BotF took a step back in time last night and at the last minute saw late ’80s rockers, the Hellmenn, at the Fishos. The Hellmenn were the headline act of an 8 band festival delightfully entitled Octoberpus, which started at 4pm. BotF and Snaketide members, Ken and Ben arrived halfway through the set of the 6th band – Mergatroid. We’d missed the Wild Men of Borneo and the Panadolls amongst others, and the crowd was extremely enthusiastic by the time we arrived. The last 3 bands were all playing for the first time in around 20 years and there was a significant amount of expectation.
The Hellmenn were definite contenders in their day, supporting Sonic Youth in their heydey, as well as headlining often around Australia in the great days of 80’s pub rock. They did the first two Big Day Outs as well. Asylum, the night’s undercard, were also in that scene along with one of BotF’s favourite named bands – the Hard-Ons. So, for two bands that hadn’t played for some time, both didn’t show it. For a 3 piece Asylum went off and created an awesome sound. Three blokes having a blast and recreating rock god poses at any opportunity.
The Hellmenn played a chronological set and replaced musicians during the set to replicate the many line-up changes that happened during their career. It didn’t matter who was on stage – the result was brilliant. An unrelenting assault of really, really good hard rock, which kept cranking through the gears before an obliterating finale. Older, greyer, bigger – perhaps – but nothing was lost in the gap between performances. You’ve also got to love the Fishos – $5 schooners of Old – makes it a great old fashioned pub rock. Hopefully it retains that feel when it moves into the Manly Rugby Club next year.
BotF tried a new beer before heading down to the Fishos, but was underwhelmed. Castello Lager comes from a relatively new Italian brewer – Castello – that was founded in 1997. It is pretty game to describe yourself as “The Ultimate Italian Beer”, especially with one so bland. The Castello Premium Lager wasn’t undrinkable – but I found myself rushing into the arms of a James Boags Premium very quickly.
back of the ferry 