The Aquabats! & CJ Ramone in Chico

The Aquabats! are an American band formed in Huntington Beach, California, in 1994. They play ska punk, rock and new wave in comic-book superhero personas; their best-known works include the album The Fury of The Aquabats!, the songs “Super Rad!” and “Pool Party!,” and the television series The Aquabats! Super Show!. In 1997, the group played the Warped Tour, followed the next year by a tour with Blink-182. During that run, drummer Travis Barker filled in for the other band before joining it permanently. In 2017, The Aquabats! marked the 20th anniversary of The Fury of The Aquabats! by performing the album in full on tour. The band performs in matching superhero uniforms, turning songs into comic-book scenes that can include costumed villains, inflatable creatures and audience participation. The action is directed by singer and co-founder MC Bat Commander.

CJ Ramone is the stage name of Christopher Joseph Ward, an American punk musician born in Queens, New York, in 1965. He replaced Dee Dee Ramone as the Ramones’ bassist in 1989 and appeared on the albums Mondo Bizarro, Acid Eaters and ¡Adios Amigos!. His solo records include Reconquista, Last Chance to Dance and American Beauty. His first concert with the Ramones took place in Leicester on September 30, 1989. At the group’s shows he played bass, provided backing vocals and occasionally sang lead, remaining in the lineup until the Ramones split in 1996.