Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — When they aren’t busy fighting crime on their campy superhero show, The Aquabats are bringing their frantic energy to stages across the country, landing last Friday in the Queen City for an unforgettable night of ska punk, dancing, and a collection of inflatable toys. Well before show time, the venue was filling up with kids and adults of all ages, many of them dressed in the Aquabats’ signature superhero outfits, marking a family friendly evening with an equal appeal to all ages. 

Crazy & the Brains got the night rolling on a high octane note, with their punk rock sound and engaging stage presence. Their brief 30-minute set was enough to sell the crowd on their unique twist on the genre, with a saxophone punctuating the biting power chords and thunderous rhythm. Their cover of the Teddybears’ “Punkrocker” was the perfect cap the set. Ska band sullvn filled the middle slot on the lineup with an upbeat, bouncy set that kept the vibes lively and fun. The band surprised the crowd by bringing Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones out to sing with them on the Bosstones’ 90s smash “The Impression That I Get,” followed by a song the two vocalists wrote together called “Raise a Glass.”

Seven years, almost to the day, of their last Charlotte appearance, The Aquabats took the stage running with a frantic run through of “Pool Party!,” complete with several large inflatable beach balls flying around the small room. From there, the party didn’t stop until the show was over. Throughout the evening, the band would pull out several other inflatables to underline the songs, such as the giant pizza slice for “Pizza Day!” and life-sized sharks for “The Shark Fighter!” There were also a handful of characters that would show up on stage with them, including a personified bat from the group’s logo and a chicken to dance with the band for “Magic Chicken!” The set was full of surprises, especially for anyone who hasn’t seen the band before. A late-set cover of The Outfield’s “Your Love,” featuring drummer Ricky Fitness on vocals was among and a set-closing sing-along of “Burger Rain!” with a verse of U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” were among the highlights.” 

More than 30 years into their career, The Aquabats remain one of the most unique and fun live shows. Led by the Bat Commander on vocals, the Aquabats dress in their superhero uniforms from their live action / animation hybrid show, The Aquabats! Super Show! When on stage and in costume, the band members only go by their alter egos. The one thing many Charlotte fans may never know – does the band usually throw water at the audience? The Bat Commander commented several times about a sign on the stage warning against throwing water from the stage, even picking the sign up to show the crowd that it was for real, under threat of fines from the venue. Check the Aquabats website or social media channels for upcoming tour dates.