The Welch Boys / Pint Killers / The Abductors / Barfight Champs
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 11/10/18
This two day benefit, in memory of Keith Brooks, whose proceeds will go towards his daughter and a veterans benefit, was organized by Bill Jollimore, guitarist of Pint Killers and Frankie Chairs, lead singer of Barfight Champs.
Both of their bands are playing tonight and both those guys deserve big thanks for keeping this tradition alive by putting on great shows for great causes to remember Keith, one of our best promoters.
And Barfight Champs are first to play tonight. I think most folks know them as stalwarts of the Oi scene, along with Working Poor USA and The Damn Garrison.
I just looked it up- stalwart means loyal, reliable and hardworking which fits all those Oi bands to a tee.
I was under the assumption that this was a 4 pm show and thought I was early by arriving at 3:45.
Turns out it was doors at three, so when I arrive I’m only able to catch a few songs by the Barfight Champs.
But though only catching a few tunes by them, that should be all you need to hear to convince you that your witnessing some passionate, potent and powerful Oi music and I can sense from the crowd reaction, that their set was a great one.
When I walked in tonight I was pleasantly surprised to see Julia, from New Hampshire, here. I find out it’s because her boyfriend, Richie from The Bruisers, is a member of The Abductors playing next tonight. I’m also surprised because that band is from Connecticut.
But as an old drunk I often get confused- nothing confusing about that?
But I’m aware enough to realize that The Abductors are a great sounding Oi band who I have seen before. Lots of rock’n’roll energy, growling vocals and songs about comradeship and working class life.
Another great set by another great Oi band.
The night just keeps getting better when the Pint Killers take the stage. They’re one of my favorite bands I write about and I’m psyched to see them!
This band is an equal mix of punk, hardcore, Irish punk, classic rock and Oi and they kick ass with terrific songs full of great lyrics.
I know that lead singer, Mark Doherty’s mother passed this week. And he mentions this before the beginning of their set along with their first song, “Raise A Glass,” a tribute to all our fallen friends and family, just like as with Keith. This song is as sad as it is celebratory, life affirming as it is fatalistic, and that intertwining of emotions lends to its’ greatness.
“We’ll be together in the end. We’ll be together in the end, my friend.” And we’re here right now celebrating all that is good in life for those who are not with us now.
They end their great set, probably the best I’ve ever seen them, with their song “Lights Out.” But I’m still thinking about their first song. I know that this show is about paying tribute to Keith and the veterans but isn’t that what’s life about everyday? Carrying on with those who are not here with us anymore, but that inspire us to live on? Isn’t that what’s this show is about? And isn’t that what life is about, as well?
The Welch Boys are up to take us out and I know that I’ve written this countless times before, but on the top shelf of Boston punk/hardcore bands- this is the band I reach up there for, along with some Glen Livet scotch as a chaser, this is top notch stuff!
Ed, on strong and engaging vocals, the “string section” of TJ, PJ and Mark blaring away. But I notice more tonight who’s holding the glue that keeps this holy chaos together. And that would be the drummer, Jose, so big kudos to him!
No surprise to me that they play a stellar set. Of course, when they introduce a cover song by The Who, I’m not surprised when it’s actually a cover of The Anti-Nowhere League’s “Pete Townsend Is A Pervert.” And I’m not surprised that the crowds reaction, throughout the set, is so wild.
This was the first part of two parts, of two shows, the next one taking place here tomorrow afternoon. And, of course, I will be here. I debate not really leaving but I do need my rest.
No matter what ones political thoughts are, I believe one should always respect the veterans, folks who have laid their life on the line and often give it up as well. I feel sad that we don’t take care of our veterans as much as I think we should.
As I’ve written before I feel that Keith was a casualty of war. One whose injuries, more of the psychic, spiritual kind, was sustained in Afghanistan and then proved fatal back at home.
And I wished his story had a better ending, I wish he was still putting on shows, putting on this show today. But I’m so glad and proud that the punk community keeps his spirit alive, more importantly they keep alive what he represented, in having these shows.
This is the music he believed in, this was the music that was a big part of his soul. And I truly believe he would approve of these proceedings as these are the thoughts, emotions and feelings we all embody and those thoughts, emotions and feelings cannot die.
So thanks again to Bill and Frankie, and all the bands who played, and all the fans that came out tonight. (It wasn’t sold out, only due to computer glitch, but 75 were here.)
And I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon for the next one.
(Slimedog)
