Aquabats – Uptown Theater – Minneapolis MN – August 8th 2025

By Brian Underhill 3 days ago

The Aquabats- Uptown Theater-Minneapolis Mn- August 8th 2025

Live Nation and Uptown Theater Presents The Aquabats with special guest Koffin Kats, and Mike V and the Rats.

Review and photos by Brian Underhill

This was my first time shooting at the newly renovated Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, MN—and I had no idea what I was walking into. As I made my way to the venue, excitement and curiosity buzzed my head. From the moment I got my credentials, the night unfolded like a story waiting to be told.

Stepping into the theater, I paused to take it all in. The renovations were striking: a bold Uptown marquee on the wall, fresh paint, a spacious stage, and a booming sound system. The balcony added a classic touch, and the air conditioning was a blessing—comfort matters when you’re in the pit, especially as the sole photographer. I could already tell it was going to be a fun night. Spoiler: it absolutely was.

The show kicked off right on schedule. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m., and by 7:00, the first band hit the stage: Mike V and the Rats from Des Moines, Iowa. I initially thought they were a local opener, but I quickly learned they’ve been around since 2002 and are now making a fierce comeback.

Their sound? A gritty blend of thrash metal and punk, channeling the raw energy of Motörhead and skate punk from the ’80s and ’90s. The lineup featured:

  • Mike Valley – vocals
  • Josh Snuffin – guitar
  • Jake Thompson – drums
  • Wade Thompson – bass

Yes, that’s a father-son duo—Josh and Wade—bringing serious energy to the stage. Josh’s guitar solos were razor-sharp, and his hair-whipping added to the spectacle. Their set was tight, aggressive, and totally captivating.

They even surprised the crowd with an Operation Ivy cover featuring The MC Bat Commander and Gorney from The Aquabats. Talk about a killer way to start the night.

Their track “Vendetta,” featured in Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, radiates defiance and resilience—perfect for a punk anthem. “The Days,” also featured in Tony Hawk’s Underground, captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and garage-band camaraderie. Another fan favorite, “Knowledge,” is a high-energy staple in their live shows, and the crowd loved every second of it.

Next up: The Koffin Kats, a psychobilly powerhouse from Detroit, Michigan, formed in 2003. Founding members include:

  • Vic Victor – lead vocals & upright bass
  • Tommy Koffin – guitar
  • Eric “E-Ball” Walls – drums

Their genre-blending style—punk, rockabilly, horror, and classic rock—creates a sound often dubbed “Gothabilly.” I hadn’t heard that term before, but it fits. These guys were electric on stage, constantly moving, swapping instruments mid-song, and celebrating 20 years together with infectious joy.

Vic Victor even said this was the most fun tour they’ve ever had. Their vibe? Imagine mixing a Red Bull with a Monster Energy drink—amped-up rockabilly with a sci-fi horror twist.

Highlights from their set:

  • “Graveyard Tree” – a haunting psychobilly anthem with spooky lyrics and aggressive upright bass slaps
  • “Chainsaw Massacre” – brutal storytelling meets relentless punk energy
  • “Party Time in the End Times” – apocalyptic lyrics with danceable, rebellious flair; the perfect end-of-the-world party track

Since 1994, The Aquabats have been delighting fans with their signature masks, matching costumes, and superhero personas. Their sound is a quirky fusion of ska-punk and retro superhero theme music, complete with horn sections and comic-book flair.

They’re a hit with families and kids—young enough for an 8-year-old to crowd surf on an inflatable slice of pizza. Yes, that happened. And yes, it was amazing.

The crowd was electric, singing along to every word. As the only photographer, I had the privilege of capturing those moments—the joy, the chaos, the connection between band and audience. I was there to document the magic and help with media coverage for the tour, and it was an absolute blast.

Here are five standout tracks from The Aquabats’ set:

  • “Shark Fighter” – heroic and hilarious
  • “Martian Girl” – intergalactic love with ska vibes
  • “Pizza Day” – a celebration of everyone’s favorite food
  • “Dr. Space Mummy” – sci-fi absurdity meets punk energy
  • “Where Is Walter Fang?” – mysterious, catchy, and crowd-pleasing

This night was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of punk, psychobilly, and superhero silliness. From the gritty thrash of Mike V and the Rats to the horror-fueled frenzy of The Koffin Kats, and finally the cartoonish chaos of The Aquabats, Uptown Theater came alive. And I got to capture it all.