Muso dad talks all things mohawks, spikes and all things punk rock

Music has been a significant part of this Toowoomba bassist’s life for as long as he can remember. Now he’s opened up about what it’s like to be a punk rocker in one of the most conservative towns.

By day, Jacob Krog is a father-of-three and a labourer, but when the sun goes down he embraces his alter ego and transforms into a punk rocker.

The bass player has been a member of Toowoomba band Sang-Froid since it formed in 2009, followed by the three-piece band’s first public performance in 2014.

Now the 34-year-old musician has opened up about his experience of being a punk rocker in Toowoomba – one of Australia’s most conservative towns.

Sang-Froid members (from left) Shane Carroll, Dane Olsen and Jacob Krog before taking the stage as part of Punk Rock at Mouse Proof Brewery. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Toowoomba is a very slow city in regards to accepting different people,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong – it’s a fair call to be a bit cautious of people with mohawks, wearing big spikes.

“Some of us look a little bit crazy, but we’re all nice people, and I guarantee you if you start chatting with us, it will be a nice conversation.”

Music has been a significant part of Mr Krog’s life from the very beginning, from being a choir boy at Rangeville State School to listening to his mum’s collection of jukebox hits from Smokie and Cher, to Dr Hook and the Medicine Show.

Setting up for Punk Rock gig are (from left) Steve Langford and Dave Small of Kombi Killers, Dane Olsen (back) of Sang-Froid, Jeremiah McKenzie, Jacob Krog and Dane Olsen of Sang-Froid and Dinny Kostka at Mouse Proof Brewery. Picture: Kevin Farmer

But it wasn’t until the Toowoomba muso turned 16 and discovered the Red Hot Chili Peppers that he realised how deep his infatuation with rock music went.

“I fell in love, and I’ve been in love with the Red Hots ever since,” he said.

“I’ve even got (the band’s bassist Michael Balzary) Flea tattooed on my arm – that’s how much I love them.”

And when it comes to performing on stage, Mr Krog has never been shy.

The musician also featured in the Empire Theatre’s 2022 production of We Will Rock You and fills part-time acting gigs.

Juggling his passion for the stage, being a dad and working as a labourer full-time, Mr Krog said he had somehow managed to perfect the art of balance over the years.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers – the band who has influenced Toowoomba punk rock bassist Jacob Krog most.

Doing what he loves most, the bassist described performing at Mouse Proof Brewery at the weekend with Sang-Froid as “euphoric” and “mighty freeing”.

“All kinds of people were there, and that’s what punk rock is all about,” he said.

“I saw senior citizens all dressed up – like they’d just come from a wedding – and they were all having a boogie to punk rock music.

“When we’re up on stage during a show, all the weight of your personal lives and worries are just completely forgotten about for this brief moment, whether you’re performing or dancing.”

Grateful for the support received from venues including Mouse Proof Brewery and The Met over the years, Mr Krog said he hoped more Toowoomba pubs followed suit.

Starring in We Will Rock You at the Empire Theatre are (from left) Tristan James, Lauren Baryla, Jacob Krog, Bryn Jenke, Kate Hudson-James and Georgia Spark.

“We all love our cover bands, but Toowoomba pubs and venues need to show a bit more love towards original artists and pay them the same rates as a cover band,” he said.

“I see the appeal (of cover bands) – people come and sing along to Sweet Caroline and all those karaoke favourites which is great, but we also need to support the people who put money and effort into (writing their own songs).”