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Live at the Rat Suite CD/DVD Release Party Commonwealth Hotel Novemnber 16, 2017
We all know that the Rat’s reputation is part of Boston history and definitely a big part of our history. Twenty years after its closing we can see that it was the nexus of all the punk energy in town. Just by saying, “The Rat,” you evoke the whole era.
The event at the Commonwealth Hotel on Thursday was another confirmation of its iconic status. It was actually a way to mark the release of the Live at the Rat Suite CD and DVD. These will be given to anyone who stays at the Rat Room. They also took the occasion to raise money for the Right Turn charity which was laudable. Link to Right Turn It was also declared Rathskeller Day by Mayor Walsh. What really drew the large crowd, however, was the Rat aura. People want to get that old Rat vibe any way possible, and the night did that.
A big part of the night was just seeing the old crowd again. We didn’t know everyone there by any stretch but when we looked at the people up front when the music started we recognized most of the people there. Here’s our list: Jon Surette, Jan Collins, Billy and Erna Connors, Adam Sherman, Ray Fernandes, Larry Newman, Johnboy Franklin, Ralph and Corey Fatello, David Minehan, John Lynch, Eric Law, Joanie Lindstrom, Melanie Ransom, Wayne Veins, John Felice, Rick Harte, Eddie and Lenny of Stop Calling Me Frank, Mr. Curt and Donna, Tom Baker, Linda Viens, Justine Covault, Jay Allen, Michael Stewart, Bob Colby, Erin Amar, Linda Laban, Judy Wilburn, Michele Meadows, Anne Rearick, Jon Seamans, John Doherty, Arthur Freedman, Jim Ryan, Amy Prohaska, Kenne Highland, Kenny Kaiser, Gene Dante, Nicole Tammaro, Evan and Linda Shore, Patricia Ready, Jan Crocke, Robin Lane, Tim Jackson, and Tony Kaczynski....and we're probably forgetting a few! Onstage they had Willie Loco, the Nervous Eaters, Emily Grogan, The Dogmatics and Richie Parsons and that right there was a huge draw as well. There were blow up photos of Rat performers. Some by Richie Parsons looked better than ever super-sized. They passed around hor d'oevres lile pork sliders, fish tacos and chicken wings but drinks were crazy expensive and there was grumbling about that.
The hotel was sleek and modern. But we noticed things like a piece of chicken on the floor,HA!! a sign that the Rat crowd could turn this high class operation into a dump like our old "home" being celebrated...given enough time.
Things got real when Willie started to play. He was accompanied by David McLean on drums and Mark Chenevert on sax. Everything about Willie is so idiosyncratic; the singing, the piano playing, his looks. It felt good to take it all in again. It was a Rat flashback – big time. We’ve been Willie deprived anyway for so long. He did a short set. He played "Melinda". The ender was “Let’s Go To The Rat”. How could it not be? This is what we were all there for - a good hit of Willie and wallowing in the memory of the Rat.
The buzz was still going on as the Nervous Eaters took the stage. We’ve seen them regularly but we had the feeling that many haven’t. The Eaters were in good form. People voiced enthusiasm as each song became recognizable: “Last Chance, “No More Heroes”, “Girl Next Door”, and “After Your Good Times Gone”. The last song was “Talk to Loretta” which was released on Rat Records all those years ago. It’s another song that represents the era. There were multiple solos to keep the favorite going a while.
Emily Grogan used to work in the kitchen at the Rat. On stage she told the story of staying with Mr. Butch on the street when she stayed too late at the Rat and the last bus was long gone. She also played a set with Mr. Butch at the Rat. They opened up for Steve Albini’s Rapeman. We never knew that. Emily is a songwriter’s favorite songwriter. She played a song about Mr. Butch. Another song she did called “Weathervane" was a gem. That song is on the Live At the Rat CD. She had a top notch group which included drummer Larry Dersch.
Things were wrapped up by the Dogmatics. They are a rarity - a party band with depth. They want you to have fun but they also bring emotion into the mix with songs like “Thayer Street” that mourn the loss of a lifestyle. Their songwriting allows them to have the best of both worlds. They did “Drinking by the Pool” and “Gimme the Shakes”, all the while spreading a celebratory spirit. They are made for nights like this.
Richie Parsons joined the Dogmatics for the final few songs. They were practicing the songs earlier up in the Rat Suite. Can you believe there is such a place? The Rat Suite in a fancy hotel? $800 a night. The memories andthe legend lives on but it’s an odd turn of events for sure.
And of course we have to mention the man who made the Rat- Jimmy Harold. Without him all this wouldn't even exist!! Jimmy did a great job back then and is well aware of the importance of the Rat. He is also thankful to all of us who helped make that place called The Rathskellar The Rat. He truly feels it is OUR Rat because in his mind and heart it was all of us that made it the great place it was. Thank you Jim Harold - he 's someone who deserves a lot of thanks from a lot of people. We love you Jimmy!! And for even more photos of the great night check out Matt Lambert's FB page Trebmal Photography
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