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Biography
The members of Reel Big Fish have shuffled around numerous times throughout the years, with Aaron Barrett as the consistent lead singer of the group. The original trio also included bassist Matt Wong and drummer Andrew Gonzales. They started off producing music independently and their demo “In The Good Old Days” was finished in 1992. After the EP was released the band focused their music on a decidedly ska sound and sought to emulate predecessors like No Doubt and Sublime.
Their first true ska album called “Everything Sucks,” released in 1995 snagged the attention of indie label Mojo Records and Reel Big Fish successfully recorded and released “Turn the Radio Off” the following year. The hit single “Sell Out” garnered mainstream success and made the Billboard charts for 32 weeks. The single also became a favorite on MTV.
Reel Big Fish put out a second album called “Why Do They Rock So Hard” in 1998 and although the album was appreciated by an underground audience, it failed to gain as much mainstream attention as their first album did. Reel Big Fish made their cinematic debut in the film “BASEketball” where they performed in a short cameo role. They also contributed to the soundtrack with a cover of a-ha’s “Take On Me.”
The band transitioned to Jive Records in 2001 and released the more rock and less ska album “Cheer Up!” in 2002. They supported the album with a tour with fellow rock bands Sum 41, Catch 22, Lucky Boys Confusion, Matches, and Zebrahead. Since 2006 Reel Big Fish has departed from Jive Records and self-produces music once again.
Live reviews
Reel Big Fish are an American ska punk band. Since this group is famed for its high energy gigs, full of enthusiastic fans doing the skank and generally dancing around like no-one’s watching, I was pretty excited when I booked tickets for their show in Falmouth this July.
Reel Big Fish has seen countless line-up changes over the years and front man, Aaron Barrett, is now the sole remaining founding member. Nonetheless, the ska group bonded seamlessly onstage. Their obvious thrill from performing was infectious and the gig proved as lively and entertaining as promised.
The group opened with a number from their newest album, ‘Candy Coated Fury.’ They gave a thoroughly entertaining performance of ‘Everyone is an Asshole,’ setting the scene for the rest of the gig. Aaron Barrett maintained the light-hearted rebellious atmosphere, using slapstick humour and adolescent jokes to encourage the mischievous crowd.
No Reel Big Fish set would be complete without their famous ‘Beer’, which they teasingly saved until the end of the main set. The encore worked the crowd into a final frenzy, culminating in the hit, ‘I Want Your Girlfriend to be My Girlfriend Too’ and their famous cover of ‘Take On Me.’ Indeed, Ah Ha’s track lends itself to ska surprisingly well. The original now feels like a toned down cover of Reel Big Fish’s energetic work!
Han93
This concert was absolutely fantastic. The venue location and services that the venue provided, The Catalyst, was perfect.
The pre-show bands were pretty good as well. Tunnel Vision, The Queers, and The Expendables.
But, everything really kicked off once Reel Big Fish began to play. It was my first time ever seeing them live before, and there is hardly never a time where there isn't ever Ska music playing in my car while driving.
I would definitely love to see Reel Big Fish return to California sometime for more concerts, and it was truly and experience having the concert location in Santa Cruz.
Deniair
It was a super sweaty experience.
This was the 3rd or 4th show I've seen, first one was in the early 2000s, and it's always a joy. The energy of those fun tunes, mixed with the sarcastic lyrics is just the best. And I think the band had lots of fun too. I can only recommend these guys
Also shout out to Musik&Frieden. The sound was great, and I love the place for the "big living room" experience. It's easy to get up front the stage and see the drummer going nuts and watch fingers of guitarist's weaving their riffs.
robert-radestock
The concert was amazing!!! Honestly the best i've ever been to! However, i enjoyed it for reasons others may not! So if you aren't looking for a huge wild crowd of people, crowd surfers, sweating, dancing, and loud music- this is not the experience for you! But if that is what you're looking for- with live, awesome, and energetic music- then this was the greatest of the great! I had an amazing time and i can't wait to see them again! :) This gets five stars from me!
ashley-maggiacomo
For my first time seeing them, Reel Big Fish put on an absolutely finessé 70 minute set that included there hits. There style and grace on the stage and infectious grooves felt just right at the Regency Ballroom, where the skank pits and sweaty ska fans collided together in a beautiful jamboree of horn section delight. They were phenomenal and would recommend them to anyone
turkybaken
The show was absolutely dope. The only band I was familiar with was Reel Big Fish so I didn't know what to expect with Authority Zero and Less Than Jake. Both bands were insane and the crowd was loving it. 10/10 you can bet your behind I'm gonna see Reel Big Fish when they come back again.
richardwinterjr
The concert was insane!! They played a lot of their older songs that I've missed hearing the past few times they've come. I see them every time they come to Utah and this was one of my favorite shows. KICK ASS CONCERT!!!
u0760811
The show was absolutely amazing! Would definitely see them again if given the opportunity. One of the best shows I've seen at the best venue in town! The energy of the crowd was unlike anything I have seen at a show.
jack-grice-1
Absolutely phenomenal concert. Less Than Jake was just as great, but Reel Big Fish simply looked like they were taking care of business. Business being making sure that everyone had a pretty damn great night.
danielkatz7
