Author Archives: Chris Jenkins

BOSTON, MA | Illustrious singer and lyricist Maynard James Keenan celebrated his 60th birthday in the most rock ‘n’ roll way possible—a nationwide tour showcasing two of his bands and a legacy act. The Sessanta tour, which features Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle kicked off its nationwide tour to a sold-out Boch Center on the first of a two-night residency on Tuesday, April 2. This tour has Keenan moving into center stage where he shines brightly in the spotlight surrounded by fans and friends alike.

There was no opener as all three bands alternated by sharing the stage with sets typically lasting three songs. Musicians from all three bands join each other’s set, a performance unique to this tour. This was exemplified with Keenan joining Primus during a rousing rendition of “Tommy the Cat.” Each of these bands invoke different feelings for listeners with their distinctive sound, but this wide range of musical styles blended together with the design of a well-crafted setlist full of intense and reflective moments. Each band seemed to feed off the previous performance in friendly competition, bringing their best effort into what talent they displayed.

The stage was flanked on either side with stairs that led to party areas with couches and tables with cupcakes, party favors, and alcohol. The middle of that platform had multiple drum kits for Josh Freese (APC), Tim Alexander (Primus), and Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer) who all brought their unique style of play to their set. An impressive lighting display accentuated the music with a background panel of lights behind the bands, string lights above, and spotlights below. Strobe lights and dense fog amplified the current moods of each song. The stage had less free range to roam but felt like a party that everyone was excited to be at.

Primus founder Les Claypool greeted the crowd stating the reason we are here tonight is, “To celebrate Maynard turning sixty years-old, which is not an easy feat.” These performances certainly felt like a celebration. Members were joyfully playing outside their typical role and embracing the special format of this tour. The uniqueness of this concert allowed these musicians to be seen in a different light, one where they had loosened up, and were having fun, but still professionally executing at a high level.

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BOSTON, MA | The first night of Nathaniel Rateliff’s American tour kicked off in Boston in an emotionally charged evening filled with endearing tunes spanning his solo catalog. The “And It’s Still Alright Tour,” which supports the aptly named 2020 record release, picks up where it left off in March of 2020 when it was abruptly canceled nine days after it began due to the pandemic.

In the years since, Nathaniel Rateliff has gone on to release an album and tour with The Night Sweats, but desired to tour in support of a record that means so much to him. Backed by a ten-piece band including a four-string quartet, this performance was an intimate showing that was personal for both the artists and crowd. Unsure if this tour would ever take place, Nathaniel greeted the audience stating he was “so happy to be here … it took years of effort and all of your support doesn’t go unnoticed. I’d say don’t cough on each other, and have a good time.”

It was a chilly night inside the historic Orpheum Theatre which was originally built in 1852, but the capacity crowd was warm and lively. Continually “I love you” was joyfully shouted at Nathaniel, confirming that this night was just as special for his fans. The crowd remained seated during the set, allowing the attendee to fully listen and take in all aspects of this immersive experience. Nathaniel began his set with “Tonight #2” illuminated by an array of Edison light bulbs on stage and faintly lit overhead. The lighting shifted to match the vibe of each tune accompanied by a backdrop display of geometric patterns, scenes of the ocean, forest, and the impression of driving along the highway looking out the window.

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BOSTON, MA | In a full display of skillful musicianship and uplifting songs, the three-time GRAMMY Award winning Zac Brown Band elevated America’s most beloved ballpark a few feet off the ground Saturday, August 19.

Recent inductees to the Fenway Music Hall of Fame (joining only Paul McCartney and Billy Joel), ZBB continues to set the record for sellouts—this being number 14. Fans were given the show of a lifetime as the Zac Brown Band played all their hits and included a few surprises as well.

Taking centerfield at sunset, the band was surrounded by an impressive lighting display, large screens which combined live footage and graphics, and an illuminated antler chandelier. Except for the percussionists, all musicians shared the stage equally—being presented as a unified front. Time in the spotlight was also shared as fans got to see each member highlighted during a musical montage in the encore which combined hits “Chattahoochie,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and “Friends in Low Places,” among others.

Fiddle player Jimmy De Martini wowed the audience with his talent and enthusiasm. Coy Bowles kept the energy high on electric guitar and Hammond organ. Multi-instrumentalist Caroline Jones hopped from one instrument to the other—including a rhinestone studded blue guitar—and brought smooth and warm vocals to the mix. After a rhythmically engaging percussion and drum solo, Zac Brown excitedly jumped back on the mic to introduce Daniel de los Reyes on percussion and Chris Fryar on drums and shouted, “This is the greatest band behind me, ladies and gentlemen!”

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BOSTON, MA | George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic tore the roof off the MGM Music Hall at Fenway on August 17 as part of their “Just For The Funk Of It! Final Tour?!?.” Clinton’s larger than life presence and joyful performance filled the venue and delivered a fun and engaging experience that fans will cherish.

Recipients of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2019 and inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic have had their status cemented in history as musical pioneers and influencers. There is almost an infinitely deep catalog to pull from and enough songs to keep playing until sunrise. Clinton entered the stage with an aura of funk music, royalty donned in a rhinestone studded cap, shimmering gold pants, a flowing black lace coat, and a P-Funk shirt. Dr. Funkenstein’s giant smile never faded as he sang along with the crowd and drew every ounce of excitement out of them.

This set was highlighted with the tracks “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Flash Light,” and “Get Off Your Ass and Jam.” The crowd jolted with energy when the first few notes of “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” and “Atomic Dog” rang out. The emotional peak of the night was Michael Hampton’s solo during “Maggot Brain” who put on a cosmically creepy mask to get into the spirit of the tune.

Lansdowne street was buzzing with excitement this night as there also was a country concert at Fenway Park and a show at the House of Blues, but George Clinton’s fans made it very obvious they were there to see the Prime Minister of Funk with their eclectic dress and loud energy. The venue was filled with fans wearing custom psychedelic outfits and shirts from tours in the ’80s, which connected this deep and proud fanbase.

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NEWPORT, RI | As soon as you enter the gates of the Newport Folk Festival, you realize you are a part of something larger than live music. Signs adorned with stylized lettering reminiscent of the sixties remind guests to uphold the virtues “Be Present, Be Open, Be Kind, and Be Together.”

The 64th annual event kicked off with packed crowds along the coast of picturesque Rhode Island amidst a feels-like temp of 100 degrees in the last weekend of July. Attendees happily embraced these conditions during this three day concert with the help of the fest offering sunshades, Del’s Lemonade, sunscreen, water refill stations, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Beth D. from North Kingston, RI shared “this feels historic, a once in a lifetime type of day.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the weekend. It is a music marathon. Experiencing these three days packed with nine hours of live music overlapping on four stages commands you to settle in, clear out the distractions, and to get lost in the performance.

Newport Folk features four stages, with the main stage facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Newport Bridge as a gorgeous backdrop. This year’s lineup consisted of multiple major acts, some of which have never graced these stages before, and others who previously attended and have since risen in stardom to the larger stage. The Newport Folk Festival celebrates a rich history and carries its unique spirit into the experience of today’s attendees.

Day one was highlighted with a surprise performance by none other than James Taylor. Arriving by boat with guitar in hand to a roar of fans in boats and on shore, Taylor was called in at the last minute to replace an ailing artist. As he stepped foot onto the Quad Stage, the audience was overjoyed for this unplanned and intimate performance by the legendary folk artist. He calmly sat down and said, “Well … Surprise!” and flowed right into a moving rendition of “Something In the Way She Moves.” He was joined on stage by his wife and son to sing “Carolina on My Mind” and his Carole King cover “You’ve Got a Friend.” Mixing in personal stories from trying out songs for The Beatles to raising a pig, this set felt surreal and special.

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BOSTON, MA | The bluegrass freight train that is Billy Strings roared into Boston on July 25 for the first of a two-night stay along the inner harbor at the Leader Bank Pavilion. Strings and band were greeted by a thunderous ovation as they kicked off this set with a fitting cover of “Big Ball in Boston.” Expanding bluegrass with an interesting blend of psychedelic, jam band, outlaw country, heavy metal, and Americana brought out a crowd from all walks of life coming together for the love of his music.

String’s success has skyrocketed in recent years, winning the International Bluegrass Music Awards Guitar Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2021, and also a GRAMMY award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2021. Surrounding himself with the talented Billy Failing on banjo, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, Royal Masat on upright bass, and Alex Hargreaves on violin has been integral to giving his music a life of its own as a thrilling live experience.

These consummate bluegrass players elevate these tracks with their top-notch talent, mutual respect, and kinship. Each instrument supports the whole sound and also has a time to stand out and shine with solos that seem to have no time structure—allowing the player to get lost in the moment and bring the crowd to a tense high or mellow low, all while the rest of the band flows right along.

It was apparent this band was not on stage performing songs, but instead they were connecting and playing music. Billy Strings and band could very well have been playing on the front porch of an isolated house in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, but instead were rocking Boston’s outdoor amphitheater bringing a rowdy crowd along for the ride.

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BOSTON, MA | A sold-out Roadrunner crowd was teleported into a dream-pop induced bliss as electronic group M83 blasted off in support of their latest album Fantasy.

M83’s stop in Boston came in the middle of their tour, showcasing the band’s talent as they fired on all cylinders. Fascinating visuals and an incredibly mixed sound engaged the packed house with music filled with pure emotion—evoking unique memories of the past to make a performance personal for each attendee.

As a fan, there is nothing more exciting than a surprise new album announcement and a tour to support—especially a band you weren’t sure you’d ever see live. Since their inception in 1999, M83 has only played six shows in Boston, with the last being in 2016.

Before this announcement, I watched older performances on YouTube to get a sense of how their incredibly produced songs on previous albums translated into a live setting. Primary songwriter and lead vocalist Anthony Gonzalez also used this concept as his central theme for M83’s newest release Fantasy.

“I wanted this record to be very impactful live,” said Gonzalez. “The combination of guitars and synths is always in my music, but it’s maybe more present on this new record than on previous ones.”

M83 kicked off their set with the first three songs in sequential order off this latest release. The band was illuminated by a striking lighting display, at times immersed in fog, and backlit by a screen displaying the four-eyed character featured on Fantasy’s cover. Gonzalez played guitar for the majority of his set, and this seemed to amplify his moving vocals. An immense bass-filled sound was felt deep in your chest and captivated the crowd for the entire set.

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BOSTON, MA | GRAMMY Award-nominated rhythm guitarist and songwriter Cory Wong, and special guests, elevated the sold-out House of Blues to soaring heights on February 25. The Power Station Tour is a showcase of top-tier musicians expressing their love for music, connections with each other, and the crowd. Fueled by high-energy grooves, impressive musicianship, and a band simply having a blast together, the Boston crowd danced and celebrated throughout the night.

Rhythm guitar and the limelight do not typically go together, but Cory Wong shines bright as the center star. Collaborating with musicians on albums and live shows has given his own discography a diversity and depth which has grown his fanbase. Through mastering technique and music theory, Cory continues to push the limits of what has been done and what is possible.

The East Coast dates of this tour feature legendary bassist Victor Wooten, winner of 5 GRAMMY awards and who was also named Bass Player of the Year by Bassist magazine multiple times. Backed by a full band consisting of a drummer, bassist, percussionist, pianist, and a six-piece horn section, this setlist was amplified to give an unforgettable experience. Each band member displayed a mastery of their instrument, including bassist Sonny Thompson and Michael Nelson on trombone—both of whom were members of Prince’s recording and live band for many years.

Supporting the show was pop-folk trio Trousdale, who Cory introduced as his new favorite artist. With a blend of upbeat and softer contemplative tunes, these women offered beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that warmed the crowd. Longtime fan Walt from Pittsburgh flew into Boston to attend this show, stating “Boston crowds are the best! Tonight I’m expecting incredible musicianship and to feel all the feels.”

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BOSTON, MA | Baltimore’s innovative hardcore force Turnstile tore up Boston for the first of two weekend shows at Roadrunner on November 19th. The intensity of their show propelled this sold out crowd into a frenzy in what felt like a purge of emotion for all involved. Each song was a favorite battle cry for fans as they let off a controlled chaotic energy filled with joy and gratitude. Turnstile offers a unique show that needs to be seen and felt to be truly appreciated.

As the band prepared to take the stage, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” hyped the crowd up with positivity to set the tone of the night. Turnstile exploded onto the floor, fittingly opening their set with “HOLIDAY” as the night felt very much like one.

Singer Brendan Yates shared the mic with the crowd during emphatic parts of songs, locking in the connection between the band and crowd, making the two feel entwined. Bassist “Freaky” Franz was constantly interacting with fans and headbanging along to the music.

Guitarists Pat McCrory and Greg Cerwonka kept the energy high with tight rhythms and a showcased blend of heavy and ethereal riffs. Drummer Daniel Fang served as the heartbeat by combining punk, latin, and go-go grooves seamlessly. Justin Andrade of Warwick, RI said, “They’re a band that blends a lot of heavier influences with a more alternative / pop flair. Their live shows are where they really shine though—bring your dancing shoes!”

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BOSTON, MA | ‘80s American heavy metal icons W.A.S.P. brought their electrifying 40 Years Live World Tour to a sold out Big Night Live Wednesday night. The eager crowd buzzed with excitement as this tour ended a decade-long touring hiatus in the United States.

Los Angeles heavy metal act Armored Saint who also became well known in the same era as W.A.S.P. fittingly opened the night and got the crowd amped up. Vocalist Jason McMaster sounded great as he filled in for John Bush who was recovering from an illness. He was notably excited to be in the spotlight, especially in Boston where he shared his appreciation for how this city always gives the energy back to the artists. The Sandoval brothers continued to be the heartbeat of the band, both on drums and lead guitar.

W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless commanded the audience with every shout and was met with equal enthusiasm by a crowd headbanging along to their biggest hits. Blackie was joined by W.A.S.P.’s current lineup of bassist Mike Duda and guitarist Doug Blair, whose tenures in the band span 26 and 18 years respectively, along with drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester.

Custom sawblade guitars perfectly suited Doug Blair’s shredding as he filled the night with lengthy and passionate solos. Duda kept the energy high while shouting backing vocals and bouncing around the stage. A thunderous double bass kit was in high gear with Priester behind the drums. Led by Blackie Lawless, this lineup had Boston throwing up their horns and shouting along all night.

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BOSTON, MA | The West and East coast collided Saturday night as Los Angeles based Red Hot Chili Peppers raged a sold out Fenway Park into a frenzy long into the night.

This 2022 Global Stadium Tour is extra special for fans as it is the first time guitarist John Frusciante has toured with the band in more than a decade. Drummer Chad Smith ceremoniously struck a giant gold gong as the band opened their set with a raucous five minute long jam. Instantly RHCP were in full force, tightly connecting and bringing all of Fenway along for the ride.

Flea’s adrenaline-fueled playing and jumping around on stage made it especially evident how excited the guys were to return to Boston together as a band. During this last decade when Frusciante was away, each member had continued to play passionately with a connection to their music. Tonight that connection was still there, but it was elevated by a deeper bond found between lifelong band members.

By mixing the set list up on this tour, fans didn’t know what to expect next. The band was met with a roar from the crowd as the first few notes rang out on hits “Dani California” and “Suck my Kiss.” RHCP played songs spanning from all albums released with one of Rolling Stone top 100 guitarists of all time, Frusciante.

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MANSFIELD, MA | Boston-based Dispatch teamed up with O.A.R. to co-headline a roots rock party jam that had the audience dancing all night. More than halfway through their Summer Tour 2022, both bands are in a groove and continue to bring lots of energy as their trek continues south along the east coast.

Live concerts have been integral to the success of both Dispatch and O.A.R. and have shaped the identity of each band. Notable live album releases Gut the Van by Dispatch and Any Time Now by O.A.R. have helped propel both groups into notoriety and mainstream success.

Dispatch’s second studio album Bang Bang was recorded at Lake West Recording Studio in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Engineer/producer Jack Gauthier was asked by TVD if he got the sense these tracks would work so well being played live. “At the time… not really. You never really know until it’s tested live for a while, but I knew they were catchy vocal hooks and rhythms.”

Some studio tracks instantly give the impression that they will be great live—like O.A.R. ‘s “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” which they closed their set with as decks of playing cards rained down on the audience. Other songs like Dispatch’s “The General” have taken on a life of their own when played live compared to the studio version – becoming a crowd favorite anthem.

O.A.R. and Dispatch have separately sold out Madison Square Garden multiple times so playing to a large amphitheater is nothing new. In 2004, Dispatch drew over 100,000 fans to a free show at the Hatch Shell in Boston with what was thought to be their last concert. Since this infamous night, seeing a Dispatch show has always felt special because you never knew if it would happen again.

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MANSFIELD, MA | Multi-platinum band Incubus rocked the Xfinity Center amphitheater just outside of Boston Wednesday night, showcasing their collection of tight, interstellar grooves ranging from of six albums.

The night was highlighted with tracks “Warning” and “Drive” that were fully backed by the crowd in a rejoicing fashion. Throughout the night, Incubus made this audience feel like a sixth member of the band as they dropped the music at key points to shine a spotlight on the crowd’s vocals and excitement—an energy that the band was noticeably engaged with.

Incubus and Sublime wouldn’t necessarily be categorized among the same musical genres, so touring North America together might stand out to some. However, the majority of Incubus fans tend to be into the genre-fusing, reggae-ska-punk pioneers Sublime, who in turn had actually influenced Incubus. This isn’t the first time these two have played together as well. Incubus opened for Sublime in 1995 when they filmed their infamous DVD, Sublime’s 3 Ring Circus—Live At The Palace. More shared stages would follow in later years.

This summer tour is a dream bill for fans who had the unique experience in the 2000s of diving into the catalog of a trailblazing band, while also following the newly emerging Incubus as they were evolving their sound and releasing new music.

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MANSFIELD, MA | Dave Matthews Band’s 2022 tour crashed into the Xfinity Theater Friday night, playing to a packed house of die-hard fans who sang along to tracks off nine different albums from the course of the band’s 31 years together.

“This is the song we wanted them to play!” two women called out from the front row. That same energy resonated throughout the amphitheater for the remainder of the night as fans sang along to “Seek Up,” “So Right,” and “Louisiana Bayou.” Many concertgoers were unable to see their favorite band for the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The whole crowd seemed to share the same strong emotional response: Dave and the guys are back!

Heather Violet cheerily told The Vinyl District that it was her milestone 100th show. “I came because I felt safe,” she said while describing how she has followed the band since 1999. As the band began their encore with a Willy Nelson cover, Dave Matthews expressed his gratitude to his devoted fans. “Tonight I hope you felt that we just had a great time with ya’ll. Thank you so much.”

Seeing Dave Matthews Band—even the 100th show—is a new experience for their fans, a reprise. For those who have a decades-long history of watching wide eyed from their seats, each opportunity to see DMB feels like no time has passed. Mike Bennet of Rhode Island attended the concert with longtime friends and shared, “A Dave concert is like seeing an old friend and picking up right where you left off…the band always delivers.”

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BOSTON, MA | Twenty One Pilots invaded the Boston Garden with an energetic and emotional performance as part of their international Takeover Tour that proudly proclaimed: “Live music is back!”

The arena was electric as Twenty One Pilots’ intensity was met—and at times exceeded—by a passionate fanbase who loudly sang their full setlist of songs spanning the band’s accomplished career. Engaging the audience, lead singer Tyler Joseph instructed each half of the arena to each sing a line from “Mulberry Street.” And in a fun feat of strength, fans from the pit supported a platform that held Josh Dun on the drums as the Twenty One Pilots’ performance reached its crescendo. It was fully evident that the band was grateful for the opportunity to perform again, and they did not miss any chance to show it. The crowd was left in a dream state as the thrill ride of a show ended with teal and pink confetti raining down.

Boston was the fourth stop on an unconventional tour that is hosted by a different city and includes four nights of concerts at venues of increasing size each night. This format simulates a mini rise to success in each city, replicating the band’s ascent to stardom and giving their dedicated fanbase this unique experience—from being feet away in a small club to filling the largest space of an arena.

The musical duo began their Boston residency at the Paradise Lounge with a capacity of 933, followed by a night at the House of Blues. Fans told The Vinyl District how they slept overnight in front of the ticket office for close to a week in advance in order to get a ticket to the Paradise Lounge show. The tour continued on at the Agganis Arena hosting 7,200 people and finished with a TD Garden crowd just shy of 20,000. The Vinyl District was fortunate to experience both the sold out show at Agganis Arena and at the legendary Boston Garden.

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