Live Report: Bats, Kats & Rats at Tower Theatre (OKC, 7/30/25)
subtitle: I Think I Got Elbowed by a Cartoon Character and I'm Fine With That
Tower Theatre was not prepared. No one was. On July 30th, the Bats, Kats & Rats tour crash-landed in Oklahoma City like a ska-punk UFO piloted by greasers, skaters, and men in matching jumpsuits. The building somehow survived. I can’t say the same for my dignity.
First up: Mike V & The Rats. Mike Vallely showed up like a motivational speaker with a vendetta. The man yelled, jumped, and probably solved five personal grudges mid-set. There were power chords. There was sweat. There was one guy in the front yelling “DO A KICKFLIP” who may or may not be missing today.
Then came the Koffin Kats, a band that looks like they haunt diners and sound like Elvis Presley came back from the dead with a pompadour and a grudge. The upright bass was slapping so hard it might qualify as an assault weapon. Someone yelled “THIS IS MY HALLOWEEN,” and honestly, yeah.
Finally, The Aquabats emerged like the fever dream they are—half band, half live-action Power Rangers episode. There were inflatable villains, choreographed nonsense, and an 87% chance that the MC Bat Commander actually believes he can fly. At one point, I’m fairly sure we all time-traveled to a ska-themed multiverse. No one complained.
Final Rating: 10 out of 10 weirdos recommend.
If this tour rolls through your city and you don’t go, you hate fun. Simple as that.
