“This is a cover …”
The line nearly every song starts with as the legendary cover band Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies took to the stage at the House of Blues in downtown Chicago. Known for their energetic performances and punk-rock renditions of classic hits, the band did not disappoint their enthusiastic fans.
What looked to be a sold out crowd, fans of The Gimmies occupied every available inch of space, and arrived early. Having built an audience since 1995 as “the world’s best cover band,” the slightly aged crowd definitely looked ready to milk every cent of babysitting fees to have a night they would never forget.
Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies have a stellar reputation for transforming any song they touch into a punk-rock anthem, and their setlist for the night was a testament to their versatility. A whirlwind of tunes from all eras and genres, united by driving guitar riffs and rapid-fire drumming, echoed throughout the venue, filling the space with vibrant energy. From country classics like “Jolene” to 80s pop classic “Straight Up” and even showtimes like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” The Gimmies had the crowd dancing and singing along to every part of the 22-song set list.
One of the highlights of the evening was the band’s cover of “Country Roads”, where they managed to blend the dreamy nostalgia of the original with their signature punk-rock sound, eliciting cheers from the crowd. I’m confident in writing that it was the first time I’d witnessed a crowd jumping up and down while belting out the lyrics to the John Denver classic.
Wearing silver button downs, black ties, and sparkly pieces of flair, The Gimmies continue bringing their brand of quirkiness to the stage. Playful interactions with the audience, dead-pan expressions into the camera, and the general antics have not diminished in the near 30 years this band has been rocking. Their stage presence is only outdone by the sheer musicality of the performers, not willing to sacrifice the sound for the look.
One set of fans occupying the front rails in front of the stage mentioned to me the show was a full family event. Mom, Dad, two daughters, a son and a son-in-law all eagerly awaiting The Gimmies Windy City showcase. Dad, decked in a pink mohawk and shiny gold jacket, told me about taking his very young children to a show “15 or 16 years ago.” Now, all grown and some starting their own families, this was the first time they’ve all returned for a show since. It was clear to see the look of joy on mom’s face that they were all able to relive that moment, creating a new memory.
The Gimmies remain on tour through the US through May 5th before starting a European tour in June/July of this year. For that comfortable nostalgia from your youth (or your parent’s youth), Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies show no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and with more and more hit songs being produced, their catalog of covers can only grow with it.
