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The BGN News Archive

January 2, 2017

Nervous Eaters and new generation
2016 highlight: Two generations of punkers
The Nervous Eaters at Midway
Photo: Blowfish

Happy New Year to our BGN Readers! And thanks!

The death of Bowie and Prince, among others, made 2016 a bad year. The contentious election on top of that made people declare 2016 one of the worst years ever. We did have some local highlights to cheer however.

So, let’s look at some good things to think about in our…..

BGN 2016 Year End Review

(You can view all these items in our Archive pages. There is a link on the left side of the main page for that.)

2016 started off with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones salute to The Rat at the House of Blues. The Bosstones brought in a parcel of Boston punk bands to play and even brought Jimmy Harold up on stage. It proved that the loving memories people have for the Rat just will not go away.

Bosstones
The Bosstones bring the spirit of the Rat back.
Photo: Steven Wax

Also in January were ....

the first shows for Shiny Beasts the ex-Triple Thick members recruited a few new people and ended up with a new favorite group.

the last show by My Own Worst Enemy who called it quits.

Jan Crocker released a video of the Police at the Rat in 1978. VIDEO

Robin Lane and the Chartbusters played a reunion set at the soon to be closing Johnny D’s in Somerville.
Stardart
David Minehan in Stardarts
at the Allen Devine Tribute Concert

David Minehan's band Stardarts played a set at the A Celebration of the Life and Music of Allen Devine at the Lizard Lounge.

John Keegan covered the Holy Holy show that was a remembrance for David Bowie at the Wilber.

Dictators.
The Dictators
Photo: John Keegan

Keegan also was at the Dictators show at Great Scott’s.

There was a show with Paul Collins and the Lyres at The Middle East Up that was heaven. Here

In February....

Arthur Freedman had a photo show at the Out of the Blue Gallery Too.

Then there was Chetstock 2016 at Once. There was a great line up of bands and it will all be part of the film about Chet that is currently being put together.

Dogmatics
The Dogmatics at Chetstock
Photo: John Keegan

Michael Monroe just blew everyone away in his show at Middle East. He’s never to be missed ever.


In March:

We got to see The Digs who are led by Jeff Demas nephew of Matthew MacKenzie. The Digs turned out to be a cool new group.

The Digs
New Group: The Digs
Photo: Blowfish

Brett Milano releases his new book; Don’t All Thank Me At Once: The Lost Pop Genius of Scott Miller.

We saw Michelle Paulus' new group Stars Like Ours which immediatly became a new favorite to keep an eye on.

We loved an older Pop Punk band we saw for the first time – The Prozacs

In April.....

The Sam Black Church doc Leave Behind a Groove in the Earth played the Brattle.

A notable show was Peter and the Test Tube Babies with Bad Engrish at the Middle East Up.

Peter and the Test Tube Babies
Peter and the Test Tube Babies
Photo: john Keegan

It was time for the Sixth Annual Hardcore Cotillion at the Midway this year with the FU’s and McGunks.

Iggy Pop was at the Orpheum. Miss Lyn and John Keegan was there .

There was a Real Kids show at the Midway.

Swid
Swid of the Acrobats playing the Abbey Reunion
Photo: John Keegan

There were the three days of Abbey Reunion shows at Sally O’Brien’s. Jenn D'Angora and Michele Paulhus put the shows together and they were jam packed with friends from the Abbey days and there was really great music too.

May.....

Real Kids do a US tour including Atlanta and California.

One of our favorite shows of the year was the Rockabilly marathon Easy Ed 10th Anniversary Party all day on a Saturday at The Midway. There was stellar music spun and played.

Cranky Franky
The Cranktones at Easy Ed Anniversary
Photo: Blowfish

Wayne Viens makes the tough decision to close his beloved space Store 54. We interview him as it closes…sob.

May had one of the best shows of the year with the Remains and Lyres at Once. The Midway had the 4th Annual Joefest.

Remains
Barry and the Remains
Photo: John Keegan

Chetstock 2016 II at Once again. Fantastic line up of bands. It was great to see and hear Xanna Don't who came in to town for the occasion.

Roger Miller starts up the Trinary System. Also from MOB Peter Prescott revved up his group Mini Beast.

Actor/Observer at Great Scott’s was a dynamite show.

Actor Observer
Actor/Observer
Photo: Steven Wax

The annual Al Janik's St Stanislaus Day Polka Party in Somerville where everyone is Polish if they have any life in them.

In June...

The eagerly awaited documentary Boys From Nowhere is available for a short while then taken away as, sadly, the court battle on it drags on.

The Midway has a novel gig with the Nervous Eaters and some hardcore groups, one of which Fast Times, which has Nick Hepditch, the son of The Nervous Eaters' Allen Hepditch. They sang together in a photo moment that signaled the unity of two generations. We all felt good about that.
gENERATIONS
Nick and Alan Hebditch
Photo: Blowfish

Cherie Currie plays the Brighton Music Hall and John Keegan had the photos.

Another all day event at the Midway was Mike's Monsters Guitar Third Annual Birthday Bash. The highlight was the guitar fashion show. We're looking forward to this year’s show.

Jay Allen starts his Sunday Night Messaround at The Plough.

Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling has their going away show at the Middle East as they move to the West Coast.
Forgive
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
Photo: Blowfish

There was a meeting at the Grove Hall Library with the idea of starting a Boston Music Archive. Nothing has followed but it was an eye opening meeting. It showed the massive project it would be and the institutional resistance to any real support.

Vanyaland held a community meeting on the problems in Clubland. One big issue was pay-to-play.

July….

Pere Ubu at the Sinclair .

Dave Thomas
Dave Thomas - Pere Ubu
Photo: John Keegan

Alan Vega died.

The Real Kids tour Europe!

We had the final WMBR Trivia Night Everyone had such a great time so the baton was picked up by Erin Amar of Rocker Zine and Brett Milano. Now we have regular Trivia Nights at Zuzu’s!!

Trivia
Winning Trivia Team
Photo: John Keegan

August .......

had Frank Rowe’s Birthday party at the Midway, always a fun night.

We go to the annual Fuzzstival at the Middle East where we fall in love with Ravi Shavi.

Ravi
Ravi Shavi
Photo: Blowfish

Brian Young's A Crash Course for the Ravers on WMFO starts reading the Boston Groupie News as a concert report and they still do it every Saturday between 1 and 4 pm.

We go to a show at Pop Allston a temporary space that will soon be no more.

In September....

A new documentary on Morphine called Journey of Dreams comes out.

2016 Video Highlights

Shiny Beasts
All The Drugs

Svetlanas
Middle East

Ravi Shavi
Middle East

We hit Starlabfest and outside show in Somerville.

Cheetah Chrome, Unnatural Axe and The Crack County Daredevils and The Humanoids heat up the night for a killer show at the Middle East up. Check it out here


October......

Svetlanas
Svetlanas
Photo: Blowfish

We see the return of the Svetlanas and the Upstart Fest. This was our second time seeing them, we had to go back for more! They are one wild act.

The final Rat Beach Party happens.

They name a street in Queens Ramones Way.

Patti Smith has a Conversation with Michael Patrick MacDonald at Berklee, mainly about her new book The M Train.

Video Highlights

Rockin Bob
Hey, Scumbag

OC45
Middle East

Lyres
Don't Give It Up Now

The Dickies and Muck and the Mires at the Middle East.

The Buzzcocks celebrate their 40th Anniversary with a tour. Here in Boston we see them at The Royale.

Bar Room Heroes
Bar Room Heroes
Photo: Blowfish

We finally catch the Barroom Heroes and were definitely impressed!

Mr. Airplane Man moves to the West Coast.

Carla Nolan former DJ of WMBR's Late Risers Club died


In November ......

Andy and Blowfish
To close for comfort
Photo: Eric Law

Andy California tries to kiss Blowfish at The Midway!

The surprise is the amazing Proletariat show at Once.

Real Kids do another Midway show.

2016 Video Highlights

The Dune Rats
moshing at O'Briens

Proletariat
Splendid Wars

Raging Teens
doing Real Kids

The annual International Pop Overthrow at PA’s this year.

A new Lou Miami video surfaces.

The Dune Rats from Australia play one crazy show at O’Brien’s.


December......

Sad Vacation, a movie about Sid and Nancy plays at the Regent.

Crime Spree have a ball and make an impression at the Midway.

We go to a show at Wonderbar, the old Bunratty’s is reborn. The bands are downstairs, upstairs it’s a dance club.

Today Junior
Today Junior at Wonderbar (Bunrattys)
Photo: Blowfish

We end up the year interviewing John Felice and that will come out soon.

Patti Smith turns 70!!

And in general.....

A good year for Upper Crust who played a lot......Pop Gun broke up.....Owned the year = Rum Bar Records with release after worthy release......Saw a lot of Today Junior, Zip Tie Handcuffs this year....Trophy Lung broke up.....All year there were attractive bills at Koto in Salem and the Spotlight in Beverly....All the Andy California shows were memorable.....A favorite new band is the Runouts.....Newest recording format – an old one, the cassette. It’s all the rage.....Worshiper won the Rumble....we hope Frigate plays out more in 2017!!

And in other news.....

Joanie show Joanie Lindstrom is celebrating 1560 Thursdays on the air at WMBR's Late Risers Club...We'll do the math for you, that's 30 years. She makes it look easy, but we know it isn't. She's having a bash on January 28th at the Record Company. That's the new space at 960 Mass Ave (Boston not Cambridge MAP). The bands are Shirt Lifters and Mathchild w/ members of Spitzz, Worshipper, Bullet La Volta, Unnatural Axe, Dirty Truckers and more. And also Joanie, Sara J and Ken Cmar are dj'ing. If you've been at other parties organized by Joanie you need no other prompt.

A Blog called Five Bands You Should Know About took Johnny Angel's book Looking for Lady Dee as a takeoff point and spotlights five Boston bands. There's nothing new for us longtime fans but nice to see the attention.

The Aeronaut Beer Company in Somerville is having their second annual "Beer for Books" event on Jan 19. What does that mean? see below in the gig listings. it involves music and a live jukebox.

Leave Behind a Groove in the Earth the documentary about Sam Black Church is now available for download at $15.00 or rent one day for $5.00. Link

Wimpy Rutherford and his band The Cryptics start an East Coast tour this month. Boston is not on the list for January but he promises he'll have a show in our parts in March! Here's the tour FB page with cities and dates.

Here's some good shows coming up .....

Billy ConnersJanuary 6 (Friday) The Billy Connors Project is @ The C note in Hull with Liz Borden

January 7 (Saturday) The Johns, The Martians (mems of Bim Skala Bim/Rock Bottom), The Cold Expectations (Album Release) and Medical Maps at The Midway

January 7 (Saturday) The Last Ones, Tsunami of Sound and Stop Calling Me Frank are at Sally O'Briens

January 8 (Sunday) The Third Trivia Night by Rockerzine happens at Zuzu's again. "Swell Prizes from The Middle East, Zuzu, Rum Bar Records, The Somerville Theatre, Ritual Arts, & Vidumami. We kick off earlier this time - at 7:30, so get down early to get your seat and order your delicious snacks and drinks order in early! Free entry, teams limited to 5 people, no cell phones!"

And further out......

Gig January 13 (Friday) Lyres, The Charms, the modifierS at The MIddle East Up.

January 13 (Friday) Club Linehan A Go Go, Kenne Highland Band, Freeky and Funklee at the Out of the Blue Gallery Too Mass Ave Central Sq.

January 14 (Saturday) after all your holiday indulgences its time for Punk Rock Aerobics 12NOON at Once

January 14 (Saturday) Now here's a show you won't want to miss Brian Young's A Crash Course for the Ravers (WMFO 95.1FM 1-4PM) has Andy California as a guest.

January 14 (Saturday) Special afternoon show at Atwood's Tavern to celebrate the release of the"Jittery Jack meets Darrel Higham platter" - there's be two rockin' sets, copies will be for sale...no cover but a minimum $5 donation is suggested. Atwood's has awesome food too!

Cheers January 14 (Saturday) Go Blank, The Martians, Loser's Circle and Black Cheers are at O'Brien's

January 14 (Saturday) Sidewalk Driver, Goddamn Draculas, Party Bois & Swivel at Great Scott's

January 14 (Saturday) Real Kids in Wistah!! at Ralph's

January 19 (Thursday) Aeronaut Brewery's 2nd Annual Beers for Books- join Room to Read and Aeronaut as we help raise money for literacy and gender-equality in education in the developing world. The event will feature a live jukebox! Here's how it works: 1) Request a song: 1 song = $1 = 1 book
2) Drink: delicious Aeronaut beer, 3) Support: a great cause! There will also be a raffle and a silent auction including gift certificates to various local restaurants, trinkets from Nepal, and more. 100% of proceeds will go directly to helping children and girls with Room to Read! Sounds good to us!

January 20 (Friday) The 50th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party opening is at the Verb Hotel. Friday Jan 20 from 5 to 8. " Join the Music Museum Of New England for a commemoration of the Tea Party 50th anniversary on Friday, January 20, 5-8pm, at The Verb Hotel and Hojoko Japanese tavern, 1271 Boylston Street (opposite Fenway Park). Whether you went to any shows at the Tea Party, or wish you had, let's all get together to celebrate good music and good times, and to enjoy the rock memorabilia at The Verb."

January 20 (Friday) The Lights Out, Gene Dante & The Future Starlets, Zip Tie Handcuffs and The Sun Lions at the ArtsEmerson Black Box series at Emerson/Paramount Center, Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre - 559 Washington St Boston (Link)

Sidewalk January 21 (Saturday) Vibrate with the Cranktones at Atwood's Tavern (Cambridge St Cambridge) this is a 4-6PM show. And stay for dinner the food is awesome at Atwood's. We really enjoyed their last show there.

January 21 (Saturday) HayBaby, Creaturos, MiniDresses and Jack as part of the ArtsEmerson Black Box series at Emerson/Paramount Center, Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre - 559 Washington St Boston (Link)

January 24 (Tuesday) Adam Ant is at The Wilbur

January 27 (Friday) Ska and Punk night at the Midway with Hobo Chili, Stray Bullets, Losers Circle, Crime Spree and Gant!

January 28 (Saturday) Joanie Lindstrom is celebrating 1560 Thursdays on the air at WMBR's Late Risers Club...We'll do the math for you, that's 30 years. She makes it look easy, but we know it isn't. She's having a bash on January 28th at the Record Company. That's the new space at 960 Mass Ave (Boston not Cambridge MAP). The bands are Shirt Lifters and Mathchild w/ members of Spitzz, Worshipper, Bullet La Volta. There'll be more bands on the bill but that's what's lined up now. If you've been at other parties organized by Joanie you need no other prompt.

January 29 (Sunday) Black Beach, Hairspray Queen, Idiot Genes and Thee Cavemyn at O'Brien's

Black Beach February 4 (Saturday) Oh this is gonna be a GREAT show!!: OC45 (CD Release/Tour Kickoff), On The Cinder (NY), Fast Times and Back Door Key (it's also their EP Release) at The Midway (FB page here)

February 9 (Thursday) we love this stuff its always fun!! Karaoke Underground at O'Brien's in Allston. The Karaoke Underground is for punk and indie rock fans who love to scream, yelp, croon, bark and sometimes even sing their favorites from artists like Black Flag, Modest Mouse, the Misfits, Cat Power, the Pixies, Dead Kennedys, Sleater-Kinney, Pavement, Joy Division, Fugazi, Guided By Voices and many more. It's video karaoke with onscreen lyrics, a stage, you -- and the chance to sing great songs you just can't find anywhere else. Full catalog of songs here.

February 10 (Friday) BadassMotherfuzzers, Muck & the Mires,The Real Kids, RichieParsons at the Midway

February 10 (Friday) The Upper Crust, Watts and Petty Morals are at Great Scott

February 17 (Friday) Lux Lives East Coast is coming again -this event is in Salem at Koto, on the bill are Thee Fabulous Itchies, The Evil Streaks and The Nebulas. Here's the FB Page Lux Lives is a chance for Bands and DJ's and fans to come together to celebrate the life of Lux Interior. Since it's inception, Lux Lives East Coast has raised over $10,000.00 for Lux and Ivy's favorite charity Best Friends Animal Society. This is a GREAT event all around!

Upper Crust February 25 (Friday) The Billy Connors Project is @ the Cantab with Corrola Deville and Jimmy Bez.

March 3 (Friday) Robyn Hitchcock at Once

March 8 (Wednesday) The Sheckies, Mongorellis, The Prozacs, Meat Depressed at Koto in Salem

March 10 (Friday) Agent Orange, The Queers, & Guttermouth at ONCE Ballroom FB page

April 1 (Saturday) The Upper Crust, Sidewalk Driver and When Particles Collide as part of the ArtsEmerson Black Box series at Emerson/Paramount Center, Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre - 559 Washington St Boston (Link)

June 1 & 2 (Thurs & Fri) Reverand Horton Heat at Once in Somerville

CONTACT US AT....misslynbgn@yahoo.com - Send us your gig listings, your news and anything else ya got!!

Paul Collins
Great songs at the Paul Collins show
Photo: Blowfish
Wayne
We interviewed Wayne Viens as he closed up Store 54
Photo: John Keegan
Upper crust
Lots of show for Upper Crust this year.
Photo: Blowfish
Shiny Beasts
Shiny Beasts - new band favorite
Photo: Blowfish

 


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