Mark Adkins - Guttermouth

The fate of the venerable Central Sq nightclub Middle East has been hanging in the air for awhile, amid a legal issue of sexual misconduct, then the pandemic. Now, the latest news of the Sater’s intention of tearing it down to turn into a hotel (with the halfhearted promise of a couple of nightclubs) brought out a major outcry from patrons and band members who have played there and made this venue a major hot spot for local and out of town upcomers and one-time legends.

Thankfully, the Sater brothers took this to heart and retracted from their plans, at least for the time being. Judging from the bookings for remaining year, there is plenty of life left in this scene - and the September 8 show featuring four hardcore punk acts certainly drove that point home!

Baabes

First out of the gate was Baabes, who got right down to business with a sleaze-t(h)rashin’ set of originals. Just like their recent tear at Thirsty First in Lowell (see my earlier review in May), they got the slam-dancing going but thankfully the mics were spared this time ‘round!

Wimpy Rutherford

Following their rockin’ tantrums was New Hampshire punk legend Wimpy Rutherford (Jack Hayes) of the Queers and his crack (or Cryptic?) band, and wimpy he wasn’t, though they maybe lacked a little of the outrage Baabes expressed earlier. Still, these guys brought it hard and fast - one of their songs is called “Don’t F**k with Me,” and I’d be inclined to take that pretty seriously!

The F.U.'s

On that rough note, next up was the inimitable early ‘80s Boston hardcore legends The F.U.’s, who have re-emerged the last dozen years playing the rounds after stints as Straw Dogs and Payload! Original front man John Sox, guitarist Steve Grimes and drummer Bob Furapples, along with current bassist Jimmy Foul and guitarist Ian King, kept the crowd slammin’ with selections from their latest release Death Squad Nostalgia and oldies like their then-controversial “My America.”

Guttermouth

Topping the bill was Guttermouth, Orange County, CA’s notorious “skate” punk rockers who are no strangers to controversy themselves, having been kicked out of the 2004 Warped Tour and Canada. Their endearingly obnoxious front man Mark Adkins did tone down their crowdbaiting antics that they were renowned for kept the throngs slam dancing to their classics “1-2-3 Slam,” “Lipstick” and “She’s Got the Look.” They sounded like a rowdier Green Day right down to Mark’s Billy Joe-styled snot voiced warble and guitarist Scott Sheldon’s melodic but hard-thrashing shredding.

By the end of the night, we were all duly satiated with back-to-back, no bullshit dose of unadulterated punk energy!

We need venues like the Middle East, however messy the management is, to keep booking the real deal stuff. Let’s hope it can remain In existence for awhile longer!

Baabes

John Sox - The F.U.'s

Wimpy Rutherford