Two Years Ago Today…


Chris and I saw the late great Jay Reatard opening for the Pixies at the mighty Wang Theater (now Citi Performing Arts Center). This was the last time we’d ever get to see him. I remember anticipating his next Boston show, which I figured would be very soon (he had played here three times in five months).

Our review of his set from back in the day:
“Jay and His Denmarkian cohorts (Cola Freaks), they robbed the painted nude ceiling women of their respective virginities with their twelve o’clock chunk, even though most of the crowd was settling in through their set. Their sound was great. I only wish that I was standing and bumping into my companions. As soon as they hit the stage, they blasted into the classic “Blood Visions.” Within just a few moments of mayhem, Jay Reatard aficionados, the few of us, could tell he sounded better than ever before. One fan in particular was so excited he stood up and wildly danced and humped the air! The songs were longer (well, by his standards lol) and resembled their studio counterparts a bit more, whilst retaining that noisy assault Jay prides himself on. Highlights were “See/Saw” (as always) and “I Know A Place,” although the entire set was exceptional. Without a doubt Jay Reatard goes down as my favorite opening act. Alas, the performance was underappreciated, since everyone came for the Pixies, but that’s okay because we’re all fucking creeps!”

One thought on “Two Years Ago Today…”

  1. Ahh this is too sad! But, to look at it from a positive perspective, at least we have the wonderful memories and might I add privilege of being the few people that got to see the full Jay Reatard live band, at what I (and Jay himself) consider its best. Not to knock Stephen and Billy because they were great too. Cola Freaks just brought more to the table and complemented Jay as a musician much better imo.

Leave a comment