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Psychedelic Sunday: Boston Calling With Sublime, Remi Wolf, Dave Matthews Band and More

Psychedelic Sunday: Boston Calling With Sublime, Remi Wolf, Dave Matthews Band and More

Two covers of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac and no rain? Sign me up. Boston Calling's psychedelic Sunday featured an array of vibrant acts and the most creative outfits of the weekend. One fan sported a train town mat ensemble complete with a cape and a drivable toy car for passersby to maneuver down the roads. Constellation jackets, statement earrings, patterned flowing pants, and crochet accessories fostered a boho aesthetic.

Early in the day, I Don't Know How But They Found Me (iDKHOW) brought the drama on the Allianz Blue Stage. After Frontman Dallon Weekes posed for some portraits with Following Boston, his band emerged to thunderous applause. I spotted a plethora of fans sporting the band's merchandise, perhaps the most of any artist during the weekend, third only to Sublime and Dave Matthews Band. It turns out everyone liked the opening band as they emphatically sang along to songs like "Nobody Likes The Opening Band."

Weekes had an effortless command of the crowd, controlling each side's cheer volume with the raise of an arm, humorously giving his approval with a "Very good children, very good." Bandmates Isaac Paul, Ronnie Strauss, and Anthony Purpura propelled the set forward with sharp percussion as fans executed a flawless call-and-response during the song "Social Climb." Weekes whipped the mic cord around and pulled out a megaphone as a form of choreography, making the set feel like a headline concert, just like the official After Party show they had the night before at the Paradise Rock Club.

Goth Babe, the indie rock solo project of Griff Washburn, brought infectious energy and joy to the Green Stage. They played a variety of synthy anthems like "Weekend Friend," something we were all on that lovely Sunday afternoon. Washburn jokingly introduced the band, saying, "We are Goth Babe or Garth Bob or Gerth Goob, and we are very stoked to be here." Bright green, pink, and blue visuals flashed on the screen as they tossed beachballs into the crowd. About midway through the set, they invited two lucky fans to ride inflatable Cheez-It floats, creating an environment that truly celebrated music lovers.

Goth Babe photographed by Samantha Davidson

Up next, Remi Wolf executed a spellbinding set despite persistent audio issues. She opened with "Cinderella," pausing when her vocals started to cut in and out. Her band played an uptempo beat as Wolf waved the mic around and shedded her blazer. She stated she's "not a standup comedian" but employed some gripping crowd work that held fans' attention just as well. Segments like how she started using ChatGPT as a therapist, telling everyone to loosen up their hips, toasting to the crowd with her red Solo cup, and serving a powerful "Defying Gravity" riff stood out. Even after a difficult start, she shared her gratitude for having the opportunity to perform: "Music is my passion. I feel very lucky to be on this stage in front of you. Thank you for showing up." Once the audio came back, the funk-pop singer harnessed her signature raspy vocals during the first cover of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac that day.

Remi Wolf photographed by Samantha Davidson

Dream pop songstress and Boston local Layzi headlined the Orange Stage after posing for portraits with Following Boston. Her smooth and airy vocals in songs like "everything i have" mesmerized the crowd. She delivered the second cover of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac. Her style added a different layer of nostalgia and yearning to the song when compared to Wolf. She introduced herself as Lazyi, saying, "I am Layzi, we are all Layzi, but we are not lazy," displaying her humor.

90s punk icons Sublime conquered the Green Stage with breezy palm tree graphics and giant blowup Dalmatians. Guitarist Eric Wilson's bald head featured a painted cheetah print pattern, and drummer Bud Gaugh wore vibrant tie-dye, transporting the festival to an eclectic oasis. They performed songs like "Doin' Time," where lead vocalist Jakob Nowell could showcase his gritty and powerful voice. Before ending their set, Nowell ran into the crowd to fist-bump and high-five fans, as well as the interpreter. Gaugh threw his drumsticks into the crowd and escaped behind stage.

Rockstar Tom Morello shredded on the Allianz Blue Stage in a Moomin graphic tee and hippo-stickered guitar. He played a variety of high-energy tracks, bringing out Chuck D to perform "Prophets of Rage" by his group Prophets of Rage. Morello used his set to tell a story about his life and convey his passion for his craft, playing songs he wrote when he was 19 as well as Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad." His performance of "Like a Stone" by Audioslave was a particularly heartfelt moment. He dedicated the song to the late Chris Cornell, leaving his mic on as he stepped away for fans to sing directly to the star.

Hip-hop group Public Enemy headlined the Allianz Blue Stage. Flavor Flav and Chuck D instantly captivated the crowd. Behind them were two dancers dressed in military attire who used sharp movements to highlight the beats. The duo sported Celtics jerseys despite Chuck D revealing he's a fan of the New York Knicks. They asked the audience to send well wishes to Jayson Tatum, hoping he would feel better soon. Chuck D opted for a black shirt and camo shorts, while Flavor Flav brought the bling with his signature clock chain, bedazzled glasses, rhinestone-encrusted shirt, and watches. They played a variety of melodic rap tracks like "Shut Em Down." Flavor Flav showcased his comedic and charming personality when he shared a story about almost getting into an accident while crossing the street in London. He said that the car "almost" and paused as the iconic "hit me" intro to "911 is a joke" started to play.

Public Enemy photographed by Samantha Davidson

Dave Matthews Band headlined the Green Stage with the longest set of the weekend. The band was scheduled to take the stage at 8:40 pm, compared to the other headliners who started at 8:55 pm the previous two nights. Dave Matthews Band still started 3 minutes early, conveying their love of performing. Frontman Dave Matthews paused between songs to drink some tea and chat with the audience. They have one of the most loyal fanbases, and it was a treat to witness the playful and loving relationship he has with them. He shared how it was too cold, and the only jacket he could find was a little ill-fitting; fans yelled, "You look good, kid." The band performed their hit "Crash Into Me" early into the night, along with their other jam rock classics. Matthews dished out fun facial expressions, eyebrow raises, and glances at fans. Toward the end of the night, they delivered a fervent cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." Mesmerizing, zigzagged visuals spun around the screen as they closed out a whirlwind of a weekend filled with great music and even better memories.

Stay tuned for Following Boston's weekend highlights recap coming tomorrow. We'll see you next year!

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Samantha Davidson

Boston, Massachusetts 53 Posts