Planet Smashers
The Planet Smashers rank among North America's premier ska bands. Their repertoire of original tunes and energetic stage shows have catapulted them into the forefront of the underground music scene in Canada. A concert favorite from coast to coast, they regularly play to capacity crowds that number in the thousands. Their first three records have sold over 40,000 copies.
The band formed in Montreal, Canada in 1994. An audience favorite from the very beginning, the Planet Smashers have always emphasized a pop approach to their song writing. With super catchy horn riffs and solid melodies, the Smashers soon built up a reputation as one of the city's best live acts. After countless sold out performances around the city, the band recorded their first full-length CD in 1995. Released on Singer Matt Collyer's fledgling label STOMP RECORDS, the self titled CD was a smash success, requiring numerous repressings. With a hot CD, the Smashers embarked on their first National tour which was greeted with incredible response from fans and critics alike. While on tour in British Columbia, the band shot their first video for "Missioin Aborted" on the set of TV's X-FILES.
For their next recording, the Planet Smahsers enlisted the aid of veteran Canadian ska man Chris Murray. Known to fans everywhere as Venice Shoreline Chris, Murray has his own outstanding CD on Moon Records and has toured extensively with some of the worlds best know ska bands. He was also a founding member of the legendary Canadian ska band KING APPARATUS. With outstanding material and Murray as producer, the band's second release, 1997's "Attack of The Plaent Smashers" is a classic CD This release rose to #2 on the National Campus charts and remained there for over 2 months A second video for the song "My Decision" was released and helped solidify the Planet Smashers as one of Canada's biggest independent bands.
In early 1999, the band went back into the studio to record their CD, Life of the Party. Returning to the controls, was Chris Murray who turned out some of the best Smashers mateiral to date/. Next up for the group was a spot on the famous SNO JAM 5 tour with bands such as GOB, Chixdiggit, Satanic Surfers, Anti-Flag and AFI. This release also brought the band across the pond for their first tour of Europe. Helped by Swiss independent Leech Records, the band played through out Western Europe in both 1999 and 2000
2001 brought the release of the bands 4th full -length release "No Self Control". Produced by Steven Drake (Odds, Gord Downie, Barenaked Ladies) in both Montreal and Vancouver during the months of February and March. This release was a darker sounding CD with sarcasm, wit and irony. Upon the release of "No Self Control", the band embarked on the SNO JAM 7 tour with Good Riddance, AFI, Nicotine, Sick of it All and Death By Stereo. The band continued on a furious pace and returned to the highways of Canada for another National tour with label-mates SUBB and Swiss Rockabilly heros THE PEACOCKS. The Summer of 2001 also saw the band join the legendary Vans Warped Tour for 2 weeks. The Summer witnessed the band play countless festivals, Molsons Snow Jam, Edgefest II with Blink 182 and Millencolin and another successful tour of Europe. The band also released "No Self Control on Swiss Label Leech Records.
This year, The Planet Smashers have toured the United State twice, once with internationally reknowned touring punk festival The Vans Warped Tour, as well as Japan. They are currently on The State of The Union tour, in support of the State of The Union compilation volume 2. 2003 will bring to the band to their first tours of Australia as well as a record released on Vertical Reocrds. Look out for the Planet Smashers as they will surely be looking for you.
Audio
Band Videos
Shows
$22.50 - $27.50 advance Ticket Info Tickets At: Hoyne Brewing Company, online @ ticketweb.ca
Now celebrating three decades of ska punk party mayhem On the Dancefloor released on August 22 (just in time for us to enjoy it for the rest of the summer and fall), is a vibrant return to form, blending the band’s trademark upbeat sound with themes of love, rebellion, and resilience. Firmly rooted in the infectious rhythms of the 2Tone era, the album features 13 powerhouse tracks ranging from party-starters and break-up anthems to socially conscious protest songs—all delivered with the band’s signature brass-blasted joy and energy.
The album also features some of ska’s most legendary names including Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival alumni, Neville Staple (The Specials), Charley “Aitch” Bembridge (The Selecter), and Sara Johnston (Bran Van 3000).
Joining The Planet Smashers will be Real Sickies from Edomonton who are influenced by bands such as The Ramones, Teenage Bottlerocket and early Green Day. They have also played on our past punk party shows with The Real McKenzies. In 2018 Ben Disaster their lead singer actually met Mario Nieva (bass player of The Real McKenzies) in a BC Ferries restroom while they were both on tour. Ben Disaster says, “We hit it off talking about mental health and love and music, basic bathroom talk. Mario ended up playing bass for us on the last night of the tour." Now we look forward to having them once again play with another one of our longtime Stomp Records friends - The Planet Smashers.
Rounding out the bill are hometown grassroots blues & funk favourites Gun Street Ghouls. The band has been working hard creating new music and videos for years. This past May they released their EP titled "Forever." In August 2025 they debuted a video for "Sticky" from off of the "Forever" EP. Gun Street Ghouls were the opening band at Victoria's 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival at Ship Point this past summer and now they're excited to make another historic appearance this fall.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22nd at First Met Fellowship Hall (932 Balmoral Road). All Ages/Licensed for 19yrs+ w/ID. Kids 10 and under free with adult. Tickets on sale Friday, August 29th at 10am PT on Ticketweb.ca and Hoyne Brewing Company!