Rancid – with Waterbug, Daltonic at Avalon – Review

Rancid

with Waterbug, Daltonic at Avalon
by Beren
photo by Dya Khalsa

They say punk is back. Well, I say who are they, and who put them in charge? Anyway, punk was definitely back in Boston the night California punksters Rancid took the stage. As they hurled into the opening song, “Roots Radical,” the crowd became very intense, pogoing up, down, left, right, and all over the Avalon floor which was as packed as the proverbial sardine can. Led by the rambunctious Tim Armstrong, Rancid absolutely rocked the house in a way that would make Offspring look like a Michael Bolton impersonator and a bunch of hippie Granola Heads. Every song Rancid played was amazing. From the bass-grooving “Radio” to the ska anthem, “I Want a Riot,” Rancid seemed as tight as ever and even more pissed then the last time I saw them.

 

Also, it seems people in the music industry have reacted lucratively to Rancid music. From their near signing to Epic, to the royalty treatment by Madonna and her label, Maverick, to “Salvation” becoming a Buzz Clip on MTV; Rancid have received their share of media coverage. With all this attention, it’s nice to see they have not let success go to their heads. Before the show, guitarist Lars Frederiksen responded to my friend’s question, “Do you think you’ve sold out because you have a video on MTV?” by saying he enjoys having a video because he wants people to hear, watch, and get into Rancid. He also said he feels they haven’t sold out because they turned down offers from many major labels so they could stay on Epitaph. A wise choice.

Before Rancid, Daltonic‘s set was truly amazing. This was the third time I’d seen them and they were as tight as ever. Their new guitarist sounded great alongside Nick’s groove-pounding bass and Scott’s vocal assault. What happened to TC4, or as my friends like to call him, Ken Giffrey Jr.? Well, despite his absence, Daltonic rocked and I definitely recommend you catch them live.

Providence’s Waterbug opened with pop punk songs that are a cross between Green Day and Samiam. They had their moments and I’m sure in time their moment will come, but this night belonged to Rancid!