If you're not already familiar, Rancid are venerable punks/ska-punks from Berkeley California. Their tunes are well known for their relentless energy and attitude and for creating mosh pits that love to dance.
This was my first time seeing the band and for a long-time fan, it was just amazing. The band is in amazing form, doling out their tried-and-true tunes along with new ones with such power and finesse.
"Roots Radicals" was a perfect start, and one of my favourite tunes. It had me singing along and dancing in the photo pit. "Journey to the End of the East Bay" is a strong favourite and a rousing tune. "Where I'm Going" from Trouble Maker is an awesome newer song. They got an amazing singalong going for "Olympia, WA". "Fall Back Down" meant a strong end to the main set. They saved the most popular to the end of the encore when we finally got to hear "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho". Wow. What an impressive band with such a powerful catalog and crazy loyal and enthusiastic fans.
Getting things amped higher and higher and higher in the time leading up to Rancid's set were a trio of amazing acts. Check out my coverage of Pennywise, The English Beat and Angel Du$t by following those links.
Here are some of my all-time favourite Rancid tunes, from their setlist:
"Roots Radicals"
"Journey to the End of the East Bay"
"Ghost of a Chance"
"Where I'm Going"
"Olympia WA."
"Fall Back Down"
"Time Bomb"
"Ruby Soho"