The Aquabats! Return to Stage With Sold-Out Pomona Gig
Madcap band fires up summer trek with official merch, dynamic shows and roaring fan cheers
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Image: Instagram
Back On Stage
When the Aquabats! posted their latest concert photo on Instagram, fans could almost hear the trumpets. “Always the best feeling being back on stage💥,” the band wrote alongside a dynamic shot by Fortiis Foto showing MC Bat Commander mid-air jump, cape trailing behind him like a comet. Guitarist EagleBones Falconhawk and bassist Crash McLarson flanked him in neon jumpsuits, while drummer Ricky Fitness hovered behind his kit, sweat flying. The snapshot, which garnered over 10,000 likes within hours, signaled the band’s official return after a winter spent retooling new stage effects and updating classic superhero choreography. Across X and Threads, Aquacadets shared fan art and GIFs, celebrating every horn blast and comedic punch line delivered live.
A Supercharged Pomona Show
On May 17 the Aquabats! transformed The Glass House in Pomona, California, into a comic-book battleground. With support from punk enforcers Bite Me Bambi and UK import Bar Stool Preachers, the sold-out crowd of roughly 550 fans donned handmade capes and face paint. Opening salvo “Super Rad!” ignited the audience, followed by theatrical skits—think villainous mooks, choreographed takedowns and crowd chants of “Aquacadets, ho!” Between songs, MC Bat Commander traded quips about traffic on the 60 Freeway, while Falconhawk delivered a blistering solo beneath strobe lights. Venue staff emphasized tickets purchased via the DICE app as the only valid passes, after spotting fraudulent listings on third-party platforms. By set closer “Captain Hampton and the Midget Pirates,” confetti cannons showered the stage and confetti-crazed fans leapt along, cementing the band’s reputation for immersive entertainment.
Uk Tour And Merch Reveal
Even before their West Coast homecoming, the Aquabats! teased an epic leap across the Atlantic—announcing their first UK tour in eight years. In an Instagram post, the band wrote: “The Aquabats are BACK in the UK for the first time in 8 years—and we’re so excited to reveal a brand new tour t-shirt to celebrate! Catch the band kicking things off this week in: Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Slam Dunk Festival….” Accompanying the post was a crisp image of the limited-edition tee: bold cyan and magenta graphics framing the group’s signature diving-helmet logo. Designed in partnership with Los Angeles collective Fifth Column, only a few hundred shirts were pressed on heavyweight cotton. Fans eager to rep the Aquacadets uniform can snag theirs exclusively through the band’s merch partner Gloopy.com or at each UK venue, ensuring they look the part for every staged heroics.
Band Origins And Cult Following
More than a quarter-century ago, the Aquabats! emerged from Orange County’s vibrant underground scene, blending ska horns, surf-punk riffs and tongue-in-cheek superhero mythology. Debuting in 1994 with their self-titled demo, the group eventually signed to Fearless Records, releasing full-lengths like The Return of the Aquabats! (1996) and anthems with albums such as Charge!! (2005). Their foray into children’s television—appearing on Yo Gabba Gabba!—introduced them to a broader audience, spawning viral hits like “Pizza Day.” Core members MC Bat Commander, Falconhawk, Crash McLarson and Ricky Fitness rotate alongside new recruits, but the band’s ethos remains constant: community-driven performances, DIY tours and an invitation for every concertgoer to become an Aquacadet. Fan-created posters, flash tattoos and cosplay squads often accompany each show, underlining a culture built on collaboration and creativity.
Looking Ahead
Following the Pomona finale and across-pond kickoff, the Aquabats! will zigzag back to North America for a packed festival roster. Slam Dunk Festival veterans and select one-off headline dates stretch through late summer, with pop-up merch booths offering exclusive items like screen-printed BATS! KATS & RATS tour posters hand-pulled by artist Parker Jacobs. While no new studio album is on the horizon just yet, the band hints at fresh recordings in between shows. Aquacadets can stay up-to-date by subscribing to the official newsletter, joining Discord meet-ups or following the Gloopy merch portal for limited drops. As the bat signal continues to glow, the band’s superhero saga shows no signs of slowing down, inviting fans worldwide to strap on their helmets and join the fun.
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