Live Review : The Aquabats + The Koffin Kats + Mike V & The Rats @ Center Stage - Atlanta, June 17th 2025

The Aquabats Bring Cartoon Chaos to Center Stage (Atlanta, June 17)

The Aquabats turned Atlanta’s Center Stage into a full-blown superhero party on June 17, bringing their Rats, Kats and Bats Tour to life with an over-the-top set packed with ska anthems, absurd theatrics and nonstop energy.

Openers Mike V & the Rats kicked things off with scrappy rock and bratty charm, while The Koffin Kats followed with psychobilly grit and pounding speed, setting the tone for the wild ride to come.

Launching straight into “The Shark Fighter!,” The Aquabats wasted no time transforming the venue into a cartoon playground. Fans of all ages bounced through “Martian Girl!,” “Super Rad!” and “Pizza Day!” as inflatable slices flew through the air. MC Bat Commander kept the chaos flowing with nonstop banter, crowd interaction and plenty of absurd side quests, including a showdown with Dr. Space Mummy and a live "Scabs Commercial."

Highlights like “Red Sweater!,” “My Skateboard!” and “Super Show Theme Song!” blended comic book energy with tight ska-punk chops. “Where Is Walter Fang?!” served as a hilarious and chaotic lead-in to “The Last Song Before the Last Song Tonight,” an impromptu encore instructions song that warned the crowd that the end was near. Of course, it wasn’t. “Chemical Bomb!” exploded through the speakers, setting up a massive encore.

They returned with a final blast of “Fashion Zombies!” and closed with the beloved “Pool Party!,” complete with beach balls, dancing and pure, ridiculous joy.

The Aquabats didn’t just play a show. They created an immersive, all-ages experience that felt like stepping into their cartoon universe. It was loud, weird and completely unforgettable.

All Photos © Chris Collett/LightRiot Photography

The Aquabats

The Koffin Kats

Mike V & The Rats