PunkSka

Crazier than GG, more PC than Ian, it's the punk & ska news. One of the stalwarts of the punk rock scene, the hard-working, heavy-touring Pennywise released a real WTF statement recently. After 19 years, nine albums and thousands of shows around the world, vocalist Jim Lindberg has decided to step down as lead singer. A statement from the band reads, "as the three remaining members of Pennywise, we feel that we are not done delivering our message to our fans. We will begin our search for a new singer immediately. We will continue to tour the world and we are looking forward to writing new music."

As mentioned previously, Byron Bay knucklemen 50 Lions are performing in Canberra for the first time at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Sunday November 8 (AA). Joining them on the night will be Baltimore's bastard sons Trapped Under Ice. Forming during the metalcore craze of 2005, 50 Lions have remained faithful to a more traditional hardcore crunch (think Madball or Cro Mags) and have gained a fearsome live reputation. For a sneak preview of what to expect at this gig, check out the new songs they've posted at their myspack, http://www.myspace.com/50lions.>

While not strictly punk or ska-related, Think Tank is a massive charity event at the ANU Bar (Saturday November 14) that has a strong message about the dangers of drink driving and a great goal to raise money for and awareness of the National Brain Injury Foundation. With 19 bands across two stages, there will be something for every musical penchant. Participating bands include Casino Rumblers, The Vee Bees, Ebola Goldfish, Goulburn-core's finest Never Trust A Bunny and many more.

Ska tragics, sit tight and listen keenly because this reminder is for you. Taking place over the Melbourne Cup Day long weekend (Sunday-Monday November 1-2), the second annual Ska Nation Festival features some of the best ska, bluebeat, dancehall, rocksteady and reggae bands from across the world. Ska Nation, the biggest ska event to be held in Australia for some years includes local and international artists, DJs and the biggest "sound system" to be seen at a ska event in many years. Participating bands include California's Chase Long Beach, Canada's One Night Band, Dan Potthast (guitar/vox MU330), Area 7, High Tides, Calico Jacks, The Reefs, The Resignators and The Ska Vendors. Get your tickets now from Moshtix and for more information visit www.skanation.com.>

In the dying decade of the last century (that's the 1990s, kids), swing and big band music had somewhat of a revival and one of the biggest bands to emerge from that was the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. We haven't heard from them in a while, however, the band has just released an album of ska songs. Skaboy JFK: the Skankin' hits of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies is released in celebration of the bands 20th year in the music business. Skaboy will combine four new recordings with tracks from the group's earlier catalogue, reflecting all the waves and varieties of ska: traditional/bluebeat, 2-Tone, third wave. There are even funky Fishbone-esque hybrids for good measure. For further information or to purchase the LP directly from the band, visit http://www.daddies.com. With Skaboy the Daddies plan to reconnect with a ska audience that is largely aware of the band as merely a swing band.

Finally, don't miss The Toxicmen when they channel the legendary Misfits for their Halloween bash at The Basement (Friday October 30). Fiends and ghouls are invited to get into the spirit of the evening and dress in their best ghoulish attire, sporting devilocks and skeletal makeup. Also appearing are Oxygen Thief, Buttnugget and Johnny Roadkill.

Oi Oi that's yer lot!
SIMON HOBBS

Next deadline is November 16. Send news, views, gig promos and abuse to rudebwaay@gmail.com