CONCERT Q&A

WHAT IS THE BEST CONCERT YOU’VE EVER SEEN?

Jay: Butch Walker/Marvelous 3. Any time I’ve seen him or the band. Always gives it 100%.

Denn: Man, that’s a tough one. Probably any Butch Walker show like Jay said haha. One of the best live performers out there in my opinion….BUT one that stands out to me too is actually The Foo Fighters at DCU Center. I remember they had an acoustic stage come down from the ceiling that suddenly made us almost first row to a whole new feel in the set. First time I’d ever seen that and prime Dave and Taylor man just smashing hit after hit using every inch of the arena. I’ll never forget that one.

Joey: Bon Iver. I’ve seen them three times and they’re amazing at making sure each show/tour is special and not just a repeat of the last time. And they’re so good at drawing each person in the crowd in and connecting so it’s an actual experience and not just a concert… but on the other hand, I saw Old Dominion last year the TD Garden and they put on just a straight up all around amazing show. But there are a lot of awesome bands I’ve seen that put on an incredible show, and for different reasons and with different vibes. But that’s part of the beauty of it all!

Dan: Hootie & the Blowfish at Madison Square Garden. It was actually the first real big concert I ever went to. I was 10 and it was at the height of Hootie’s success. My parents took me and I remember them being real hyped to take me with them. It was the old days…no cell phones so everyone in that arena was solely focused on the show. They played 3 encores that night and it really kind of got the dream of playing music started for me.

Scully: Counting Crows at Red Rocks a few weeks ago. It’s hard to describe concerts at Red Rocks. It’s huge, and the rocks themselves are epic, but the sound is very intimate. My previous favorite concert was Counting Crows at the Orpheum Theater back when they were on fire in the early 2000s. But, Adam Duritz just looked so comfortable in the songs and on the stage at Red Rocks that it felt like you were watching a practice in a living room.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VENUE?

Jay: As a kid growing up in the Boston area it was Harborlights/Leader Bank Pavilion! Gearing up for my 3rd time playing there September 14th is a dream. If I had to pick outside of that, it’s Red Rocks. Maybe 2025???

Joey: I love the House of Blues in Boston. I’ve seen so many bands there, even before when it was the Avalon and the Axis. That was where I saw most shows when I was getting into music. It’s really nostalgic for me. So getting to play there a fair few times last year was pretty mind blowing for me. Now getting to play a place the Pavilion, which is even more iconic and huge, for a second time is just absolutely otherworldly.

Denn: Red Rocks or The Gorge. I’m a scenery guy, what can I say.

Scully: Red Rocks, for sure. Though I might need an oxygen tank.

Dan: Easy, Red Rocks.

WHAT BAND WOULD YOU LOVE TO OPEN FOR?

Joey: Old Dominion for sure! I know I mentioned them before, but I’m on a bit of a kick lately.

Denn: In any genre? I mean, I feel like I at least have to write Blink-182 in here being such a Tom DeLonge fan? I went to type maybe Luke Combs or Frank Turner too and realized Jay stole my answer again. But those guys are the nicest, most talented dudes and all have a friggin’ blast on the road. That’s really what it comes down to a lot of times on this kind of question for me….the hang. I think if you put on the right night with the right group of people…the “size” of the venue matters less.

Dan: The 1975. Their shows are a master class in modern pop rock performance and to get to see it from side stage would be a real treat.

Jay: I would love to open for a band like Luke Combs. Modern Country without getting too pop country. I guess outside of that genre, maybe a throwback 90’s band. Goo Goo Dolls, Hootie, etc.

Scully: Probably a 2030 Tommy Scully show at Red Rocks.

WHAT IS MOST SPECIAL ABOUT PLAYING AT LEADER BANK PAVILION?

Scully: I remember sending Live Nation the pitch for the show. I made a one-sheet and explained how we would sell it and why it would work. We were the first truly independent band to try it. I was so fired up when they decided to let us try to do it. Seeing the people in the crowd at the first show back after the pandemic was better than I had ever imagined. It was just something we dreamed up because of the power of the folks who come to the shows. It was so cool to see it come to life. I’m holding a pitch for the Garden. We’d have to stop playing shows in Boston for like a year, but I think we could actually do it if we behaved like a real band and only played once.

Denn: It’s the real thing man. The size of the stage, the booming sound, the lights, the roaring echo right on the water, rolling out some new gear. Every musician should get a chance to stand on that stage and rip a huge E chord. The fact that we get to do it for a 3rd time is insane.

Dan: The sheer fact that we keep having the opportunity to play there year after year. It’s a dream to get to play there once never mind multiple times like we have. Really looking forward to this year.

Jay: There’s always a magic in the air on those nights. From the crowd energy to the lights in the tent, being on the water… it’s just a special place!

Joey: Just the overall vibe. It’s just about everyone having fun and we feel so much support. It’s really special for us.