I attend gigs every week, and this year one thing I’ve noticed is punters aren’t asking for encores anymore. Instead, they’re asking for shoeys.
If you’re reading this column, I assume you know what a shoey is: if you’re ‘less-cultured’, it involves pouring an alcoholic beverage into your shoe and skulling it.
The shoey gained wide spread popularity in 2015 and has become somewhat of a ritual at social gatherings, and now gigs. During Hockey Dad’s set at Jive last month, drummer Billy was in a situation where he was thrown a shoe from the crowd; now in some cultures this would be considered offensive, but not in this case.
Billy did the deed, in fact he pulled off a double shoey. That’s right, two beers from two, sweaty sneakers before throwing them back out to the crowd. Amazing.
As a tribute to the humble shoey, I’m dedicating this edition of Yewth Allowance to my Top 5 shoey-worthy gigs of spring. Enjoy responsibly.
1. Saturday 29 October - One Day Block Party at the Ed Castle
One Day DJs Raph and Nick Lupi are gonna be laying it down with Jayteehazard. If you ever attended those Golden Era Warm Ups, this is a similar vibe; as well as DJs there'll be live graffiti, food (highly recommend the Ed’s cheese burger) and beer. It’s always a good time in the Ed Castle beer garden; enough said.
2. Wednesday 2 November - Punk Ass Kids at the Rooftop Rocket Bar
The crowd that attend these nights aren’t posers, they genuinely love the taste of beer out of a pair of thrashed Vans old-schools. ORB will be there. Last time I saw them open for King Giz at The Gov and they genuinely melted my face off. It’s true, I recommend slapping on some sunscreen before you head up to Rocket for their set.
3. Sunday 13 November - Swirl Records presents Thee Loose Hounds at The Exeter
'Sunday November 13th we're gonna sit around at The Exeter Hotel and sink beers and swap treble tips with the boys. Scum Vegas are gonna be there too.' Now, with a Facebook event description like that, how could you expect anything less than a shoe-brew or two.
4. Friday 11 November - Kingswood at Jive
I got a bit worried after Kingswood’s bassist Mango Hunter left the band recently… but don’t worry their new single ‘Creepin’ shows the now trio are back and tighter than ever. Last time I saw these boys they didn’t do the shoe, however some peer-pressure from the crowd could convince them.
5. Saturday 19 November - YEWTH Issue 007 Launch Party
Your friendly neighbourhood YEWTH mag is launching their seventh issue at the Ed Castle. Apparently some sick bands are booked in to play as well? And yes, I’ll be there. Offer me your shoe and I’ll drink beer out of it.
