Suicidal Tendencies @ The Croxton
They’re still cyco punk after all these years …
Review and photos by Danielle Annetts.
The Croxton in Thornbury is the final stop of the Suicidal Tendencies Australian tour, where they are celebrating the massive 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, released way back in 1983. As soon as doors open, fans are swarming in to get the prime spot on the barrier or the merch desk to pick up something new for their collection. I overheard a young supporter mention that he has followed most of the whole tour around Australia, now that’s some dedication!
The opening band for the evening is local thrash pop duo Mannequin Death Squad. The pair’s energy throughout the set was totally unmatched. Opening with San Fran from their 2022 album Super Mental Psycho, they delighted us with hits from their debut 2016 album Eat Hate Regurgitate as well as some fresh new songs yet to be released. With Elly (vocals, guitar, drums) originally starting on vocals and guitar for the first few songs, things switched up mid-set when drummer Dan (vocals, guitar, drums) strapped on the guitar and Elly jumped in the seat to take over on drums. Their fierce riffs, punk jumps and raw energy had the crowd captivated and banging their heads throughout their tight set. They swapped instruments once more and wrapped up with Nobody Gets Me. Elly exclaimed earlier in the set how good it was to be back in their hometown and after the momentum they brought to that set, you could see how much they love a local show. I hope to catch them again sometime soon!
Next up we have local thrash punk’s Wolfpack who coincidently toured with Suicidal Tendencies back in 2019, so it’s fitting to have them back with us on the tour's final date. Starting their set strong with The Shield from their 2021 EP Benefit Seven, their setup of guitar, bass and lead vocalist on drums was impressive and effective in getting their message across. If you’re not aware, Wolfpack is a 100% not-for-profit band and all money goes towards supporting charities such as WIRES, Berry Street Services and various other animal welfare charities. Tom Brownrigg (vocals, drums) announced that as a band so far they have collectively raised a huge $63,280 which is an incredible accomplishment. Halfway through the set punters were treated to a cover of the classic Breaking the Law by Judas Priest. Closing out their fast-paced set with Screaming Queen off their 2014 debut album Seen Not Heard, Tom shouted at the crowd “take this energy here tonight and put it out in the world”.
At this point in the night, there is no room to move – the venue is packed to the brim and the crowd roars as Suicidal Tendencies enters the stage. Mike Muir (vocals) arrives to join the rest of the band on stage shortly after and immediately bursts into You Can’t Bring Me Down from their 1990 album Lights… Camera… Revolution!. Everyone knew they were getting the self-titled album in full, so getting a couple of bonus hits off other albums was a sure treat for the explosive crowd. Calls for a circle pit echoed through The Croxton during Subliminal and I felt the energy shift. Crowd surfers are coming over the barrier and bodies are throwing themselves back into the crowd eager to do it all over again.
It was my first time seeing Suicidal Tendencies. I appreciated Mike’s anecdotes before each song as an insight into the lyrics we are about to have shouted at us; whether it be political opinions or childhood memories. One of Mike’s stories that I recall the most was about learning how to skate for the first time. How his brother taught him to get back up no matter how many times he fell and that his life was forever changed by skateboarding. This led to the song Possessed to Skate which was perfectly dedicated to all the skaters in the room.
While Mike shouted, “Melbourne get your fucking Cyc on!” during War Inside My Head from the 1987 album Join the Army, Ben Weinman (guitar, vocals) jumped off stage and made his way into the crowd, riffing as he edged further in and being held only by the arms of the adoring punks below him. Leading the set to a close with Pledge Your Allegiance, Mike starts pointing to fans in the crowd to invite them on stage. The floodgates open and the stage is flocked with eager fans jumping over the barrier to join the fun. With the band now hidden behind a sea of fans rocking varied eras of Suicidal Tendencies merch, the last song of the night Institutionalised begins. Fans come together screaming into the microphones as one, hugging at the end of the set and taking selfies with band members to remember this historical night. It was truly a sight to see.
You can see why Suicidal Tendencies have been doing what they do best since the ‘80s. Their sound is still influencing bands to this day and this can be seen in hints of the musical style of Drain who are hitting our shores in only a few weeks thanks to Destroy All Lines.
