1-2-3 PUNK IS 10!
Musique Plus (the francophone version of MuchMusic / MTV) was celebrating the 10th Anniversary for its TV show 1-2-3 Punk. This show has given punk rock music, videos and tours for the past 10 years for all the punk rockers in Quebec. It has given a chance for all the up-and-coming bands to be shown on TV as well as for the well established bands. Mostly, 123 Punk has always given its support to all the punk rock/ska bands in the province of Quebec. 123 Punk was and still is one of the only true punk show on TV nowadays.
To celebrate its 10th year, 1-2-3 Punk through an amazing sold-out concert where are the proceeds went to Dans La Rue, a local charity helping the homeless. The show went on at the Metropolis on April 2nd and was fronted by some of the best and most influent bands in Quebec’s alternative music scene.
The line up of the show went like this:
White Cowbell Oklahoma (formed in 1999 in Toronto, ON)
The Sainte Catherines (formed in 1999 in Montreal, QC)
Subb (formed in 1992 in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
GrimSkunk (formed in 1988 in Montreal, QC)
Reset (formed in 1993 in Montreal, QC.)
Vulgaires Machins (formed in 1995 in Granby, QC)
The Planet Smashers (formed in 1994 in Montreal, QC)
When White Cowbell Oklahoma entered the stage, the venue was still pretty empty. However, this 70s boogie/rock/country band really helped broke the ice as the crowd grew larger and started being more active from halfway through their set until the end.
Next up was The Sainte Catherines: definitely a Montreal favorite. These punks showed us how their true influences started with Operation Ivy and The Ramones. In the end, the mosh pit was fully going and the fans were singing their lungs out as Hugo Mudie, frontman of the band, made his way to the pit to finish off his set.
The punks slowly made their way to the back of the venue as ska band Subb was about to hit the stage. Making the crowd sing and dance to their ska songs, the band also managed to cover songs from Operation Ivy (Bombshell) and Rancid (Tattoo).
It was now time to rock the hell up with legendary punk rocker, GrimSkunk. When they came on stage, you could feel the venue shaking as the crowd went nuts! Their mix of sound and their energetic ways on stages is certainly one of the reasons why GrimSkunk is a Montreal favorite and are still going on after so many years.
The next band on was definitely the highlight of the night for many; a once in a life time chance to see this band reunited on stage. This 10th Anniversary celebration managed to reunite one of Quebec’s very popular punk rock band of the 90s: Reset. For those of you wondering who is Reset and why was it such an accomplishment to get them together again, well Reset was formed by Pierre Bouvier and Chuck Comeau. Fans of a more pop sound now know them as the singer and drummer of the super-band, Simple Plan. This only showed the crowd that even though they do sell out arena’s all over the world, they still know where to find and enjoy their punk rock roots!
Reset’s set was definitely a blast from the past. Looking in the crowd we could see that the Metropolis was at full capacity especially for this band. Of course we couldn’t miss the Simple Plan fans right in front, not knowing a word of what was going on on stage. However, other than these about 10 persons, the 2000 and more fans were definitely there to enjoy once more what they did 15 years ago.
The crowd got a little smaller as the second to last band made its way to the stage. It was now time for the francophone punk rockers, Vulgaires Machins, to hit the stage. Still a fan favorite, this band was obviously very happy to be on stage and share their passion with the fans, showing us that you definitely do not absolutely need to be singing in English to get a punk rock crowd sheering for you!
A little before midnight, it was time for the party band of Montreal to hit the stage: The Planet Smashers. Hitting the crowd with their best ska songs, there was really no other way to end the night. Everyone was having such a great time, even other band members were on stage with them singing and “skanking” from one side to the other of the stage!
1-2-3 Punk, we wish you a very Happy Birthday and a great continuation!
Check out photos from that celebration by clicking on the band’s name below:
White Cowbell Oklahoma
The Sainte Catherines
Subb
GrimSkunk
Reset
Vulgaires Machins
The Planet Smashers
Category: Photo Updates, Reviews