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.
Teasing that this may be Clinton’s last tour made this stop in Boston extra special for fans and their excitement was met by a full band of over fifteen musicians comprised of original members, children and grandchildren of original members. Now led by the third generation of P-Funk, tonight’s show captured some of that definitive energy that made their concerts in the early ’80s feel like a rule breaking party.
Fans were kept on their toes watching each member get their turn in the main spotlight, and delivering entertaining performances. Thurteen controlled the tempo and raised the energy on the mic while Garrett Shider donned metallic angel wings and shredded the electric guitar. Scottie Clinton had most fans picking their jaws off the floor with her show stopping performance. Thoroughly impressive was Uché who delivered an electrifying and passionate display of musicianship.
Also legends in their own right, funk/punk/ska pioneers Fishbone brought an endless amount of energy to the stage. To say lead singer and saxophonist Angelo Moore was hyped, incessant, and infectious would still be selling this performance short. Moore was seen flying around the stage and dancing like a youthful kid. Fishbone gave the crowd a full set of eleven songs mostly off of their self titled album. The tune “Everyday Sunshine” had the whole crowd moving and enjoying this emotional high.
NYC based funk fusion band Blu Eye Extinction started the night off by hyping up the crowd and getting them ready for the whirlwind of music that was to come. Lead singer T.J. aka “Huck Tim” sat with TVD and expressed his excitement for the opportunity. “The tour has been magical and special, what else can you say! It’s an amazing opportunity with the legendary George Clinton and Fishbone. We just hope the crowd turns up positively and enjoys the music.”
It’s unclear whether this will be the last tour for George Clinton, but tonight’s show proved the proverbial funk torch has been passed on to the third generation of Parliament Funkadelic who will continue to rock on. Watching this legend grace the stage was a special opportunity for many younger fans who never thought they would have the chance, and it was an inclusive party that needed to be experienced live to be felt.
FISHBONE
