The Metro Theatre is no stranger to sold-out shows and punters wrestling for the best view of the stage. For humble Perth lads The Panics, though, this was a very special night – a milestone to be etched into their minds for years to come.

Melbourne band Little Red scored the main support slot and filled out their set with mod-infused style and swagger. Super catchy, Beach Boys-esque pop with a strong 60s doo-wop vibe was the name of the game, as all band members (except drummer Taka Honda ) contributed to both lead vocals and the 3- and 4- part harmonies. The band recently won the Australia-wide Garage to V competition and has obviously gone from strength to strength since then. Full of energy and always smiling, especially during crowd favourites Coca-Cola and Witchdoctor, it was impossible not to feel just a little nostalgic – even if you weren’t nearly old enough to remember a time when leather jackets and bryl-cream reigned supreme.

By the time The Panics hit the stage, the 1200-strong crowd was packed in and bustling with excitement. As we were soon to find out, the band were perhaps even more excited than the crowd, as they launched into the set of what was easily one of their biggest headlining shows to date. Jae Laffer (guitar, keyboards and vocals) thanked the crowd profusely and unashamedly shared his excitement about selling out one of Australia’s most prolific rock institutions – no mean feat considering some of the most seasoned international stars have trouble doing so. His sincerity and utter lack of pretension proved to be a captivating and endearing quality, which spread a sense of warmth and togetherness throughout the venue.

Whilst the band played a mixture of old and new material, 2007’s Cruel Guards’ critical acclaim and radio domination ensured that this album took credit for most of the crowd’s favourites. As expected, Don’t Fight It stole the show as a special horn section appeared from backstage and the crowd gladly took up the opportunity for a communal sing along with arms swaying and spirits high. The Panics rounded out their brilliant set with a three-song encore, which encompassed a healthy cross section of the sort of music they’re capable of. As a part of this last hurrah, we were treated to my favourite track, the brilliantly catchy, slow building In Your Head – perfectly delivered with honesty and sincere emotion.

As if we needed any more confirmation that The Panics have truly ‘made it’, a last epic, almost psychedelic instrumental track (that was introduced as “just a little ditty”) put any disbelievers in their place. The band savored their last few moments (for now at least) commanding the stage in front of a sea of adoring fans. The Panics are sure to be one of Australia’s biggest exports in the near future – truly a class act.