Written and photos by Neal Cribb
On August 2, 2025, The Aquabats landed their “Bats! Kats & Rats Tour” at Austin’s open-air Radio/East venue, launching into a kaleidoscopic set brimming with quirky, campy energy. This beloved superhero-themed ska-punk ensemble—known for their colorful ray-gun costumes and comic-book theatrics—turned the evening into a playful musical adventure.
The crowd erupted as The Aquabats unfurled a setlist that paid tribute to their eccentric catalog, featuring fan favorites such as “Cat with 2 Heads!,” “My Skateboard!,” “Super Rad!,” and “Burger Rain!” The performance blended surf-punk riffs, goofy lyrics, and interactive moments that made it feel like a superhero convention set to music.
Fans reveled in the band’s immersive fun: costumes, props, and stage antics all served to elevate the experience beyond a concert and into the realm of theatrical escapism. With generous doses of nostalgia and unabashed joy, The Aquabats reaffirmed that their exuberant brand of rock remains as delightfully anarchic—and uniquely memorable—as ever.
