In the late morning shadow of Fenway Park, an excited crowd dressed in more St. Patrick’s Day flair than was thought feasible — or even possible — waited patiently on Landsdowne Street for the doors of The House of Blues concert hall to open. And some, like us, only waited for the HOB’s bar to be open, and in we went.
And it must be mentioned here — the staff at the House of Blues was phenomenal. We had over an hour to kill, and P.T. and Alyssa took great care of us at the bar, and the various security/bouncer type blokes we met here and there were all gracious smiles as they directed us to the rest rooms, or checked our bags. I didn’t even mind when one man politely confiscated a squished and forgotten Cliff bar at the bottom of my purse before I entered the concert hall.
But even the most pleasant atmosphere on the outside can’t eliminate all concert woes on the inside. As much as I love a good, loud, lively show, the combination of alcohol and St. Patrick’s Day hype in such a crowded room kept the mom in me thinking, “This is surely an accident waiting to happen.” And yet, somehow the frenzied moshing and occasional pushing and shoving and boob grabbing that occurs outside “the pit” was really not that bad at all. And our own crowd of ten only suffered one real injury when Warren’s ankle received a mosh pit stomp that resulted in considerable swelling later on.
Three acts preceded the DKM: Bryan McPherson, The Old Brigade, and Civet. The only group we saw before the main show was Civet — an all girl punk band out of Long Beach, CA. They had energy and attitude, but when you can’t understand many lyrics because they’re being yelled, not sung — the appeal is diminished.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
What!? They don't open up with the bagpipes anymore?? Anyway, nice review... They are great guys and they deserve the success that they have acheived. But, I do miss Mike McColgan on the mic.
I remember the first time I saw them was at the Middle East(w/Mr.McColgan) and they were freakin awesome.
2 - Mary K. Williams
Thanks Brian.
Actually, yeah, they did open with the pipes, I assume it was Scruffy Wallace.
It was a great show. I hope to see them again.
3 - Mat Brewster
Sounds like a good show, and a nice way to celebrate certain things that will go nameless here.
4 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yea.. I'd love to check'em out again,but, it gets f'in crazy when they come to town. I'm surprised you were able to get a ticket for the St.Patty's show. I mean, Boston+DKM+St. Patrick's Day... You can't get any closer to Ireland unless you actually go there!
5 - Mary K. Williams
I'm surprised too Brian. In the past, I had received the CDs from the label, but once the chance at BC came up for tix- the label (or management co., or PR rep) said..'sorry, sold out!'