Hard-Ons, Auckland New Zealand, 2017

Hard-Ons

23rd June 2017
The Kings Arms, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review and Photography by Sarah Kidd.

It may have been another wet winter’s night in Auckland but that wasn’t going to stop fans of the infamous Hard-Ons showing up on force to once again witness the boys in action on the NZ stage. The Kings Arms has always been the home of punk gigs, so it was great to see another night of kiwi bands rocking out in support.

First up were The Dirty Sweets with their brand of punk rock that has often been described as a combination of The Cramps and Zodiac Mindwarp. Lead vocalist/guitarist Paul Edwards (formally of Freak Power) trucker style hat firmly in place has the ideal voice for their dirty style of punk rock n roll, the sweet subtle rasp in his vocals giving the songs that knife edge that makes them stand out from the pack. Kicking off with ‘Robot March’ their set takes us through a nice little selection of their work including ‘Good As Gone’, ‘Smashed Up Love’ and my personal favourite ‘Ball ‘n Chain’ which just oozes swagger as it struts around the stage.

Next up are Fireshark, created in 2012 the three piece from Auckland are tight, their songs having a real pop punk vibe to them (think Offspring and Rancid). Samuel Icke is the lead vocalist and does an excellent tongue in cheek job of reminding the audience who they are throughout the set; while Ryan Sykes on drums is an absolute machine keeping up that fast paced punk rock momentum throughout. Their set consisted of a good mix of songs from both their self-titled EP and their 2015 album Toxic Paradise (which I highly recommend by the way as an excellent addition to your music collection!) stand out track being “Boss Down’

Last but certainly not least of the support acts before the mighty Hard-Ons are The Illicit Wah Wahz. The Raglan based self-described stoner/power rock trio were formed in 2012 and immediately grab you by the neck as they burst into life with their opening track ‘Confucious Say’. Lead vocalist Pic growled into the microphone and often went off on great mini guitar solos completely becoming lost in the moment; he also took home the ‘most impressive beard’ award for the night. Thanking the Hard-Ons several times (they will be in support of them again at their show in Raglan tonight – if you are in the area make sure you attend!) their set was short but punchy; ‘Theme Song’ the highlight of the set for me.

The crowd started to take up position along the front edge of the stage, anticipation rising along with the temperature making you forget for a second that it with still winter outside. As the Hard-Ons took to the stage cheers were let loose and many a beer glass could be heard clinking around the room. There were several people in the audience tonight who had never had the opportunity to see this iconic band live, so celebrations were being held around the room with many clutching vinyl in the hopes of scoring a signature after the show.

The Hard-Ons originally formed in 1981, created by the two founding members Peter ‘Blackie’ Black and Keish de Silva. Silva originally started as vocalist but after bassist Ray Ahn joined the band, Silva moved to drums. In the space of thirteen years the band released 13 albums before disbanding in 1994 – much to the disappointment of many a fan. Luckily their retirement was short lived and they reformed in 97’. There have been some change ups of positions within the band and a couple of members have come and gone, but tonight sees Silva in his rightful place as vocalist with Murray Ruse (who joined the band in 2011) behind the kit.

They have a hell of a legacy with no less than 17 consecutive number-one hits on the Australian alternative charts; which led them to become Australia’s “most commercially successful independent band”. Looking at the band members on stage it is hard to believe they have been going since the 80’s. Apparently these guys have access to the fountain of youth as they look in better condition than many of the bands from the same era.

Opening with ‘Don’t Wanna See You Cry’ it was evident that Silva has lost nothing in regards to vocals; his on stage presence hypnotic as he sways around the microphone stand. A few songs into the set and a synchronized taking off of the shirts occurred between Ruse, Blackie and Ahn, further confirming that these guys indeed had access to that aforementioned fountain!

If you have never heard of the Hard-Ons you need to go forth and discover – punk rock, with a bit of surfer rock and pop melodies all tossed together these guys are perfect for a Friday night out on the town. Random conversations about orange earplugs fear of ducks and failed erections peppered the set, Blackie often interjecting with the dodgiest of comments. The crowd lapped up every second of their set, throwing themselves around during the heavier songs with gusto.

All too soon Silva was waving goodbye and thanking the audience, Blackie and Ahn doing the same as they grinned, sweat still running down their chests. Unlike the usual routine of shows there was no encore tonight; the boys preferring to leave us wanting – however there were no complaints to be had as their set had been a solid mix of both new and old songs and was a blast from start to finish.

The Hard Ons performing live in Auckland NZ, 2017. Image by Sarah Kidd.

Were you there at the Kings Arms for this high octane punk rock show? Or have you seen the Hard-Ons perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!