The Australian garage-punks kicked off their US tour & whipped up a rowdy crowd in San Diego
Skegss is an Australian group that truly personifies the best of Byron Bay culture. Casual, sun-kissed, beach-dwelling, beer-sipping vibes filtered through an irresistible blend of slacker rock and garage punk. The band – spearheaded by goldilock’d singer-guitarist Johnny Lani – formed just over a decade ago, and fell into the exploding noise-tinged surf rock scene of the 2010s that gave rise to other groups like FIDLAR, Wavves, and SWMRS. With their distinct laid-back charm, Skegss amassed an impressive fanbase that continues to grow to this day, and one that always dials up the energy to 11 whenever they tour. This week’s tour opener at SOMA in San Diego was no different.
The evening kicked off in riotous fashion thanks to potent sets from openers Metal Neck and The Mainliners. Around 9:45 PM, Skegss took the stage to a packed crowd ready to let it rip. Within the first few seconds of opening track “Valhalla,” the bodies were already flying and flailing. Don’t let the band’s loose and relaxed demeanor confuse you; their heart-on-your-sleeve energy was easily enough to send crowds into the usual crowd-surfing, moshpit-inducing swirl, with the mass of rowdy young fans upfront a reminder that Skegss will never grow old.
Onstage, Lani and his bandmates locked into a loose but telepathic rhythm. Early hits like “L.S.D.” and “Got On My Skateboard” had the crowd singing along at max volume. At one point, there must’ve been a couple dozen crowdsurfers at once – the kind of thing you see at shows that feel extra celebratory. That was kind of the vibe of the night; pure euphoria amidst a sea of bodies slamming into each other with the joyful reckless abandon. It might’ve been a Tuesday night, but “Save It For The Weekend” definitely encapsulated the scenes. Later on, fan-favorites “Up in the Clouds” and “Spring Has Sprung” turned everything up a notch, with fans loudly shouting the chorus lyrics, matching the band’s perfect blend of melody and high-energy stomp. Finally, Skegss (and the crowd) emptied the tank on the stirring, hopeful closing anthem “Stranger Days,” with the parting line “may your dreams never die” sending the crowd out on a blissful, pummeling high note.
All this to say that Skegss continue to age like fine wine, and if you’re a fan, then you simply cannot miss this tour. Otherwise, feel free to scroll through below for highlights from an outstanding night in San Diego.
All photos by Jeff Cubbison
