On June 21, crowds gathered at Boston’s City Hall Plaza for BBQ and music. Phantom Gourmet sponsored the event, but it piqued our interest because The Mighty Mighty BossToneS were the musical headliner. This is now the second time the Bosstones have played a summer festival show in Boston. Last year’s Outside the Box festival drew quite the crowd and seems that band and fans alike enjoyed having a show in between throwdowns. I was out of town the weekend of this party, but thankfully I’ve got YouTube to fill me in on what I missed. (And no, it’s not the same…)
This year was extra special to the band as it marked frontman Dicky Barrett’s 50th birthday. To celebrate, a video was prepared with birthday greetings from friends. The video clocks in at 10 minutes, but it’s remarkable how many people from across industries and circles pulled together to put in their best wishes: Talk show hosts including Conan O’Brien and Larry King, Comedians like Lenny Clarke and Kathy Griffin, fellow ska/punks Less Than Jake and Fishbone, members of Boston bands Dropkick Murphys and Streetdogs, 737 crew members. It just kept going! Get your bingo card out and watch below:
How sweet is that?!
I say kudos to Dicky Barrett and the Bosstones. While they may not tour like they used to, and they may not release records as frequently, but they still put on a hell of a show and put their fans first. And frankly, it’s probably better than doing the 90s nostalgia tour circuit…
If like me, you missed the show, or are looking to relive it, here’s video of the full set. Guest musicians include Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Kimmel, and original Bosstones guitarist Nate Albert.
And the set list, courtesy of setlist.fm.