Ska Date: 01/12/24 – Ska Nation 2024 at The Croxton Bandroom, MELBOURNE
Ska Nation 2024 was one for the books, and the Rude Boys were front and center, headlining the festival’s epic closing night. The excitement was palpable among all twelve band members—it was a momentous milestone, sharing the stage with ska legends like Hey Smith (JAPAN) Voodoo Glow Skulls (USA) , The Resignators, and Area-7 (AUS). For the Rude Boys, this wasn’t just another gig; it was a celebration of their journey and a showcase of their ska prowess among the genre’s elite. (CLICK HERE FOR PICS)
The day began with an early flight out of Brisbane, landing in Melbourne just after midday. By the time the Rudies reached the iconic Croxton Bandroom, The Skarntz were already firing up the stage, followed by incredible sets from Ras Jahknow and Area-7. The backstage green room was alive with activity—Jimmy was meticulously ironing shirts, Tony and Steve were tuning their borrowed guitars, and some of the brass section (Wayne, Sive, Phil, and Mika) warmed up their lips in the car park, buzzing with pre-show energy.
Meanwhile, Simon and Sam fussed over their wardrobe choices, and Govi focused on his pre-show routine of precise finger and wrist stretches. Nervous banter filled the air, fueled by a platter of cheese and some cheeky drinks to calm those pre-gig butterflies. As the stage time approached, Mick let loose his signature lip-burbling warmups while the band snapped a few quick backstage photos. (Check them out on the website!) With a grin, Angus adjusted his pork pie hat and declared, “Let’s do this.”
The house lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and the Rudies hit the stage, kicking things off with their signature shout, “Right about now, we’re rocking back to Kingston, bup bup bubba bar…” The energy was electric from start to finish—plenty of dancers filled the floor, and even members of Hey Smith joined in the madness, shouting encouragement from the front row. The Rude Boys delivered a dynamic set packed with hits, originals, and that unmistakable ska groove.
After a dopamine-filled, sweat-soaked performance, the band retired to their hotel, where cold ales and victory toasts awaited. Let’s just say the next morning’s breakfast happened later than planned. But the mission was accomplished—the Rudies had officially conquered Melbourne’s ska scene with their unforgettable set. A Big shout out to Francis & Beefy, absolute diamonds of the Australian Ska scene! These fellas are making these events happen, taking the risks, bringing International & Interstate bands together for a wonderful celebration of the music scene, & the genre we all love. (at significant financial risk & a massive amount of stress, work & dedication involved too!) So from SCRBoys to you - THANK YOU.
The adventure isn’t over yet! Please click & Check out our new music out on our Spotify, including "Dancehall", "Rudeboy Takeover," and yet ANOTHER NEW SINGLE “Moonlight" being recorded in January 2025
stay tuned for release details.
Catch the Rude Boys next at THE BIG FAT RUDE BASH at Miami Marketta on February 21st and The Triffid on February 22nd, with our friends FAT PICNIC (CLICK FOR TIX HERE)
Sunny Coast Rude Boys are bringing more ska fire in 2025—stay tuned and stay skanking!
ps. Is anyone reading these f#$CKIN BLOGS???!! :) (click the old Heart/Like button & let us know you're out there!!)
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