To nobody’s surprise, Sydney’s beloved sons Gang Of Youths have 100% capitalised on their blockbuster gig opening the 2018 NRL Grand Final.
While tensions may be higher than ever between Chooks and Storm fans, it seems both warring factions are pretty united in the opinion that Gangs bloody crushed it:
https://twitter.com/MarcFennell/status/1046327482134085633
3 years ago, gang of youths played at my pub to less than 200 people. They were incredible then and now are playing at a grand final. Unbelievable, they are something special
— Cooreyosity (@cooreyosity) September 30, 2018
The @NRL absolutely nailing it with @gangofyouths in pre-game entertainment. I'll say it again and again and again. Good Aussie bands. There's plenty of them. And these guys are amazing. #NRLGF
— Tim Barrow (@TheBarrow) September 30, 2018
David Le’aupepe & co lit up Sydney’s ANZ stadium with a medley of hits, including their triple J Hottest 100 charting 2017 singles ‘What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out?’ and ‘The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows’.
It comes after yesterday’s AFL grand final pre-game entertainers The Black Eyed Peas were roasted on social media for what many fans felt was a lacklustre performance, which is something that wasn’t lost on NRL fans:
Hope the AFL bosses are watching this. This is pre-game entertainment done right. @gangofyouths absolutely killing it. #NRLGF
— James McKern (@jLmcKern) September 30, 2018
Australia : Geez Black Eyed Peas were ordinary at the AFL GF
Gang of Youths : Hold our Beers#NRLGF— Corz (@Corz45) September 30, 2018
Hey @AFL, take note from @NRL on how to nail pre-final entertainment. Home grown @GangOfYouths owning it. ?? #NRLGF #NRL #AFLGF #GangOfYouths pic.twitter.com/93BFTKH83w
— Leon Sjogren (@Leonsjogren) September 30, 2018
For many footy fans, this performance represented their first introduction to Gang Of Youths’ music. And while there were the requisite social media whingers (ugh), there were also plenty of converts:
Don’t know Gang of Youths but they’re doing an awesome job! Good rocking music with real instruments – #NRLGF once again wiping the floor with the AFL – much better pregame entertainment and atmosphere!
— Ash Archer (@AshArcher) September 30, 2018
Covering NRL grand final. And Gang of Youths is the entertainment. Sound good but never heard of them! pic.twitter.com/O87o1Izl7G
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) September 30, 2018
I’ve never heard of the Gang of Youths but the drummers got a Henny Penny @NRLKnights jumper in so I love the bastards! #NRLGF
— Gavin Flanagan (@gavflano) September 30, 2018
There is a lot to be said for playing grand finals at night – hope @gangofyouths were discovered my many tonight GO STORM pic.twitter.com/wk6Nq5cl2e
— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) September 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/webspinner7/status/1046326485848481794
The only major hiccup was a Channel 9 commentator mispronouncing the band’s name, which earned the broadcaster a swift talking to from Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson, among others:
It’s gang of youths not gangs of youth @NRL @Channel9 #NRLGrandFinal
— Phil Jamieson (@philjamieson) September 30, 2018
Gangs of Youth ? #NRLGF
— James McKern (@jLmcKern) September 30, 2018
Did James Bracey just say "Gangs of Youth" were coming up on #NRLGF ? pic.twitter.com/viMSM6kKw2
— Jane Aubrey (@janeaubrey) September 30, 2018
Watch some of the footage of GOY’s big ticket NRL grand final performance below, and remember you can also catch them live on their (largely sold out!) ‘Say Yes To Life’ national tour kicking off later this month.
Thank you, @gangofyouths!#NRLGF#NRL pic.twitter.com/UPTn3mh2uy
— NRL (@NRL) September 30, 2018
How good were @gangofyouths! ? #NRLGF
Watch LIVE: https://t.co/BMYqCZhrd4
Follow LIVE: https://t.co/dO8Yicz87H pic.twitter.com/2TwAh8jxTH— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 30, 2018
