatre is brimming with character and serves as the perfect backdrop for the ultimate cover band performances. Steeped in history dating back to the 1920s, the theater has retained its vintage charm even through the various renovations over the years. Its intricate golden moldings and columns contribute to the venue’s unique ambiance. The sloped seating arrangement ensures that every seat offers a perfect view of the stage, and if you’re
lucky enough to snag a spot in the front row, you’ll have an up-close and personal experience with the artists. I also discovered that the lighting in the venue is perfect for capturing photographs.
The evening unfolded with delightful surprises and punk rock revelry. As the night progressed, it became evident that the lineup was brimming with exceptional talent. Taking the stage first was the electrifying band UltraBomb. Formed in July of 2021, UltraBomb comprises a trio of remarkable musicians: Greg Norton of Husker Du on bass, Finny McConnel of The Mahones on vocals, and Jamie Oliver of UK Subs on drums.
Their debut album, “Time to Burn,” released in 2022, was a testament to their swift creativity, as they wrote and recorded the entire album in just four days. Their performance at the State Theatre showcased the flawless synergy and magic that this trio exudes when they work together. They kicked the night of with their title track of their Album “Time to Burn” Setting the tone for an immense amount of energy full of fast beats, and catchy bass and guitar riffs. If you are lucky enough to catch them on tour you can grab their new album Dying to Smile or set your reminders to pick it up worldwide on June 7, 2024.
The Defiant took the stage next with an undeniable aura of anticipation, and it quickly became apparent why. Comprising a lineup of seasoned musicians, this supergroup wasted no time in asserting their dominance over the stage. Led by the iconic Dicky Barrett of Mighty Mighty Bosstones on vocals, The Defiant delivered a performance that left no doubt as to their collective talent and command of the crowd.
As Barrett, clad in his trademark suit, tie, and sunglasses, stepped onto the stage, the audience knew they were in for something special. His gravelly voice, a hallmark of his work with the Bosstones, seamlessly intertwined with the punk, rock, and ska influences that define his style. From the first note of the opening song, “Everybody Loves Me” off their acclaimed 2023 album If We’re Being Honest, it was clear that The Defiant was going to keep the energy going for the night.
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 stage with an infectious energy and undeniable chemistry. Each member brought their own unique flair to the performance, yet together they formed a cohesive unit that left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
In a standout moment of their set, Dicky Barrett of The Defiant rallied the crowd to sing along to “It is Over” Giving the crowd the lyrics, he ensured everyone could join in. As the audience embraced the opportunity, their voices swelled with passion and unity. By the final chorus, the power of the crowd singing together created an electric atmosphere, showcasing the band’s ability to effortlessly connect with their audience and create unforgettable live experiences.
The Defiant defies easy categorization, transcending the individual backgrounds of its members to create something truly unique. Their sound is an eclectic blend of upbeat punk and rock, fueled by the collective experiences of each musician. Just when you think you’ve pinned down their style, they surprise you with tracks like “Where Did Lady Liberty Go,” infused with Celtic punk vibes, or “We Make Drugs,” featuring offbeat skapop elements.
It’s this versatility that makes them so captivating. The Defiant is more than just a band; they’re 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 adorned 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 silk screens on either side depicted the Virgin Mary holding a microphone. Known for their coordinated outfits, The Gimme Gimmes made a statement in matching green cheetah-print shirts.
The opening riffs of “Jolene” filled the air—not the Dolly Parton version with its classic country twang, but a punk rock rendition. The drumbeat was fast-paced, the bass riff speedy, and the guitar electrifying. The Gimme Gimmes, composed of another incredibly talented bunch of musicians, featured Spike Slawson on vocals, CJ Ramone on bass, Jake Kiley (originating from Bangor, Maine) on guitar, John Reis on guitar, and Andrew Pinch on drums.
As The Gimme Gimmes took the stage, they embodied every aspect you’d expect from a cover band at your local hotspot. Their setlist was a diverse mix of songs that had everyone singing along, from Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” to Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and from Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” (complete with a disco ball) to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U.”
One of the highlights for many was their rendition of “Country Roads,” known for getting people singing and dancing. There’s something both amusing and epic about seeing the same passion people have for the song in a massive mosh pit. Whether it was “Country Roads”, “Science Fiction, Double Feature”, “Over the Rainbow” or “End of the Road” by Boyz to Men, The Gimme Gimmes mastered the art of covering these classics with finesse.
Throughout the night, the audience was guaranteed to be singing and dancing along. And if they weren’t, The Gimme Gimmes were quick to playfully troll and heckle before reeling them back in with their irresistible charm.
It was a night filled with great music and hilarious entertainment from start to finish. The performance had its share of typical local cover band drama, with playful tiffs between Slawson, bandmates, and crew occasionally spilling onto the stage. However, despite these antics, everyone in the band delivered their best, ensuring that The Gimme Gimmes provided a night brimming with fantastic music and uproarious entertainment from beginning to end.
The Gimme Gimmes finish their tour on May 5th, and their latest album, “¡Blow it…at Madison’s Quinceanera!” will be available on streaming platforms and in stores on June 14th. If you’re in need of the ultimate cover band for your next funeral, quinceañera, or bar mitzvah, they’ve got you covered. Be sure to catch their entire interview with Spike Slawson conducted by our editor, Ralph Beauchamp. (See below in Related)
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