From Orange County to London Save Ferris Set Camden's Underworld Alight
- Alan Bryce
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Underworld Camden, London - 3rd July 2025
WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
Save Ferris, the iconic ska punk band from Orange County, California, burst onto the scene in 1995 with charismatic vocalist Monique Powell at the helm. After winning a Grammy showcase award in 1996, they signed with Epic Records and released their acclaimed debut album It Means Everything, featuring their hit cover of "Come On Eileen." Their second album, Modified, followed in 1999 before the original lineup disbanded in 2002. Powell kept the spirit alive with a solo tour in 2003 and later revived Save Ferris in 2013 with a new lineup, overcoming legal disputes to reclaim the band name. Since then, they’ve released the Checkered Past EP in 2017, dropped festive and fresh singles like “Xmas Blue” (2023), “Lights Out in The Reptile House” (2024), and “Get Dancing” (2025), all while touring extensively in the US and Europe.
One particularly memorable stop on Save Ferris’s 2025 tour was their electrifying performance at The Underworld in Camden, London. Known for its gritty, intimate atmosphere, the venue offered the perfect backdrop for a night dedicated to high-energy music and authentic crowd connection. Frontwoman Monique Powell took a moment mid-set to speak passionately about the importance of supporting smaller grassroots venues. With many of these spaces under threat due to rising costs and the dominance of the festival circuit, Save Ferris’s choice to tour in compact, character-rich venues was a deliberate and meaningful stand — a way to breathe new life into the live music scene at its roots.
The night began with two stellar support acts that set the tone with precision. Opening the evening was LickShot, a fierce and dynamic four-piece band that fused nu-metal, ska, hip-hop, and grime into a sound that was both chaotic and controlled. Their energy was contagious, and they immediately captured the attention of the growing crowd.
Following them were Brighton’s own Dakka Skanks, who delivered a tight, rhythm-driven ska punk reggae set. Lead singer Clara’s voice was a standout — soulful, commanding, and utterly magnetic — making it clear why the band has been earning a reputation as a live act not to miss.
When Save Ferris finally hit the stage, they wasted no time launching into their 2024 single “Lights Out in The Reptile House,” which crackled with power and immediacy. They followed with “Do I Even Like You?” and “New Sound,” both from their Checkered Past EP, before diving deep into their catalogue. The setlist was a generous journey through the band’s evolution, pulling standout tracks from Modified and their beloved debut It Means Everything. Fan favorites like “Superspy,” “The World is New,” and “Everything I Want to Be” brought waves of nostalgia, but it was their iconic rendition of “Come On Eileen” that truly set the crowd alight. Every voice in the room seemed to rise in unison, turning the space into one massive, joyful singalong.
Monique Powell’s stage presence was as magnetic as ever — full of wit, warmth, and infectious energy. Between songs, she peppered the set with anecdotes from the road, reflections on the band’s history, and heartfelt thanks to the crowd. The band behind her was tight and polished, delivering each track with passion and precision honed over decades of playing together and apart.
The performance wasn’t just entertaining — it was affirming. Save Ferris proved they are more than a nostalgic throwback; they are a band with staying power, still innovating and engaging, still fiercely dedicated to their fans and the spirit of live music. Their choice to play in smaller, sweatier venues speaks volumes about their values, and the payoff was a concert that felt raw, real, and full of life.
In short: Save Ferris delivered an unforgettable show, backed by exceptional support acts and a crowd that matched the band’s energy note for note. Their Camden stop wasn’t just a gig — it was a celebration of community, live music, and the ska-punk spirit that refuses to fade.
SET LIST
Lights Out in the Reptile House
Do I Even Like You?
New Sound
What You See Is What You Get
Turn It Up
Superspy
The World Is New
Your Friend
Mistaken
Angry Situation
Golden Silence
Spam
She Has a Girlfriend Now
(Reel Big Fish cover)
Too Drunk to Fuck
(Dead Kennedys cover)
Artificial Life
(Operation Ivy cover)
Encore
I Know
Come on Eileen
(Dexys Midnight Runners cover)
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