Maytals, Bluebeats, Skoidats show review
Alright, I have to say that this was one HELL of a show! It took place at the Wetlands, in New York City. I got to the show around 5:00, because I was meeting my friend Keith at the show because I knew Keith from camp and he was getting me on the guest list. For those of you who know a lot about the Maytals, you'll know that Keith is the kid that tours with Toots. So anyway, I get in at 6 to watch the bands set up. The show starts at 8 I think. The first band up was the Skoidats. They were pretty good, I liked them a lot. I would have to say that they were like the Pietasters. They were Oi! Skins were everywhere at this show, they made up about half of the crowd. About halfway through their set, some fat guy with a jean jacket pops up on stage and starts singing. I think that he kissed the singer or something. I know that he took off one of the guys' hats and put it on himself. I think it might have been the Trombonist. They played very well, and got off the stage about an hour later. They finished their set with the 'Beer Song' after it was requested thousands of times by the skins(beer/skins? big surprise there). After them, the Bluebeats came up on the stage. I didn't like this band too much. They were very old, and probably smelly too. I guess they were Rocksteady, but I thought they sucked. All of their songs were about these girls that they used to have in their lives, but not anymore. Don't go see these guys. After that, the legendary Maytals came on stage. The guy that announced it, I think his name was 'Rocket tee' or something, looked like some type of Ethiopian. I dunno. So then the band started playing and Mr. Hibbert himself popped up onstage to start off the set. He sang all of his songs with energy, and gallons of sweat. He was breaking out dance moves left and right, and made us all laugh when he announced that 'he would be our teacher, and we would be his students.' Ok, I didnt think this was too funny, but everyone else did. The only downside to their set was the fact that they didnt play any of their old ska songs. I really wanted to hear 'Never You Change' or 'It's You,' but neither of those were played. When they ended their set, everyone was cheering for an Encore. I later found out that some of the members of the band were already packed up and ready to leave. When the DJ started playing some music through the PA, it was the reality check that there would be no more live music. But then, just as people were walking out the doors, they all ran out to throw in 3 more songs. At the end of the show, I went backstage with Keith to hang out with the bands. Toots was smoking a big ol' J, and even gave me a shirt for free. I have to say that the show was very good, and if any of you get the chance to see the Maytals, go for it!
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