Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Marcy Playground, and Everclear take The Royale by Storm
Tuesday night, not a particular good day of the week to have a night concert. That didn’t matter to the crowd last night. The Royale in Boston was nearly filled by fans of 90’s alternative came out to enjoy a night of good music from great bands that have kept it going after all these years. The Royale (formerly known as The Roxy) in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent nightclub and concert venue with a rich history tied to the city’s entertainment scene. Located in the heart of the Theater District, it has long been a favorite spot for live music performances, dance nights, and special events. With a capacity of around 1,300 people, Royale was redesigned in 2010 with better acoustics and lighting systems, making it a prime location for live music shows. The venue’s grandeur, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and multi-level layout, provided an elegant backdrop for events of all kinds, from rock concerts to EDM parties. Since then, Royale has hosted a wide array of artists, spanning genres from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic and pop. Performances by artists like Lorde, AWOLNATION, and many others have helped cement its reputation as one of Boston’s top live music venues.
First to hit the stage was Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. Known for their singles "High" and "Do Right”. For some reason I had never got a hold of their CD growing up. I am so glad they were opening this show. What a performance they put on. Lead vocalist Jimi Haha, with his unmistakable raspy voice and charismatic stage presence, took hold of the room as he effortlessly moved between hard-hitting anthems and more introspective tunes. The combination of grunge, funk, and alt-rock influences blended perfectly, showing off the band’s diverse musical chops. Jimi’s between-song banter was another highlight. His quirky sense of humor and laid-back attitude gave the concert a more personal, intimate feel, despite the aggressive sound. He shared stories from the band’s early days and connected with fans who had been following them since the '90s. Jimmie's Chicken Shack proved that after all these years, they haven’t lost their edge.
\The band’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, I know this band’s performance had me in party mode and they left the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation. For fans of '90s alt-rock and those who crave a mix of raw energy and melodic hooks, this concert was a reminder of why Jimmie’s Chicken Shack continues to hold a special place in the alt-rock scene. I had a moment to speak with Jimi. I asked “what is your favorite meal in Boston?” He responded “Sushi from a restaurant across the street from The Middle East (nightclub).” Stated that he spent “100 dollars on dinner for myself”. Jimi was just as down to earth on stage as he is in person. A real class act and we wish him all the best as the tour continues!
After Jimmie’s Chicken Shack had the crowd spiced up like some Hot Chicken from Dave’s Hot Chicken located just down the street (see what I did there?) Marcy Playground took the stage. I think everyone and their mother know’s their smash hit “Sex and Candy”. This track still stands the test of time and is on my Apple playlist and it’s staying there forever. In case you’ve been living under a rock Marcy Playground emerged in the mid-1990s as a unique voice in the alternative rock scene, blending elements of folk, grunge, and pop with a laid-back, introspective style. The band was founded by singer and guitarist John Wozniak, who named the group after the Marcy Open Grade School he attended in Minneapolis.
Influenced by a mix of classic rock, folk artists like Neil Young, and the burgeoning alt-rock scene of the '90s, Wozniak crafted songs that were both lyrically quirky and melodically catchy. Their self-titled debut album, Marcy Playground, released in 1997, catapulted the band to fame thanks to the breakout single "Sex and Candy." The song, with its sultry, cryptic lyrics and groovy, minimalist sound, became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for a record-setting 15 weeks. The track’s success defined the band’s early identity and remains their most recognizable song to this day. Marcy Playground has continued to tour and release music sporadically, staying connected to their fan base while remaining somewhat under the radar in the broader music landscape. Although their mainstream success was largely defined by the late '90s, their music continues to resonate with fans who are drawn to their laid-back, melodic vibe and quirky, poetic lyrics.
Marcy Playground’s was a refreshing dive into '90s nostalgia, but with the kind of laid-back energy and sincerity that made the night feel timeless. From the moment they took the stage, there was an intimate atmosphere—more like a gathering of old friends than a rock show. The venue was small, which only added to the personal feel of the performance, allowing frontman John Wozniak’s soft, hypnotic vocals to connect deeply with the primarily mid 40’s type crowd. The band opened with “Poppies,” a fan favorite that set the tone for the night: mellow yet strangely intoxicating. Wozniak, who has always been known for his unassuming presence, let the music do the talking. When “Sex and Candy” was about to be played Wozniak introduced the song and had the fans take out their cellphones to record. The band also stopped playing the chorus at one point so the crowd could sing back the lyrics to the band. It was a great moment and must feel awesome from the perspective of the band members. There was a looseness to their playing that made it clear they were having fun on stage, feeding off the crowd’s energy without ever feeling like they were trying too hard.
In between songs, Wozniak’s soft-spoken nature came through. He offered bits of humor and reflection, sharing how grateful he was for the fans who have stuck with the band over the years. It didn’t feel like typical concert banter; instead, it was genuine and understated, much like the music itself. He seemed content, as if the performance was less about recreating past success and more about the joy of simply playing.
The night ended with a sense of peaceful satisfaction, both from the band and the audience. Marcy Playground may not be the most high-profile act from their era, but their music still resonates deeply with those who appreciate its laid-back charm and emotional honesty. For fans of the band, this concert felt like catching up with an old friend, and for newcomers, it was a reminder that sometimes, the quietest voices can have the most lasting impact.
Finally, Everclear. The main event amongst 3 solid bands time had come. If you have been living under a rock since the 90’s Everclear is an American rock band formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1991 by lead singer and guitarist Art Alexakis. After struggling with personal issues like drug addiction and financial troubles, Alexakis decided to start a new band that would blend alternative rock with honest, emotional lyrics. He recruited bassist Craig Montoya ( now Freddy Herrera) and drummer Scott Cuthbert (now Brian Nolan) and they began building their sound. Members have changed over the years however this never took away from the band’s sound or live performances.
In 1995, Everclear achieved their big break with the release of their second album, Sparkle and Fade. The album included the hit single "Santa Monica," which became a staple of 90s rock radio. The band's success continued with their third album, So Much for the Afterglow (1997), which featured popular songs like "Father of Mine" and "I Will Buy You a New Life." These tracks reflected Alexakis' personal experiences with growing up in a broken home and overcoming hardships, these songs were huge for me middle school into high school when I found myself going through some struggles. I really do owe Alexakis some credit for helping me through some dark times. Thank you.
Throughout the late 1990s, Everclear became one of the most recognizable bands in the alternative rock scene, thanks to their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. However, in the early 2000s, the band’s popularity started to decline as musical tastes shifted, and tensions within the band led to lineup changes. Despite these challenges, Alexakis continued making music under the Everclear name, releasing several more albums, though none reached the commercial heights of their earlier work.
In the 2010s, Everclear found a new audience through nostalgia tours, where they played alongside other 90s bands. This helped revive interest in their music, solidifying Everclear’s place as one of the defining bands of 90s alternative rock. Today, Art Alexakis remains the only original member, but Everclear continues to perform and release music. Their legacy endures through their most iconic albums and songs, which capture the struggles and emotions of everyday life.
The band sounded tight and played with the kind of energy you’d expect from a new group just hitting the scene. Freddie and Alexakis were constantly jumping around and you could just tell they were having a ball. The guitars were loud, the drums thunderous, and the whole vibe was just pure, unapologetic rock. The setlist was a good mix—enough of the classics to keep the longtime fans happy, but they also threw in a few surprises, which kept things fresh. One thing that really stood out was how much fun Alexakis seemed to be having. He interacted with the crowd, told stories about the band’s early days, and even cracked a few jokes about how long they've been around. It was clear that he still loves performing and connecting with fans, which made the show feel more like a celebration than just a routine stop on a tour. I love how he would go deeper into some of the meanings of his songs. Many times he mentioned the theme of divorce which he noted that he has been married multiple times. His current wife he has been with for almost 20 years. She is going through cancer treatment and that was a very touching moment that he shared with us! A highlight for me was Alexakis teasing the crowd asking for some requests. The band then started playing Black Sabbath then squashing that to start up some Led Zeppelin. The crowd went wild before Alexakis ended the cover song portion of the show.
Everclear in Boston at The Royale was everything you’d want from a band with such a lasting legacy: powerful, nostalgic, and full of heart. Whether you’ve been a fan since the 90s or you’re just discovering their music, it was a reminder of why Everclear remains such an iconic part of the alternative rock scene. I cannot believe my path in life never intersected me to an Everclear concert. I can’t explain that. I regret never having the opportunity to go. I am thankful I got to cover this show and what a hell of a show it was. Keep on rocking guys! If you are debating on seeing Everclear or any of these bands we recommend you BUY. THE. TICKET.
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Check out their upcoming dates!
10.11 Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes
10.12 Baltimore, MD - Power Plant Live
10.13 Lansing, MI - Grewal Hall at 224
10.16 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
10.17 Green Bay, WI - EPIC Event Center
10.18 East Moline, IL - The Rust Belt
10.19 Jefferson City, MO - CRMU Healthcare Amphitheater
10.20 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
10.23 Nashville, IN - Brown County Music Center
10.24 Birmingham, AL - WORKPLAY
10.25 Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall
10.27 Pelham, TN - The Caverns
10.28 Greenville, SC - The Foundry at Judson Mill
11.2 Porterville, CA - Eagle Mountain Casino