By Jacob Snipe – Snipe Creative
It was a warm and slow walk from the QVB to The Metro Theatre, weaving between tourists, business professionals, and style-savvy passersby. As the line grew, groups took the chance to snap photos for socials, capturing the pre-show excitement.
8:00 PM
As the doors opened, the brisk George Street air had set in, making the warmth inside the Metro Theatre a welcome relief. The line filtered in, with the buzz of anticipation building in the foyer.
8:20 PM – Young Offenders
Opening the night were Adelaide’s Young Offenders. Known for blending pop, punk, and rock into a potent mix, their 45-minute set didn’t disappoint. The two-piece band delivered a tight, energetic show, with catchy riffs and witty banter keeping the crowd hooked. Their closing track, Your Daddy’s Above the Law, featured a surprise guest appearance by Roger from Less Than Jake on bass, setting a high bar for the acts to follow.
9:00 PM – The Bennies
As The Bennies hit the stage, the crowd erupted. This genre-blending group seamlessly mixed electronic, hip-hop, and metal into a unique sound that kept the audience enthralled. With tracks like Let’s Have A Party and Hounds, a rebellious anthem mixing thrash, hip-hop, reggae, and ska, The Bennies had everyone sweating, two-stepping, and ready for the night’s headliners.
10:00 PM – Less Than Jake
Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for. For the first time since 2017, Florida’s ska-punk legends, Less Than Jake, took the stage as part of their Hello Rockview Down Under tour. With over three decades in the game, they delivered a masterclass in punk energy, seamlessly kicking off with The Last One Out of Liberty City. The crowd went wild, singing along to Help Save the Youth of America from Exploding and All My Friends Are Metalheads.
A Birthday Surprise for Roger
Midway through, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Roger, who turned 43, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the night.
Closing the Set Strong
As they wrapped up Hello Rockview, the band ended with a mix of fan favorites, bringing Nigel on stage for a beer-fueled sing-along to Danny Says, complete with crowd-surfing and a sea of yellow balloons bouncing across the room.
The encore included The Science of Selling Out, Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts, and the high-energy Gainesville Rock City, closing out the night in style.
Final Thoughts
Less Than Jake at the Metro Theatre delivered an unforgettable night, blending nostalgic tracks with fan favorites and new sounds. Their boundless energy and audience connection proved why they’ve been adored for over three decades. If you’re lucky enough to catch them, Less Than Jake will be continuing their Australian tour with stops in Newcastle, Townsville, and Brisbane from November 1st to 3rd.
