By Erin Lee
Last night, Friday, July 19th, The Aquabats brought their brand of silly fun to Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale! The Huntington Beach, California-based ska outfit is celebrating 30 years as a band-with no signs of slowing down!
To say this is an interactive concert experience would be a severe understatement.
They opened the set with "The Shark Fighter!" and tossed inflatable sharks into the crowd below.
During "Lovers of Loving Love!" three heart-shaped inflatables were passed through the audience, while the rest of us were encouraged to put our hands above our heads in a "circle of love."
Throughout the show, MC Bat Commander called out to people in the audience. We celebrated individual birthdays, reviewed crowd surfing safety, and waxed philosophical on life. Bet you didn't expect all that from a bunch of dudes playing ska in superhero costumes!
"Pizza Day!" featured another interactive moment, when a little girl named Abby was brought on stage to crowd surf through the entire pit, gliding safely to her destination and eventually reaching her father's arms.
Toward the end of the set, a sign with a request for "Spider Love!" was passed up to the stage, prompting the band to play a snippet.
The 7 man group kept the energy super charged for the entirety of the show: singing, dancing, and throwing in fun covers like Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and longtime friend and collaborator the late Biz Markee's "Just a Friend."
We were treated to a couple of new songs as well, as their new album Finally! was just released last month.
As we rounded the corner for the final encore, MC Bat Commander remarked that "holding 40 or 50 pounds above your head all night is really hard, so we're going to give the parents a break."
All the kids in the crowd were invited onstage to cut loose for "Pool Party!" arguably the band's most recognizable song.
Joy and unity are always prevalent themes at any ska show, but I really felt the love and good vibes of everyone in the crowd as we clasped hands and sang together. I can't believe it took me this long to see The Aquabats for the first time, but it was well worth the wait.
Here are some images/video Erin Lee snapped at the show:
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