The BGN News Archive

With little fanfare Mickey Bliss has left the Cantab.

Mickey Bliss has left the Cantab. The Cantab people say they are keeping the booking ‘in house’ now. So Mickey was 'out of house"?? (This is from a post by the Cantab on Facebook)

One of the problems is that Mickey is not an internet/computer guy, he only uses the phone to book gigs, and the club wants to coordinate things with social media. That’s understandable in a way, but Mickey is a legend at this point and has been doing just fine. He would still be there if not for the new owners.

You could see it start happening once the new owners got in. Now, we'll see what direction the new managers will come up with. They say: "Live local music is not leaving The Cantab Underground! We understand how important having a space for local artists to perform is." However when we look at the club's calendar there are no bands playing...only DJ Nights and Poetry nights. And .... that magic space that Mickey runs, Club Bohemia, goes with him, We hope that Mickey finds a new home for it.

Sadly we have another loss to report .... Perry Adler died this week. He was one of the people that you loved to see in the crowd at a show. It meant first of all that the night was one of those ‘everyone-we-know-is-here’ nights. Then Perry was so smart and had good taste. He had strong opinions and could change your mind on a group. You would think, “maybe, I’ll listen to that group again” on his recommendation. Like all the people we gravitate to, he loved music passionately. He also was realistic and was affected by the problems in the world and was engaged with them.

Now, the nights out, which are already problematical, may never again reach the heights where you can look across the room and see Perry in the crowd.

His sister posted on his Facebook page that there would be no memorial or funeral but there is a get together on Sunday May 22 4-6PM at Zuzu’s in memory of Perry. Here is the FB page.

Woah!! What a show!! July 9th - "Rumstock at Boynton Yards with Once Summer Series with U-ey at the Buoy, Roll Over White, Tsunami of Sound, Uncivil Servants, The Electric Heaters, The Shang Hi Los, Muck and the Mires, The Dogmatics, The Gypsy Moths scroll down to the Gig Listings or go to our Gig Listings page for more info and links.

The Scurvy Dog in Providence is having another Parking Lot Mega Show June 4 it starts at 1PM, last band is on at 9:30. It’s a long list including Brunt of It, Atlantic Thrills and Baabes. See more in the Gig Listings below or the Gigs page.

Linnea’s Garden will be part of the Boston Public Library Concerts in the Courtyard Series. They play June 3 12:30-1:30PM. The BPL website for this show.

999: A Punk Rock Anthology 1977-2020 has just been released by Cherry Red Records. "It's the first ever release covering the entire 45-year career of Punk legends 999. Two disc digi-pak anthology containing 40 tracks, from 1977 debut ‘I’m Alive’ through to the band’s most recent LP release, ‘Bish Bash Bosh.’

VIDEOS......

The Winter Project has a video for their latest release “Brotherhood.” The song is about being in a band and what it means. In a write up they reference the Clash’s “Stay Free” and this tune shares that wispy feeling. In the “Brotherhood” instance it’s about appreciating what’s happening now. Tim McDonald has the vocal chops for this. It’s that same quality that we found in the first single of theirs that attracted us “Scars Above”

They made the video themselves which goes along with the spirit of the song. They do an excellent job of creating a simple narrative. The magic car trunk is the payoff moment. They reference the glowing trunk of Repo Man, which is itself referring to the older movie Kiss Me Deadly. They get big points for that.

MUSIC/CDs......

OMG, what a delicious piece of pop punk is Kid Gulliver's “Nothing But Trouble”! You could hear it happing these last few years, Kid Gulliver has become a guaranteed hit machine. Absolutely everything they come out with hits its mark.

Everything about this song is notable. Start with the comfortable groove, then 10 seconds in, the Ramones/Buzzcocks stlye riff which is catchy as hell and so perfect. 20 seconds in you get Simone’s now, oh so familiar, voice that glides along even as the lyrics tell a tale of a love affair that is as annoying as hell. One expects the solo in the middle but what is that attention getting note cluster at the very end of it! Genius. They’ve done every thing else so it’s then time for a bass solo.

We also love the background vocals in the chorus which are low enough that you might not even notice but thickens the sound and makes the chorus stand out each time it comes around.

This is all an embarrassment of riches and they make it seem so easy.

A Bunch of Jerks give us some safety tits…we mean tips. “Lift With Your Tits” is their sage advice. They actually spell it out in the song and they illustrate it during their live set. We like the mechanistic drums with the emphasizing cymbal clanking.

We don’t think anyone could pull this sort of song off except the Jerks. They have the ribald humor ... and they have Stabby. This sort of punk humor was much more common in the early days than it is currently. It’s refreshing to hear it again.

They covered Blondie’s (I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear” on their last album Shart Topping Hits and here they do “Rip It To Shreds”. Stabby’s vocal attack is close to Blondie’s, so it’s a good fit. It’s also that they evoke that early punk attitude that makes it work.

“Silken Wings” is a quick burst of punk.

We’ve been waiting for the Minibeast album that reflected what they do live and this is it On Ice!!. Up to this point we actually listened to a few of the live videos, that we have on the BGN site, to get that Minibeast fix. On Ice album rectifies that situation.

We say it every time and we have to say it again – this rhythm section is awe inspiring. There should be some sort of recognition or acclaim for the work that Keith Seidel is doing on drums.

The songs dig into a grove and Peter Prescott takes off in some dada type rantings. The mix works big time. The album is a treat for the ears with interesting soundscapes and bits flying from speaker to speaker.

This is adventurous music for punk and in our experience the band wins over every audience they play to. It’s inspiring to hear a band go their own way and build an audience on it.

Get into the big beat with “Paper Machete” and go from there.

If you were around in 1977 and glomming onto everything English, you know about Eater. They were young punks and the album was rough but much played in the USA in the early days.

The album was rushed out before it was properly finished. Now the band has gotten a hold of the master tapes and remixed and remastered them and the album is out. It was titled The Album now it’s got its original name Ant. You can order the album on CD or vinyl at the Cleopatra Records website

Right now the single song “You” is streaming, the link to that below. It does sound much sharper.

Here's some good shows coming up ..... **NOTE** double check with the clubs before going - many shows are getting canceled or postponed these days.

May 16, 2022 (Monday) Coffin Salesman, North Star the Wanderer, Bad Idea USA, Superdown at Charlie's Kitchen

May 17, 2022 (Tuesday) Punk Rock Aerobics at Zone 3 in Allston.

May 17, 2022 (Tuesday) Kingshot, Glowbox at The Jungle for an early evening show 6:30 - 9:30 - FB page for more info

May 18, 2022 (Wednesday) Lady Pills, Layzi, and Olivia Sisay at Once at The Rockwell

May 19, 2022 (Thursday) Sinnet, Today Junior, Airport at Notch Brewing in Brighton

May 19, 2022 (Thursday) Weakened Friends, Queen of Jeans, Bat House at Fete Music Hall, Providence RI Tix

May 20, 2022 (Friday) "Post Punk Night" at Sally O'Brien's Union Sq Somerville. with "2 super groups: chuck ferreira & friends and duncan wilder johnson & friends -check the FB page.

May 20, 2022 (Friday) Mad Painter, Devious Intentions, Crash Cadet at the Jungle FB page

May 21, 2022 (Saturday) Randy Black and The Heathcroppers and Martin, Morell and Fredette- Matinee Show at The Midway 3:30 to

May 21, 2022 (Saturday) Nervous Eaters, Fireking and Justine and the Unclean at the Sanctuary in Maynard…The tickets are here

May 22, 2022 (Sunday) The Exploited, Cro-Mags, Total Chaos at The Middle East down. TIX

May 23, 2022 (Monday) Linnea's Garden, Skylar Symone & the Local Enigma, Unit One at Charlie's Kitchen

May 24, 2022 (Tuesday) Punk Rock Aerobics at Zone 3 in Allston.

May 24, 2022 (Tuesday) Reverend Horton Heat, The Koffin Kats, Sasquatch & The Sickabillys at Alchemy in Providence, RI. FB page.

May 27, 2022 (Friday) Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight, Damnation, Comet Pond, 13 Fridays at Ralph's Rock Diner

May 28, 2022 (Saturday) Rum Bar Records & Los Coronas CC Present Diablogato's Party at the Porch - Music by Jittery Jack, Diablogato, The Dogmatics, Duck & Cover ... also Hod Rods, Rock'n' Roll, Soul Food, Booze, All Hot Rods, Customs, Stockers, and Bikes Welcome - this is an early affair starting at NOON!! at The Porch in Medford- FB page

May 21, 2022 (Saturday) Chris 'Dimwit' Taylor Memorial Show with The McGunks, The Black Cheers, The Dimwits, DRAGO (1st show in 8 years!) and Duck & Cover at The Midway - FB page.

May 28, 2022 (Saturday) Razors in the Night & Tijuana Sweetheart Reunion Show at Sonia, also on the bill Nothing But Enemies. FB page

May 28, 2022 (Saturday) The Channel 42nd Anniversary celebration with The Del Fuegos, Nervous Eaters. Also on the bill are Jon Butcher Axis, Barrence Whitfield, Charlie Farren, Sal Baglio and Fred Pineau who will all be playing in a 'super group' of sorts.. TIX

May 29, 2022 (Sunday) Mike Oliver Memorial Show with Watts, Gozu, Hey Zeus, Worshipper, Ceshci Ramos at Sonia - 7PM TIX here. FB page.

June 3, 2022 (Friday) Linnea’s Garden will be part of the Boston Public Library Concerts in the Courtyard Series. They play June 3 12:30-1:30PM. The BPL website for this show.

June 3, 2022 (Friday) Lydia Lunch and Tim Dahl will perform from the recent Murderous ... Again album. The show is at the Satanic Temple in Salem. Two shows - 6:30 (tix) and 8:00 (tix). Both shows are now SOLD OUT.

June 4, 2022 (Saturday) The Scurvy Dog in Providence is having another Parking Lot Mega Show. It’s an outside show. It starts at 1pm on June 4 and ends on June 5 at 2am. It’s a long list of bands as you would expect. Bands Last to first: Atlantic Thrills, the Paraplegics, the Brunt of It, the Underwires, Baabes, West Side Rats, Catalyst, Artist Jackie and the Wizard, Structure Sounds, Craig Wreck, Facebook event page

June 4, 2022 (Saturday) Lenny Lashley Gang of One (full band) in Providence at Askew. Facebook page

June 6, 2022 (Tuesday) Punk Rock Aerobics at Zone 3 in Allston.

June 9, 2022 (Thursday) WMBR's Late Risers Club Turns 45, WMBR turns 60!! Celebrate with The Darts and Loretta at The Middle East Up.

June 10, 2022 (Friday) Big Lonesome, Glowbox, Neon Cowboy at the Square Root

June 10, 2022 (Friday) Bass Drum Of Death, 123 Astronaut, Baabes at Alchemy in Provi.

June 11, 2022 (Saturday) SomerPride! from ONCE at Boynton Yards starts at Noon and goes all day and into the night with Matt Heaton @ 12:00 PM with a set for kids then Crow Follow, Lady Ro, Sweet Petunia, Phantom Ocean, Muzzins, Redd Haring, Brandie Blaze, Cakeswagg, DJ WhySham and end the night with Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys. Tix and vendor info etc here.

June 11, 2022 (Saturday) U-EY at the BUOY, State of the Union, Mercury On Mars, MFB (punk from Athol, MA) at The Midway for a Matinee at 3PM. FB page.

June 11, 2022 (Saturday) Brix'n'Mortar are at The Jungle

June 11, 2022 (Saturday) The Only Things, The Agonizers, The Brand New Luddites at Thirsty First in Lowell

June 11, 2022 (Saturday) Murphy's Law, Lenny Lashley, Cinderblock at The Vault Music Hall & Pub in New Bedford. FB page.

June 12, 2022 (Sunday) The Brand New Luddites, Jay Allen & The Archcriminals, RoadSoldier, Completely Destroyed - Midway Matinee 3-7PM.

June 12, 2022 (Sunday) Linnea's Garden, Tiffy, Girl with a Hawk at The Parlour in Providence, RI. FB page.

June 14, 2022 (Tuesday) Punk Rock Aerobics at Zone 3 in Allston.

June 15, 2022 (Wednesday) Jonathan Richman at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth NH. FB page for info.

June 18, 2022 (Saturday) Kids Like Me & You (KLYAM) Spring & Summer Program at Kenney Park in Davis Square. Line up to be announced.

June 18, 2022 (Saturday) 40 Years of The Queers Anniversary show also with The Dwarves, The Jasons, Stubborn Hearts at Sonia. TIX

June 18, 2022 (Saturday) THE ZULUS are back at The Paradise - tix here.

June 18, 2022 (Saturday) Randall Gibson Memorial at The French Club in Waltham. 2-9PM. FB page.

June 19, 2022 (Sunday) A Band Called E and Dyr Fazer for an early show at The Jungle. 5-8PM

June 19, 2022 (Sunday) The Mahones, The Pourmen, The Gobshites at Askew in Provi, RI. FB page

June 24, 2022 (Friday) Concert for Ukraine with Cold Expectations, Tsunami of Sound, Holy Smoke and "Special Secret TBA" and DJ Kristen Eck at The Magic Room in Norwood ... TIX Magic Room FB page

June 24, 2022 (Friday) Kenne Highland's Air Force, Gene Dante & The Future Starlets, Tiger Bomb at Gino's in Portland, ME.

June 25, 2022 (Saturday) Once is putting on The Somerville Solstice on June 25th with vendors and a steady stream of music starting at noon with early setrs for kids. Groups are Genie Santiago, Tigerman Woah, Black Helicopter, Grace Givertz, Assasi, Borboleta, Nectarine Girl, The Dripp. Link to tix and more info here.

June 25, 2022 (Saturday) Concert for Ukraine with Smitt E Smitty & The Feztones, Gene Dante & The Future Starlets, Baabes, Modern Day Idols, Lonely Leesa & The Lost Cowboys and DJ Chachi Loprete...at The Magic Room in Norwood TIX Magic Room FB Page

June 25, 2022 (Saturday) Show in Honor of Jess Victor - White Dynomite, Muck and the Mires, Stop Calling Me Frank, Piranha Brothers, Screw Cart at The Middle East Up TIX and FB page.

June 25, 2022 (Saturday) Rockin’ Dune Tunes will happen White Crest Beach in Wellfleet with Atlantic Thrills, Shiny Beasts, Daughter of the Vine, Andy California, Crow Follow, Red Sand Hill, The Angry Debutantes and Tsunami of Sound. Here is the FB page.

June 26, 2022 (Sunday) Big Pizza Fest at The Midway with Blame It On Whitman, Jerry's Got Jokes, Fur Coat Judy, Space Casino, Dear Maryanne - this is a matinee show 3-7PM<

June 26, 2022 (Sunday) Brix'N'Mortar, Pint Killers, Outsiders Punkabilly Rebels, Warthog at Thirsty First in Lowell.

June 27, 2022 (Monday) Kids Like Me & You (KLYAM) Spring & Summer Program at Charlie's Kitchen 9PM show.

June 28, 2022 (Tuesday) Punk Rock Aerobics at Zone 3 in Allston.

July 1, 2022 (Friday) The Prozacs, The Lousekateers, Lürking Class (NY), The Agonizers, Marko Bruiser at Ralph's Rock Diner

July 2, 2022 (Saturday) Hixx, Celseigh, The Stigmatics, Marianne Toilet and the Runs at The Midway

July 9, 2022 (Saturday) Rumstock at the Once Summer Series with U-ey at the Buoy, Roll Over White, Tsunami of Sound, Uncivil Servants, The Electric Heaters, The Shang Hi Los, Muck and the Mires, The Dogmatics, The Gypsy Moths - 6PM start Link for tix ... and FB page.

July 22, 2022 (Friday) Brix'N'Mortar at Ralph's Diner , Worcester.

August 27, 2022 (Saturday) Kids Like Me & You (KLYAM) Spring & Summer Program at Morse-Kelley Playground a couple blocks from ther Armory. line up to be announced.

August 27, 2022 (Saturday) The Worst, Typhoid Rosie, Marianne Toilet and The Runs, Breaking Up at The Middle East Up.

September 2, 2022 (Friday) The Woggles with Muck and Mires & The Chelsea Curve at The Porch in Medford

September 7, 2022 (Wednesday) Kids Like Me & You (KLYAM) Spring & Summer Program with Leopardo from Switzerland at O'Brien's

September 8, 2022 (Thursday) D.R.I at Alchemy in Provi, RI - FB page.

September 17, 2022 (Saturday) Kids Like Me & You (KLYAM) Spring & Summer Program at Lincoln Park Somerville (near Union Square) more info to come.

September 17, 2022 (Saturday) Punks For Pets with Joy Boys, Sleep Mode, Sourpunch, Musclecah, Ghost Grrrl, The Debutantes, The Something Somethin’s, The Stigmatics - at The News Cafe - early show starting at 1PM. Bring something for the doggos and kittehs check the Donation List on the FB page.

October 5, 2022 (Wednesday) Dr. John Cooper Clarke at City Winery

October 9, 2022 (Sunday) L7: Bricks Are Heavy 30th Anniversary at Big Night Live FB page.

October 11, 2022 (Tuesday) Agent Orange and Gnarnia at Alchemy in Provi, RI FB page.

October 15, 2022 (Saturday) Third Annual Punktoberfest at Thirsty First in Lowell...check the FB page for updates, bands etc.

November 5, 2022 (Saturday) The Mahones, The Pourmen, The Gobshites at Askew in Provi.

CONTACT US AT....misslynbgn@yahoo.com Send us your gig listings, your anything else ya got!! You want your CD reviewed?? Contact us for that too.