Showcase Live to Host Boston Legends Show

In Boston, we have many legends, our sports teams, politicians and our rock stars. We're covering all bases. Rock & Roll was the romantisizer of American life way back when. So who wouldn't want to be a rock star?

On March 17, at Showcase Live, an incredible line up of Boston's most accomplished musicians from the biggest rock bands will come together to perform 'The Boston Legends Show'. On one stage members of Aerosmith, Bellevue Cadillac, BOSTON, Farrenheit, J. Geils, Joe Perry Project, Jon Butcher Axis and more. They'll all be there and so should you! 

Opening up the night is our own Ernie Boch (Come on down!) with Ernie and the Automatics. EATA was put together sort of like a puzzle back in 2006. The friendship between Boch & Sib Hashian ( Hashian is a former member of the multi platinum selling band BOSTON) precipitated conversation about playing some music together. Boch had been in one or two garage bands over the years and the invitation to play with the Hashian was something he couldn't resist. Of course, this led to Hashian asking his fellow bandmate from BOSTON to join in, legendary guitarist Barry Goudreau.

Next came bassist Tim Archibald and keyboardist/vocalist/harmonica Brian Maes, formerly of RTZ with Goudreau, and saxophonist Michael 'Tunes' Antunes, a current member of the John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, best known for their hit single 'On the Dark Side" which is on the CD and soundtrack for the film 'Eddie and the Cruisers'.

Boch a Berklee grad rounds out the band whose individuals have collectively, while in other bands, sold over 32 million records. If you haven't gotten the opportunity to see Ernie & the Automatics, they are a blues inspired, R & B infused rock & roll band. You'll love them! 

I asked Boch how he felt about playing just down the street from where he grew up and also where his father grew an auto empire. One can't drive down Rt.1 without seeing the famous Boch slogan, 'Come on Down' either on a billboard or one of the signs flanking Boch Automotives.

"When I was a little kid, Showcase Live was just a big parking lot. It's wonderful to be playing so close to home. It's where I grew up," said Boch. "Showcase Live is without a doubt,  one of the best, if not the best, venue for live music in the Boston area. It's a joy to play there."

Ernie & the Automatics have played there many times in the past but not with a line up like our upcoming March 17 'Boston Legends Show'. 

What can I tell you about Charlie Farren? OK, this is my opinion. He is the type of guy who walks into a room and smiles and that smile lights up a room. He's friendly, engaging and entertaining. And when he's on stage, he's exactly the same. What you see is what you get. Charlie is an original. He comes out on stage holding his guitar, and then when he starts playing, everything else disappears. It's all Charlie! 

Farren started out back in the 80's as lead singer with the Joe Perry Project. In 1986 Farren, along with David Hull (Joe Perry Project) and John Muzzy formed Farrenheit. They were one of the premier rock acts with video exposure on MTV, hit singles including 'Bad Habit', 'Fool in Love' and 'Lost in Loveland'. In 1985 Farrenheit was signed to Warner Brothers, in 1999 'Deja Blue' was released and earned him national respect as a singer/songwriter along with 'World Gone Wild', 'Four Letter Word', 'Live at Club Passim' and a live CD 'Farrenheit' at the ROXY in Boston."Old and Young', his newest CD is probably his best work to date.  

Farren together with Jon Butcher have combined forces to present a new duet that is 'more than a sum of parts'. Together they are Farren-Butcher, Inc and are a great part of this Boston Legends Tour. 

Although his most notable role was filling in for Tom Hamilton, the Aerosmith bassist on the 'All Evil Tour' in 2006 and again in 2009, David Hull is now stepping out in front with his newest CD 'Soul in Motion'.

At the age of 18, Hull got an early start with Arthur Lee & Love, Buddy Miles, Joe Cocker and Ted Nugent. In the 70's he formed the 'Dirty Angels' band which had releases on RCA and A & M. Into the 80's came another rock trio 'Farrenheit' (Charlie Farren) who played to sold out domestic and international audiences.

Joe Perry of Aerosmith asked Hull to join the Joe Perry Project in 1979 and again in 2009 as his bassist and background vocalist.  

Most recently Hull has served as producer and co-writer on the legendary James Montgomery 2011 release 'From Detroit to the Delta' and on the upcoming George Lewis release 'Here Come the De La Vegaz' on Malaco Records. 

Having seen Hull play many times with several different line ups, I have always been mezmerized by his playing. Often times it's the lead guitarist who commands center stage in a band. But not when when Hull is on stage. Everything about David screams rock star but most definitely it's his playing that will keep your focus on him.

And the man behind this incredible line up is Sean McKinney who has had more than 30 years of experience in the music business. McKinney has worked with acts like Johanna Wild, Jon Butcher, James Montgomery and The Joe Perry Project. He's also worked as part pf the production team on global tours for Billy Joel, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Ozzy Osbourne and U2. 

Area shows for the 'Boston Legends' include a March 18th date in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, March 19th at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA. and a March 20th date at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, Vermont. There will be a meet and greet after the performance where you will able to purchase the new Hull CD ', 'Soul in Motion" as well as the new Farren - Butcher, Inc. CD.  

It's only rock & roll but I like it!