The appearance of Bam Margera to introduce the band was enough to get everyone excited, with plenty of camera phones at the ready. Mobile phones at gigs have long been a sign of the times, but it’s not everyday someone from MTV’s legendary Jackass series turns up at the Wedge.
His antics may have existed way ahead of the you-tube generation, but his laddish behaviour on Jackass is partially responsible for people filming their own foolishness in the first place. It was however videoing his brothers band as part of the Camp Kill Yourself project, that led to his rise to fame.
It was fitting then that he should be on the road with Jess Margera and the rest of the CKY crew. The band have been in existence since the late ‘90s, their success being interlinked with the skateboarding and practical jokes of the TV show.
CKY – Wedgewood Rooms
Tonight it was all about the music, with CKY being more about playing power metal than their association with the skate-punk scene. Original frontman Deron Miller left the band in 2011, leaving Chad Ginsberg responsible for providing lead vocals. With the rest of the group seemingly lost in the shadows, it became somewhat of a one-man show.
Ginsberg is a good showman, getting the crowd going from the moment CKY opened with “The Human Drive in Hi Fi”. It was however all a bit samey after a while, definitely not as good as back with Miller taking centre stage.
There weren’t many new songs played tonight either, considering they are currently touring for the new “the Phoenix” album. So at least for the dedicated fans, there was still a sense of familiarity. It was however to be Bam Margera that would steal the limelight once more, providing guest vocals during the encore on “Bite it, you Scum” originally recorded by GG Allin.
Ending the set on “Knee Deep” from “Volume 1” released in 1999, the pit was still going strong. CKY was a good night out and they went down well with those at the front. In reality though it was far from the best gig of the year… and will always be remembered for the appearance of Bam Margera, rather than the drumming of his big brother.
CKY – Wedgewood Rooms
