A packed Koko was thoroughly warmed up by Israeli band Useless ID, who were given best reception of any support act we’ve seen all year - deservedly as well. But everyone had really come to see the last night of the wonderfully named Me First and the Gimme Gimme’s European tour. ‘Fat’ Mike Burkett was back in the line up of the cover band-cum-punk supergroup, replacing his NOFX compatriot Eric Melvin.

The Gimme’s took to the stage dressed in matching uniform of bright red Hawaiian shirts and white trousers, with front man Spike Slawson (of Swingin’ Utters and Re-Volts) bringing an extra bit of style.They had the crowd from the beginning, opening with ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and never stopping for more than the time it took for a hug (and there was lots of hugging on the night). Its hard to identify particular songs as highlights, but ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ and ‘These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things’ had the crowd in a frenzy, as did the finale ‘End of The Road’.

Obviously MFATGG can’t be said to themselves too seriously, but Spike did have a brief rant at someone in the audience who requested a song they hadn’t practiced, and then he took the time to explain to the audience the difference between a covers band and a tribute band. It was all fairly hilarious.

Words and photo: Ian Tillotson