Goldfinger Proves Punk-Ska Is Forever at Packed Culture Room Show

By Erin Lee

Goldfinger packed a punch last night playing to a sold out crowd at Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale!

The three band bill consisted of sets from Zebrahead and Unwritten Law, both of which delivered an engaging and interactive set.

Goldfinger burst onto the stage like a force of nature: singer John Feldmann filled with energy, guitarist Charlie Paulson spinning circles and nailing high jumps. 

Feldmann took to the mic to talk about how he and Paulson formed the band more than 30 years ago, and introduced us to an all star touring band that includes Mikey Herrera from NoFx and “Boca Raton’s own” Cyrus Bolooki of New Found Glory. 

He would later go on to say “We only play two kinds of music: punk and ska” and what would a ska band be without a fantastic horn section? Familiar faces Johnny Christmas, Dan Regan, and Matt Appleton of Reel Big Fish and Ice Nine Kills held down the horns, backing vocals and playful moves.

The setlist was filled with nostalgic gems like “Here in Your Bedroom” and “Superman,” alongside mid career tracks like “Spokesman” and new songs “Freaking Out a Bit” and “Chasing Amy.” 

The band never lost momentum throughout the course of their set, Feldmann stage diving and crowd surfing, encouraging a circle pit, and leading call and response portions of songs with the crowd.

The audience was diverse; generations of fans all the way from 60s to teenagers shouting and dancing happily.

It felt like being invited to the world’s best party. 

Goldfinger made my first time seeing them a night to remember!

Goldfinger images by Erin Lee:

Zebrahead(left) and Unwritten Law (right)By Erin Lee