Widely regarded as one of the best cover bands off all-time, the popular punk rockers Me First and the Gimme Gimmes brought their live show to Observatory North Park in San Diego last week for night of non-stop entertainment. If you haven’t heard of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (MFGG), they specialize in punk style covers from a wide range of well-known songs.  Their two most popular covers are probably the up-tempo anthems “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver and Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow”.  Whatever song it is, you’ll quickly recognize it and be smiling singing along with the band.

Formed in San Francisco in 1995, MFGG is led by the charismatic and flamboyant lead singer Spike Slawson.  Slawson’s high-energy, humorous and engaging live performances have helped the group develop a devoted fan base and pack venues full of music fans of all ages - this night being no exception.  Slawson and guitarist Joey Cape are the only original members of the band, with a rotating list of credible players performing throughout the years.  Currently on bass is CJ Ramone (known for a stint in the Ramones), Andrew Pinching on drums, and John Reis on guitar. 

Always wanting to keep audiences on their toes, the show opened with Slawson taking the stage by himself to deliver an energetic version of “Oh Lonesome Me” (Don Gibson) while ripping it on the ukelele.  After wild applause from the eager crowd, the full band came out in matching outfits - uniform shiny black pants, grey shirts, sunglasses and black ties. Drummer Pinching slapped a four-count with the drumsticks and the band cranked into high gear with Dolly Parton’s country smash hit “Jolene”.  Next was a frenzied punk version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”, followed by “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Neil Sedaka - a rendition from MFGG’s latest album released in June, Blow it…at Madison’s Quinceanera.  

MFGG wins over crowds by cleverly injecting familiar songs with a unique punk spin while delivering an infectious live show that is loud, carefree, irreverent, and humorous.  It’s non-stop fun as we all enjoyed memorable renditions such as Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon”, The Beatles “All My Loving”, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”, Elton John’s “Rocket Man”, and the grand finale, Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road.  MFGG effectively injected punk freshness into timeless classics that gave the audience a show that won’t forget and reasons to smile all the home. 

Be well and keep rockin’ - 

Greg Vitalich