Day 1 of Boston Calling allowed me to catch Neutral Milk Hotel live for the 3rd time this year (Webster Hall and Prospect Park were the other two), truly making me one of the most spoiled live music fans out there. You may be thinking that seeing them so many times in such a furiously short period of time would lessen the impact, but how wrong you are.
The legendary gave the packed festival audience a high-energy performance of their fast-paced material that served to please old fans and hooked in some new ones (the beauty of a festival). There was even some light dance-moshing (you know the kind) in the front of the crowd, not something you’d expect to see at Neutral Milk Hotel show.
As usual an announcement came on from fans to refrain from photography of any kind during their set (I took one on my phone as Jeff thanked the audience), which security took seriously, coming into the front of the crowd and using flashlights to try and get the iPhone photographers to stop. After seeing this Jeff told security not to police the rule, giving fans a true chance to comply to the rule at their own will. You can guess what happened immediately after that. It didn’t bother the group at all, as they chugged through their set in encouraging fashion, delivering the goods on every level.
While surveying the crowd, I noticed fans of all age groups enjoying the show with enthusiasm, proving Neutral Milk Hotel to be the rare band that captures the hearts of various generations.
Join the conversation